St. Mary's Closing Among Hackettstown's Top School Stories in 2013

One of the big stories in Hackettstown schools in 2013 was the announcement that one would be closing. St. Mary's School, a parochial school that was part of the Metuchen Diocese, was closed a month after the announcement despite decades of serving the community. The problem, as with other Catholic schools recently shuttered, was rising costs and a lack of enrollment.

Another important story involved a Hackettstown educator who was named as exceptional in her field by the appropriately-named 'Exceptional Parent Magazine.' Margaret Zappulla was honored for her technology initiatives with special needs students. Zappulla only lives in Hackettstown, though; she teaches at a Peapack school.

Scholars at Hackettstown High School were treated to two renovated chemistry labs this year. The more than $350,000 in grant money that refurbished the labs came from the School Development Authority (SDA) grant program.

Students also got a break this spring when the Hackettstown Police and Warren County Prosecutor's Office conducted a planned drug sweep.

The Hackettstown school district's website got a makeover in 2013 as well.

Generations of school children know Theresa Ragusky; the lady has been a school crossing guard in Hackettstown for 48 years. She was honored on her retirement by having a street named after her.

On the college front, Centenary College students graduated and also showed their compassion toward Hurricane Sandy victims by raising money with bracelet sales.