CHS students and guests were immersed in a magical northern lights display before gathering in a ski chalet for the annual beloved Coffeehouse event hosted by the Class of 2023 on Friday, Dec. 10.

Juniors Meghan Garrity of Middletown, Grace Wartmann of Eatontown and Emily Widmer of Freehold hosted the show. They joked that the traditional event name, “Coffeehouse,” was misleading due to the COVID-19 restrictions barring them from distributing food or drinks. Instead, they insisted on renaming the event, “House.”

The show featured 20 performances, ranging from singers to poets, including freshman Claire Cooperman of Bradley Beach, who performed “Life in the City” by The Lumineers. Cooperman was nervous to perform in front of the audience but felt encouraged by her CHS peers.

“Everyone at this school is just so kind and supportive, so I knew it would all be okay,” Cooperman said.

Junior and Chair of the Advertising Committee, Anna Siciliano of Ocean Township, helped design and sell tickets and create posters. She shared that due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 180 tickets could be sold. By lunchtime on the day of Coffeehouse, all of them were gone.

Some students bought these tickets at a discounted price by donating canned goods to the Class of 2023–sponsored holiday food drive to benefit Fulfill NJ food bank.

Siciliano enjoyed the event and recalls that it brought some community to CHS after the pandemic.

“I think it was the most fun a lot of us have had in a while, and it reminded me how much I love CHS,” Siciliano said. “[It was] definitely a night to remember.”

Class of 2023 President Keegan Foy of Wall Township oversaw the event and agreed that the night was successful.

“All of the acts were amazing, and it was just great to see the whole junior class working together to pull it off,” Foy said.

Junior Marina Berger of Marlboro attended the event and was proud of her class for organizing their first official school-wide event.

“I think it [Coffeehouse] brought a great sense of teamwork and unity to dedicate so much effort to this event for months and watch it all come together successfully,” Berger said.

Coffeehouse raised $1,630 for the Class of 2023, however, with almost two years of cancelled fundraisers, the Class of 2023 will be hosting a second Coffeehouse this spring to help fundraise further.

Berger is hoping her class will brew up a spring Coffeehouse just as amazing as the winter event.

“I think it was a hit this winter, and I can’t wait to see returning and hopefully new acts!” Berger said.