The Communications High School Class of 2025 brought friends together with a Central Perk-themed Coffeehouse on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
This annual tradition gives the performers of CHS a chance to showcase their talents with singing, dancing and music. This year, a sold-out crowd of 250 students and parents gathered to witness performances by student singers, pianists and bands such as Exit 109 and The Roaches.
The theme inspired by the hit series “Friends” was chosen months in advance, but in light of recent events involving Matthew Perry’s passing, the junior class felt like they had to do something to address it.
“One of the council members had a great idea to donate half of our concession proceeds to a local charity dedicated to helping addicts, so we chose Hope Sheds Light,” junior class president Isabella Remonlina of Shrewsbury said. “Their mission is to not only help addicts but to educate communities about how addiction impacts people’s lives, something Matthew Perry really believed in.”
In addition to choosing the theme, lots of behind-the-scenes preparation went into the night, from painting the bulletin board in the cafeteria to setting up the lights and sound. Junior class advisor and Spanish teacher Courtney Van Arsdale is proud of the students’ collaboration while creating the event.
“We always bring inspiration from the students, not just the council making decisions for the entire class,” Van Arsdale said. “Everyone just came together to help with regards to set design, concession donations and more.”
The hard work and dedication paid off, as Coffeehouse was a hit amongst both the performers and audience members. The performances included many Taylor Swift songs, such as junior Molly McCarthy of Manasquan who sang “I Bet You Think About Me.”
“My favorite part was the crowd’s reactions to everything,” McCarthy said. “You can practice and practice and practice but you never know how the crowd will react. It really makes the show feel personal and special.”
Coffeehouse was also an opportunity for the freshmen to participate in a CHS tradition. Freshmen Jillian Daino of Spring Lake Heights and Ryleigh Luethold of Manasquan performed a duet of “Thank You for the Music” together and reflected on the night in a positive light.
“It was a great experience and I’m so glad we tried out for it,” Daino said. “My favorite part was when the two of the hosts would talk to each other.”
The hosts, juniors Ryan Matteo of Ocean Grove and Tommy Schneider of Wall provided comedic commentary in between each act.
“I think the night went really well. I’d say the second half went slightly better than the first but I think it was all pretty good,” Matteo said. “Mr. Gleason came up to us after and said we were ‘some of the best hosts he’s seen in years’ so that was definitely a bonus.”
For soon-to-be retired principal James Gleason, Coffeehouse has always been one of his favorite events at CHS, so saying goodbye has been bittersweet. Although he may be leaving the school, he definitely won’t be leaving his favorite event forever.
“I’ve always said that I think Coffeehouse is one of my favorite events during the year and this one is no different,” Gleason said. “You never know, the doors are open so maybe I’ll come back for a Coffeehouse in the future.”
