The red team, otherwise known as the “Red Rocket Ships,” rocked it on June 6, 2025, taking home first place. in Communications High School’s (CHS) Color Wars. The team ended with a total of 265 points and a 52-point lead, followed by the orange team with 213 points and the kelly green team with 193 points. The red team’s victories in tug of war, basketball, trivia and soccer propelled them to first place. The event that solidified the orange team’s runner-up spot was one of the biggest parts of Color Wars: the chants. The orange team’s chant was “Jersey Shore” themed, featuring a wide range of gym enthusiasts, tanners and laundromat patrons. A first-time participant in Color Wars, freshman Ryan Schiavo of Oceanport, believes their win came from team spirit and effort.
“I think we won because there was a role for everyone, and we were all so into the theme,” Schiavo said. “It was a great experience for my first Color Wars.”
The Color Wars victors dominated the next main event of the day, tug of war, and continued to show their athletic dominance in sporting events like soccer and basketball. A red team captain, senior Ryan Matteo of Ocean Grove, revealed the strategy that became the deciding factor for the team’s success.
“Our goal was to put out our best players in games we needed to win, like soccer and basketball—the games that had a bracket,” Matteo said. “To finally win Color Wars, especially on a team that I helped manage, was incredible.”
The seniors’ efforts to triumph and have fun were key factors in making the day an enjoyable experience for all. A freshman on the red team, Sloane Dougherty of Atlantic Highlands, expressed her gratitude for her first Color Wars experience.
“Winning my first Color Wars was really cool and a lot of fun. Our team was enthusiastic about not just winningbut having fun,” Dougherty said. “I’m really happy with the team I got put on, and Color Wars is definitely one of my new favorite events at CHS.”
Television teacher Nicholas Pellicano was the red team’s advisor and helped lead the team to victory alongside Matteo and his friends.
“It was my second year as an advisor but my first year winning. After coming in ninth place last year, it felt great to win,” Pellicano said.
In an event that is usually chaotic and stress-inducing for many, especially the Student Government Association (SGA), the 2025 Color Wars was one of the smoothest ones yet. Former SGA president, senior Phin Whedon of Wall, has bittersweet feelings about his last major CHS event.
“I think this Color Wars was one of the best I’ve seen in my 4 years here, and even though I’m sad that this is my last one, I’m glad it was such a success,” Whedon said.
