Class Act with Chris Wragge: Best of 2025 School Highlights

Celebrating Tri-State Area Schools

• 🌟 The "Class Act with Chris Wragge" series revisits the best schools in the tri-state area, highlighting their unique stories and educational contributions.
• 🏫 Over three seasons, the show has visited 16 schools across New York and New Jersey, showcasing student achievements and school opportunities.

Essex County Newark Tech Spotlight

• 🚀 Newark Tech is celebrated for its incredible energy and welcoming atmosphere, with a special mention of its state-of-the-art ambulance simulator and hydroponics lab.
• 🎓 Principal Williams emphasizes that the show effectively captured the students' hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence.
• 💡 The school is recognized as a blue ribbon school, rated highly by US News and World Reports, and offers dual enrollment programs for college credit.

Lodi High School's Innovative Programs

• 🩺 Lodi High School features a state-of-the-art medical lab for hands-on training and offers unique opportunities like webinars with doctors and witnessing live surgeries.
• 🌱 An in-demand agricultural science course provides students with hands-on experience, including a program involving live chickens that fosters pride and comfort.
• 🎨 The art department's contributions are highlighted, showcasing the school's diverse offerings beyond its specialized programs.

Comsewogue High School's Real-World Preparation

• 📈 Comsewogue High School boasts a world-class trading floor, providing students with direct experience in financial markets and literacy.
• 📚 The school offers International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, including music theory and history, allowing students to engage in college-level courses.
• 🏆 Students have excelled in various areas, including mock trial competitions and achieving national championships in sports.

Denzel Washington School of the Arts

• 🎭 The Denzel Washington School of the Arts is recognized for its exceptional talent in stage and screen, hosting the show's first-ever live talent show.
• 🌟 The school provides numerous opportunities for students to grow in their craft, with many teachers being performers themselves.
• 🎤 The school's namesake, Denzel Washington, is noted for his relatable and accessible presence, inspiring students to pursue their artistic dreams.

Looking Back at Memorable Class Acts

• ❤️ The series revisits impactful stories, including the movement started at Mawa High School to test students' heart health after a student's passing.
• 🤝 Other notable schools include Cardinal Spellman, Creskill High School's comeback story, Edward R. Murrow High School's mural, and James Madison High School's dedication of their football field.
• 🌟 "Class Act" continues to shine a light on local high schools, celebrating student achievements and the dedication of educators across the tri-state area.