James Caldwell HS Video: ‘There Will Once Again Be Light’

CALDWELLS, NJ — It’s been a tough year to be a senior at James Caldwell High School.

Some may have family members who are sick with the new coronavirus. Others face an uncertain end to their high school careers as classes continue remotely, or are missing out on spring sports, award ceremonies and prom.

And of course, the entire community continues to mourn for Grover Cleveland Middle School Principal Jim Brown, a former vice principal at the high school who recently passed away from COVID-19 complications.

• See related article: Caldwell School Loses Principal Jim Brown To Coronavirus

But in every dark sky, a few rays of hope shine through. And “there will once again be light,” according to a cohort of JCHS educators.

Last week, John Bertollo, vice principal at the high school, released a video tribute to the JCHS class of 2020, who have been living through one of the most challenging times in recent U.S. history.

“I wanted to create something to celebrate our seniors and send positive vibes their way,” Bertollo explained.

He succeeded.

More than 80 people – including JCHS teachers – contributed heartfelt messages to the effort, including U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill of the 11th District, Caldwell Mayor John Kelley, West Caldwell Mayor Joseph Tempesta Jr., Board of Education President Marie Lanfrank and Superintendent James Heinegg.

“I know this isn’t what you envisioned for your final year of high school,” said Sherrill, a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot. “But I keep thinking of a saying we had in the Navy: ‘The hotter the fire, the stronger the steel.’”

Watch the video below.

The senior tribute video isn’t the only cinematic contribution Bertollo has made to lift the community’s spirit during a difficult time.

Last month, Bertollo and his wife, Chrissy Bertollo, the vice principal at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Clifton, created a smile-inducing home video with their kids in an effort to beat cabin fever during the COVID-19 quarantine.

• See related article: NJ Vice Principals Make Hilarious Home Movie About Distance Learning

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