Christie, 'Cake Boss' Celebrate Mendham Twp. Middle School Achievement

Mendham Township Middle School was named a National Blue Ribbon of Excellence award winner this year, and considered that achievement a pretty good reason to celebrate.

So on Wednesday morning, a full school assembly was had in the gymnasium and not only did the students in grades five through eight not have to worry about lessons, but had the opportunity to speak with New Jersey’s governor and have cake from a famous bakery.

Governor Chris Christie, a Mendham Township resident himself, and Mauro Castano from TLC’s “Cake Boss” were on hand to celebrate and applaud the students and faculty at the school for the rare achievement.

Since the Blue Ribbon award was created in 1982, no middle school in Morris County has achieved the designation, until now. The school was one of 11 in New Jersey to claim the recognition in 2014.

Originally the ceremony was to include Christie and United States Senator Cory Booker, but the latter was stuck in session in Washington D.C., the governor said.

The Mendham Township resident had no problem filling the time slot, however, heralding the students and faculty for their collective achievement, and taking some time to run a town hall-style meeting with the pupils.

“This Blue Ribbon award confirms Mendham Township Middle School is doing everything it needs to be successful,” Christie said. “Everyone here should be really proud of this accomplishment.”

Principal PJ Ciccone showed his pride in the school he oversees, applauding the students for two objectives they accomplished.

“A few years ago we created a five-year plan,” Ciccone told the audience. “Part of that plan was to make sure the students put in hard work and had pride in their school. Those were two advantages that would take us forward. And the students have accomplished that.”

Christie also waxed on why he and his wife, Mary Pat, moved to Mendham Township nearly 23 years ago, before they had four children, saying the community seemed like a great place to raise a family.

“It’s an honor to be governor of a state that has so many great schools,” he said. “And this achievement is gratifying to us as a community. You give us hope for the future, and I can only hope that when you grow up and become successful in whatever you do, you have that success here in Mendham or at least in New Jersey.”

When he stepped away from the podium, Christie became his approachable, affable personality with the students, many of which are friends and teammates with his youngest daughter, Bridget, who attends private school in Morris County.

The governor showed true surprise that it took a handful of questions before one student asked about a potential presidential run in the November 2016 General Election, quipping that was the reason why the media even showed up for the event.

“The media shows up because they think I’ll announce it any day,” the governor said to the student, before turning toward the throng of cameras and notepads. “Not happening today.”

He did lament that he and his family expect to make a decision in the first part of 2015, though.

But if the top political figure’s appearance could be topped at a middle school, it would have to come from someone who brought cake.

Mauro Castano of TLC’s “Cake Boss” was introduced, along with a specialty cake for the school, and received a roaring applause from the pre-teens that dwarfed Christie’s recognition.

Castano presented the students and staff with a cake that spelled out the school’s motto, “Every Student, Every Day,” with figures of students and teachers standing in front of the school’s façade.

It was a celebration for an achievement well deserved by Mendham Township Middle School, and one the students surely won’t forget.