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SJA ’ s Women ’ s Institute of Leadership Development Breaking Boundaries
Second Annual Event Held - See Inside
Volume 29 • Issue 10
HAMMONTON — It ’ s time to head downtown — to Skid Row as Hammonton High School presents its spring musical Little Shop of Horrors on March 13 , 14 , and 15 at 7 p . m . in the Performing Arts Center .
A cult classic with a mix of doo-wop , Motown , and rock , Little Shop of Horrors follows Seymour Krelborn , a meek flower shop assistant who stumbles upon a strange and mysterious plant . As the plant ’ s appetite grows , so does Seymour ’ s sudden rise to fame — but at what cost ?
Bringing this world to life is Director Marissa Rodio , who has led Hammonton High School ’ s theater program for 19 years and also serves as the school ’ s Chorus Director . She is joined by Assistant Director Erin DiDonato , Artistic Director John Toothman , and Choreographer Michele Peterson , each bringing their expertise to the production . Katie Stella ’ s costume coordination completes the vision .
One of the show ’ s highlights is its captivating set design , crafted by Dwight Baldwin and his dedicated student team . Their work transforms the stage into a fully immersive Skid Row , capturing its gritty charm with impressive attention to detail . With a modular design that allows for seamless scene transitions , the set perfectly complements Mushnik ’ s flower shop , enhancing the storytelling . Fun fact : Each year , pieces from the set are stored
hammontongazette . com Wednesday , March 5 , 2025
Little Shop of Horrors at HHS
BY CARINA CAFISO THE HAMMONTON GAZETTE
Carina Cafiso / THG
Audrey , played by Gabriella Wyers , and Seymour , played by Carter Gollihur , are pictured during rehearsal for Hammonton High School ’ s upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors .
and repurposed for future productions . The desk on stage has been transformed for over a decade .
When asked why Little Shop of Horrors was chosen for this year ’ s production , Rodio shared that after each show wraps up , she begins thinking about the next one — particularly about the students who will be graduating and those who will remain . This year , knowing she wouldn ’ t have many male actors , she felt the cast
See HHS PLAY , Page 8
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Cape Regional Urgent Care unveils historical mural
BY JENNIFER MCGRAW FOR THE GAZETTE
HAMMONTON — A little piece of Hammonton history is forever immortalized at Cape Regional Urgent Care on Bellevue Avenue .
Hammonton ’ s new urgent care held a soft opening on February 28 to commemorate a special moment in the town ’ s history . The Historical Society of Hammonton also helped make this evening a success as other historical photos were hung around the urgent care .
The urgent care opened its doors to the public to unveil a new , historic wall-length photo of one of the Hammonton Little League teams who played in the World
See CAPE REGIONAL , Page 12
Photo Courtesy of Jennifer McGraw
Hammonton Little League hometown celebrity Otha “ Art ” Crowder points to himself in the new mural that was unveiled at Cape Regional Urgent Care .
21 inducted into SJA National Honor Society
BY CARINA CAFISO THE HAMMONTON GAZETTE
Craig Richards / THG
The evening of February 26 celebrated 21 students who were inducted into the St . Joseph Academy ’ s National Honor Society .
HAMMONTON —” The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing .”
This Disney quote , shared by Head of Schools Stephen Cappuccio , set the tone for St . Joseph Academy ’ s ( SJA ) National Honor Society ( NHS ) ceremony on February 26 . The evening celebrated 21 students for their dedication to scholarship , leadership , service , and character , marking their official induction into the prestigious organization .
NHS Vice President Marlaina Mantuano opened the evening with a prayer and welcomed the SJA NHS President Olivia Greer .
She reflected on when she first received her NHS acceptance letter sharing “ I was overwhelmed with happiness and pride . It symbolized recognition of my hard work , character , and dedication .”
Greer ’ s focus was on the four pillars . She began with character , explaining that while anyone can achieve good grades , it ’ s how you handle challenges , treat others , and uphold values both inside and outside the classroom that truly defines character . Scholarship , she said , is more than just grades ; it ’ s a dedication to continuous improvement and lifelong learning . She explained that true leadership is not just about leading a group , but inspiring others and stepping up when they look to you for guidance . Lastly , service is at the heart of what members do , whether it ’ s contributing to a community service project or tutoring a peer .
She then invited the current NHS charter members to further explain the importance of the four pillars . Jake Apel spoke about scholarship , Thomas Walkup discussed
See SJA NHS , Page 9
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