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Grammy Winners, Grads Highlight HSN Career Day

Taryn Ritacco Schwatz Ocean County Prosecutors Offcie
Sergeant Taryn Ritacco Schwartz of the Ocean County Prosector's Office talks to students about her 24-year career in law enforcement, including supervision of the Juvenile Justice Unit and as a team leader for the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team's Crisis Negotiations Team.

Grammy winner Ricky Riccardi far right
The arts and entertainment panel included, from left to right, voice actor and marketing director Christopher Dattoli, Blue Claws VP of Communications Greg Giombarrese, and author, museum director, and Grammy winner Ricky Riccardi.

'Firsthand look at different career options'

March 7, 2025- High School North hosted its second annual Career Day March 6, an exciting event that provided students with valuable insights into a variety of career paths.

Throughout the day, guest speakers from a diverse range of professional fields shared their experiences, advice, and expertise, helping students explore their futures and learn how to take the first steps toward their goals.

“We had speakers from many different fields," said business teacher Melissa Kwiecinski, "and each of them provided our students with real-world perspectives on their industries, the educational and training requirements, the daily responsibilities and also opportunities for career advancement."

Jennifer Shufran vice president

Jennifer Shufran, vice president of the Community Medical Center (CMC) Foundation, spoke to students about the non-profit's efforts to raise money for vital services and programs that enhance how care is provided in the hospital.

Students not only learned about potential careers; they gained practical advice on how to prepare for their futures now—whether through coursework, certifications, internships, or networking.

In the field of arts and entertainment, students heard from Ricky Riccardi, an expert on Louis Armstrong, author of two critically-acclaimed books on the legendary jazzman, and a Grammy winner himself, in 2022 for Best Album Notes, and several more this past year.

Some presentations hit especially close to home. Dana Villari, a High School North Class of 2016 graduate, returned to speak about her experience in marketing for trade schools. She helps students graduate and connect with local contractors—certainly of interest to Mariners enrolled in NorthSTAR—and relayed her work in graphic design, social media, and event coordination.

Mia Villari and Dana Villari

Proud mom moment: Ria Villari, an ESS teacher for the district, stands behind her daughter Dana, one of North's guest speakers for Career Day.

The event underscored the importance of career exploration and planning, equipping students with the knowledge and inspiration needed to take charge of their futures.

“We’re grateful to all our guest speakers for taking time out of their busy schedules to come here and share their knowledge and experiences with our students,” said HSN Media Specialist Kodi Sohl. “Connecting students with professionals from our community gives them a firsthand look at different career options and helps them make informed decisions about their futures.”

More than 900 students and dozens of guest speakers participated in the event.

Guest speakers enjoyed refreshments provided by a TR Education Association PRIDE grant.

HSN would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for presenting and contributing to the event:

  • Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Dattoli Voice Overs
  • Author Mr. Ricky Riccardi
  • BlueClaws
  • Community Medical Center
  • OceanFirst Bank
  • MonettiStandard PC
  • Warshauer Trade
  • Ocean County Vocational School
  • US Navy, US Army & US Marine Recruiters
  • High School North administration
  • High School North security, secretaries, and custodians
  • Toms River Regional Schools Central Printing
  • Toms River Education Association

See more photos from Career Day in the slideshow below.