The following story was written by High School North graduate and Monmouth University communications student Maggie Downs.

May 23, 2022-- Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize winner and Toms River Schools alum, was celebrated today at Toms River High School North during the dedication of the school’s auditorium being named in her honor. Ressa was a part of Toms River North’s class of 1982 and was honored with a Nobel Peace Prize for her work as an activist and journalist. Ressa is the first Filipino recipient of this prestigious honor.

Among those who spoke at the event alongside Ressa were President of the Toms River Board of Education Jennifer Howe, Superintendent of Schools Michael Citta, and longtime friend of Ressa, Shelly Bromberg. Hundreds of students from all three high schools were in attendance, as well as friends and family of Ressa and faculty of the school.

“Be humble, help others, get involved,” said Board President Jennifer Howe, citing examples of how Maria Ressa has inspired students. “Thank you,” she continued, turning to face Ressa, “for being such an amazing product of Toms River Schools.”

Michael Citta stated, “Our community and our school district, we are a family. Have a voice, be brave, and be courageous…we hope that our voices continue to be heard each and every day.”

Shelly Bromberg, who graduated in ‘82 alongside Ressa, has been a longtime friend of Ressa’s since high school, and was the one who organized Ressa’s return to her Alma Mater originally. Bromberg stated, “Maria’s high school journey started here at North, and here we are, 40 years later. You [Maria] continue to weather the storm as the courageous Mariner that you are.”

Maria Ressa told the audience that she “owes a lot to Toms River”, and reminds not only the students in the auditorium, but everyone there listening, to “aim as high as you can. If you aim for the moon, you’ll land amongst the stars.”

A welcome reception preceded the main event, which involved a meet-and-greet with Ressa in High School North’s media center. The event itself ended with a student rendition of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the HSN band Grill Cheese, as a tribute to Ressa, who performed the song years earlier when she was a student.