How about we dive into the story of Verona High School? Verona High School is a four-year public high school. It serves students in ninth through twelfth grade. Verona High School is the only secondary school in Verona Public Schools.
Verona High School’s story began long ago. The Middle States Association has accredited it since 1947. As of 2023-24 Verona High School had 628 students. The student-teacher ratio was about 11.6 to 1.
Do you know about the Verona High School mascot? It is the Verona Hillbilly. The mascot reflected the community’s rural nature. Originally in the 1950s the Hillbilly had a moonshine bottle and shotgun. Due to concerns the mascot was redesigned. It now has a dog and fishing pole.
Verona High School received recognition over the years. It won the New Jersey Star School Award for 1995-96. In 1995-96 Verona High School won a Best Practice Award. This award was for Citizenship / Tolerance. It recognized the Prejudice Reduction program. Verona High School received another Best Practice Award in 1997-98. This was for Citizenship & Character Education. It recognized Teaching Responsibility Through Involvement.
Athletics play a big role at Verona High School. The Verona High School Hillbillies compete in the Super Essex Conference. They also participate in the North Jersey Super Football Conference. Before 2010 Verona High School was in the Colonial Hills Conference. For 2019-20 the NJSIAA classified Verona as Group II. Verona High School’s football team competes in the National White division. This is part of the North Jersey Super Football Conference.
Verona High School has a joint ice hockey team with Glen Ridge High School. The boys spring track team achieved state championships. They won in 1943-1945, 1948-1950, and 1952-1954. The boys basketball team won the Group II state championship in 1957 and 2017. The boys soccer team has multiple Group championships. The boys tennis team won the Group I state championship in 1981. The football team has also achieved sectional championships.
Beyond sports Verona High School has a rich history in music. The Verona Marching Band has earned the Cadets Award. The concert band was the first non-professional band to perform at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica.
Verona High School also boasts a long history of drama clubs and productions. Productions began in the 1920s. The drama club became The Troupers in 1951. The VHS Drama Club became The Spotlight Players in 1991. Verona High School joined the Paper Mill Playhouse’s Rising Star Awards in 1996.
Student organizations thrive at Verona High School. One example is Do Anything Nice. D.A.N. promotes acts of kindness. It encourages community service in educational institutions.
Several notable alumni have walked the halls of Verona High School. They include Kevin Bannon a basketball coach. Mel Behney a former MLB pitcher. Samantha Futerman an actress. Jay Mohr a comedian and actor. Anthony Fasano a former NFL tight end.
Did you know Verona High School has appeared in popular culture? The original pilot of Strangers with Candy was filmed here. Verona High School’s signboard is in almost every episode. Portions of the 2024 film I Saw the TV Glow were filmed at Verona High School.
Verona High School has a special character. It is full of achievements and community spirit. It’s a place where students learn valuable lessons.