Mr. Bryan Fisher- American Studies Teacher

     Mr. Bryan Fisher was a student at South between 1992-96 from grades 9-12. 

     As a student he was captain of the school’s soccer team and participated in choir. 

     Some of his favorite South memories include attending Washington Seminar the spring of 1995 and attending the Disney Trip the spring of 1996. 

       After graduating South, Mr. Fisher studied Political Science at the College of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. He decided to return home to New Jersey, and studied Education at The College of New Jersey. 

          Mr. Fisher has been an American Studies teacher at South for the past 22 years. While some things about South have changed, he said “what has stayed the same is the real sense of pride and spirit for this building. Nothing beats the original.”

Ms. Kimberly Cushman- Instructional Assistant (IA)

     Ms. Kimberly Cushman was a student from 1982-88 when South was a combined middle school and high school. 

     As a student, Ms. Cushman was involved with the marching band, concert band, jazz band, percussion ensemble, pit orchestra, and indoor guard. 

   Ms. Cushman’s favorite South memories are from days spent in the Marching Band, where she met her trombone playing husband Michael, who she has been married to for 28 years.  

  Reminiscing and grateful for her experience as a student, she wanted to give back, leading her to donate her baby grand piano to the choir room.

     After graduating South, Ms. Cushman attended Mercer County Community College for a few years, then transferred to The College of New Jersey to complete her degree in Elementary Education with a minor in music.

     Soon after, she decided to return to South. 

     “I taught in every school in the district as an Instructional Assistant before I was finally a Pirate again.” 

     She said, ‘I just love being a Pirate again.”

Ms. Cathy Tantum- Principal’s Secretary

     Ms. Cathy Tantum attended South from 1973-79 for grades 7-12. She was lucky enough that her father, Sal Princiotta, worked at South as the Head of Buildings and Grounds during her time as a student and when she started as an employee. 

     As a student Ms. Tantum’s favorite memories were being a member of the color guard, hanging out with her friends, and being part of the Pirate community. 

      Ms. Tantum was also part of a work program where she went to school in the mornings and worked in the afternoons. 

     After graduating South, Ms. Tantum received a full-time job opportunity through her high school work program which she stayed at for 10 years. 

     After working in the corporate world, Ms. Tantum came back to South.

     She started as an employee in the media center and a cheerleading coach. Then, she worked in the nurse’s office for 12 years, and finally has been the principal’s secretary for the past 14 years.

     Ever since she was a high school student, South has become a place full of comfort and friendships for Ms. Tantum. 

      “This is my home away from home,” said Ms. Tantum. 

Mr. Lloyd Oertel- Security Officer

     For grades 8-12, Mr. Lloyd Oertel was a student at South from 1973-78

     As a student you could find him involved in woodshop, metalshop, and sewing class. He was also found outside on the field as a football and baseball player. 

     Some of his favorite memories as a student were competing against other schools as a student-athlete. 

     After graduating South, Mr. Oertel joined the military then had a 26 year career in law enforcement. When he retired, he returned to South to work as a security officer and has been here for the past 12 years, and plans to be here for many more. 

  Mr. Oertel’s favorite experiences are interacting with students. 

     “I enjoy learning everyone’s cultures,” said Mr. Oertel. 

Ms. Kristine Javick- Guidance Counselor

     Ms. Kristine Javick was a student at South from 1991-95 and attended grades 9-12. 

     Her favorite high school memories include being involved in clubs and activities. Some activities Ms. Javick was involved in were the tennis team, lacrosse team, Prom committee and Homecoming committee. 

     After graduating South, Ms. Javick attended the University of Dayton in Ohio but soon transferred to Rutgers because she wanted to be closer to home. While attending Rutgers, Ms. Javick was a substitute teacher at South and coached the Lacrosse team. 

     After receiving her degree in History, she applied for a job opening at South. 

     “It was the only place I applied to. It was the only place where I wanted to be,” said Ms. Javick. 

     Now working as a Guidance Counselor, Ms. Javick enjoys giving back to the South community what it gave to her when she was a student. 

     “I enjoy trying to impart on students the same great experiences I had.”