Twelve state champion Bridgewater-Raritan High School football players were transferred into Christmas elves.
These high school seniors spread holiday cheer by presenting a unique and very personal gift to 11 staff members and teachers in the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District.
The staff members and teachers were recipients of a special gift from each player—their replica football jersey that these players proudly wore as members of the 2025 Bridgewater-Raritan High School team that won the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 5 state championship, the school’s first state sectional football playoff title, this past season.
The faculty members were singled out by these players, who selected them to express gratitude for the positive impact they had on their lives and academic journeys. Each player also presented a framed certificate to each of the teachers.
On Wednesday, December 17, and Thursday, December 18, six staff members at the high school, three teachers at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School, and one teacher each at the Hillside Intermediate School and Adamsville Primary School were surprised by unexpected visitors who presented them with these precious gifts.
While the elves delivered their presents, they all worked under Santa Claus, who, in this holiday classic, was portrayed by Tina Pikulin and Carol Confalone, both of whom had a football-playing son participating in this spirit of gift-giving project.
Ms. Pikulin, a Mathematics Teacher at Hillsborough Middle School, explained the origin of this form of gratitude.
“I heard about this trend on social media, and I knew I wanted to bring it to Bridgewater-Raritan with this amazing group of seniors,” Ms. Pikulin shared. “It’s a great way to encourage them to reflect on who their biggest fans are in the classroom and on the field. As a teacher myself, I hope it helps to remind dedicated teachers and staff members of their “why’ and give them the energy to get them to winter break.”
The teachers were not only shocked by the surprise visitors but also deeply emotional.
“I am going to keep this jersey for the rest of my life,” claimed Mike Geremia, a Math Teacher at the Middle School who was the recipient of the present from Jack Cifuentes, who starred at linebacker and tight end this season. Mr. Geremia then asked his former pupil to autograph the jersey.
“I always hoped to make a difference with a student, and I got one in Stephen,” said Jennifer Ostrowski, the Health and Physical Education Teacher at Adamsville Primary School, who received her present from rugged two-way lineman Stephen Pikulin, Tina’s son. “Stephen was always so kind. I could not be prouder of him.”
“ I got emotional, lump in my throat, tears in my eyes, for that moment, I would teach forever,” revealed Brian Blanford, a 5th Grade Teacher at Hillside Intermediate School who received his gift from nifty defensive back Nick Stark. “Nick is a warrior! He battles not for himself, but for others. I was not aware that this program existed, but to be acknowledged with a jersey and certificate by Nick Stark... It is an honor and a privilege! My words are small and few, but my gratitude is uncontainable.”
“This was amazing, a very special moment,” said Suzanne Geoghan, a School Counselor at Bridgewater-Raritan High School who was touched by the jersey and certificate presented to her by talented cornerback/receiver Will Higgins. “Will is a wonderful young man, and I am so excited for what the future holds for him.”
Coach DJ Catalano, who guided these players to a historical season this fall,
"When we talk about a program, it is not just about the players and coaches. There are countless people who play a vital role in shaping our student-athletes," Coach Catalano said. "It truly takes a village to help them grow, and this was an opportunity for our players to recognize and express gratitude for the teachers who have had such a meaningful impact on their lives."
Here is a breakdown of the players who presented gifts to their teachers and schools.
Players---Teacher/Staff Member, Department
Bridgewater-Raritan High School
Players---Teacher/Staff Member, Department
Bridgewater-Raritan High School
Declan Kurdyla and Christian Antunes---Kevin Wagner, Health and Physical Education
Matt Pizzelanti---Dave Altemose, Business Education
Connor O’Hare---Lori Kendis, Social Studies
Joey Confalone--- Robert Hamilton, Mathematics
Gavin Zeiman---Suzanne Trombadore, Special Services
Will Higgins---Suzanne Geohagen, Counseling
Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School
Mikey Bratus---Judy Bast, Mathematics
Jack Cifuentes---Mike Geremia, Mathematics
Justin Simpson---Kim Weissenburger, English Language Arts
Hillside Intermediate School
Nick Stark--- Brian Blanford, 5th Grade
Adamsville Primary School
Stephen Pikulin-Jenna Ostrowski, Health and Physical Education
Below are links to Stephen Pikulin presenting his jersey to Jenna Ostrowski, as well as Stephen answering questions and speaking to the students in Ms. Ostrowski's class.
Stephen Pikulin presenting a jersey to Jenna Ostrowski at Adamsville Primary School
Stephen Pikulin speaking with Adamsville Primary School students
Stephen Pikulin taking questions from students at Adamsville Primary School