Rahway honors rising students, returning artists and community leaders at Rahway's Own & Rising Stars ceremony

Hundreds of residents filled the Union County Performing Arts Center as Rahway held its annual Rahway's Own & Rising Stars ceremony, celebrating local students and notable community members.

Council Vice President Jeremy Mojica opened the program and Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe tied the ceremony to the city's yearlong recognition of the nation's 250th anniversary. Presenters recognized 11 Rising Stars from Rahway schools — students singled out for achievements in academics, arts and athletics — and introduced Rahway's Own inductees who have gone on to careers in the arts, athletics, public service and entrepreneurship.

Presenters described individual Rising Stars’ accomplishments: Ivana Hill introduced Skyler Figueroa of Roosevelt School and noted Skyler’s online crochet business 'Sky's The Limit Crochet'; Alexander 'AJ' Bonadies presented Hannah Buniak of Union Catholic, citing 22 career high-school home runs, 78 RBIs and plans to attend James Madison University; and Zachary Love introduced Diana Darisme, a multi-talented performer and wrestler heading to North Carolina A&T.

The Rahway's Own inductees included a posthumous recognition for Rudolph Joseph 'Joe' Williams; his grandson Dominic Williams recounted Joe’s athletic record at Rahway High School, college play at the University of Iowa, a Canadian Football League career and later service in law enforcement. Deanna Flanagan was recognized for returning to Rahway as a dance director after a professional career that included national tours, choreography work at major venues and cheerleading appearances that included performances at the Super Bowl. Andrew 'DJ Drewski' Loffa was honored for a national radio career, local entrepreneurship and community events. Najah Hetsberger, a Broadway performer, thanked teachers and credited Rahway for her start in musical theater.

Speakers repeatedly emphasized community, mentorship and the arts as engines for opportunity. The evening closed with group photos of past and present honorees and an invitation for attendees to join a reception and upcoming city events.