These 12 Bridgewater-Raritan High School state champion football players never forgot who impacted their careers

Twelve state champion Bridgewater-Raritan High School football players were transferred into elves.

These high school seniors spread holiday cheer by presenting a unique and very personal gift to 11 staff members in the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District.

The staff members 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.

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 presented a framed certificate to each of the staff members, too.

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 staff members 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 Bridgewater-Raritan 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 Jenna Ostrowski, a 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, applauded this kind-hearted project.

"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

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