The Bulldog’s Bark editor Alex Osborn Jones embraces several distinct roles here at Metuchen High School, ranging from her participation in the music program to the girls’ wrestling team. She enjoys the community of the high school, specifically how Metuchen inspires everyone to try many new and different activities.
The senior plays in both the band and orchestra at MHS. In her sophomore year, Osborn-Jones fell in love with playing the tuba in the marching band. This year, the senior started playing trombone for the high school’s jazz ensemble to fill a trombonist need within the ensemble. Along with the marching band and jazz ensemble, Alex plays the cello for the orchestra. She enjoys being a part of ensembles because it gives her the opportunity to focus and communicate with people who share similar interests. Through these activities, the senior is able to try new activities and become closer to her peers in the program.
Alex’s favorite memory of the band was the recent 21-hour day that included playing her instrument in Pennsylvania and at MetLife Stadium. An experience such as this “creates a tight-knit community” and forms friendships among the students in the band.
Along with her participation in the various music programs, Osborn-Jones plays a key role in the MHS Footlighters. In the fall, the senior was the stage manager for Puffs. During the spring musical Mamma Mia, Alex was in charge of the tech booth. Some of Alex’s other responsibilities included organizing blocking, tech, mics, and sometimes lighting. Prior to her senior year, she was a part of the props department.
As the editor of the school newspaper for the last two years, Alex continues to write fictional short stories and explore her creativity. She has always had a passion for writing and she has been writing fictional narratives for many years. Her participation in the paper enables her to sit down and “explore human emotions” as she becomes a better storyteller. Her time as editor allowed her to appreciate the work that people put into their writing, and she now takes the time to read the writing that isn’t her own.
Alex began girls’ wrestling and immediately loved the sport. The girls’ wrestling team was officially recognized in 2019, and when Alex joined, there were only four wrestlers, but the program continues to grow. The senior has found plenty of success in her wrestling career. Through her participation in this sport, she won county, regional, and state awards, including the GMC county championships, as well as the North Jersey Group 2 regional championship. As a junior, she was able to place 7th in the state competition, and she improved her skills by placing 6th this year.
When asked about her inspiration, the senior laughed to herself and said that her role model was herself. Alex acknowledges that she is a headstrong person and believes in always challenging herself. One of the senior’s favorite memories from Metuchen High School was transitioning back to in-person classes, rather than those held via Zoom. In the spring of her sophomore year, she realized the importance of an in-person education. The senior believes that this is what makes school fulfilling, while the Zoom school made the day feel mundane and boring.
In the future, Alex wants to study environmental science because she wants to be a part of the change. The senior remarks, “It’s very important to try to fix things before it’s too late.” Her advice to MHS students would be to avoid being scared to try something new. Alex believes that it is extremely important to try new things and see what you’re interested in. We thank Alex for her contributions to the Bark and wish her good luck in all of her future endeavors!
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