the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, as Paramus High School’s Class of 2025 prepares to graduate, a powerful new tradition is emerging — one rooted in resilience, remembrance, and community. On Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, students led a Day of Service and Student Choice event to honor those affected by the tragic 2018 school bus crash that forever changed their lives.
Seven years after the crash on May 17, 2018, which claimed the lives of a teacher and a student, the surviving classmates — now seniors — came together to turn pain into purpose, organizing a two-day commemoration that celebrates healing and togetherness.
Honoring the Past Through Action
According to Paramus High School Principal Dominick Miller, this initiative was student-driven from the start:
“We met with the students involved in the accident back in October and asked them what they wanted to do. This is the first year we’re doing a full Day of Service, but we’ve had commemorative events at PHS for the past three years.”
On Friday, May 16, students stepped outside the traditional classroom for a day of reflection, creativity, and service, with dozens of interactive workshops and community outreach projects that engaged over a thousand participants.
Creative Expression, Kindness, and Community Involvement
Highlights of the Day of Service included:
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Culinary lessons: Mozzarella and pasta-making, German waffle cooking.
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Art & wellness: Over 100 students painted a mural in the School Counseling courtyard.
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Technology & trades: Students flew drones, explored entrepreneurship, and more.
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Kindness in action: Student Rayshon Tisder led a popular “Spread Kindness” session with 80 students.
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Intergenerational service: 30 students visited New Bridge Medical Center to engage in recreational activities with senior citizens.
Principal Miller said the goal was to “recognize the strength and resilience of the students involved in the accident as well as the strength of the Paramus community.”
Community Partnerships Power the Day
The event wouldn’t have been possible without the broad support of local organizations, which helped bring the day’s vision to life:
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Paramus Police Department hosted sessions on impaired driving prevention, which had the highest student turnout.
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Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, local attorneys, politicians, and business owners hosted panels and workshops.
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Biagio’s and Clemente’s Bakery led culinary demos.
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Guerrilla Fitness offered CrossFit training sessions.
“It’s been amazing to see the community come together,” said Miller. “One thing synonymous with Paramus is unity.”
A Time to Reflect: Moment of Silence and “The Gathering”
At 10:18 a.m. on Friday — the exact time of the crash in 2018 — the school held a moment of silence to reflect and honor those lost.
On Saturday, May 17, families, first responders, and community members gathered for a 10 a.m. brunch, followed by another moment of silence and the annual “Gathering” at Hodgins Stadium at 11:30 a.m. The event served as both a commemoration and a celebration of how far the students have come.
A New Tradition in the Making?
Whether the Day of Service becomes a yearly event remains to be seen, but Principal Miller is optimistic:
“I think this is something our school community would love to see become a tradition. It reflects the values of who we are — resilient, compassionate, and united.”
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