Hudson Catholic High School in Jersey City hosted their first ever “Heroes of Hudson” event to honors first responders at a dinner and ceremony before their game against Roselle Catholic High School.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
Before the game, they held a moment of silence for four alumni of Hudson Catholic High School “who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“Servant leadership is one of the principles we’re built upon,” Hudson Catholic Principal Terence Matthews declared.
“It used to really piss me off, quite honestly, when our guys would play off who they were, civil servants. As servant leaders, there’s nothing better that you can do than go out there and protect people who will never say thank you to you once.”
He continued that he has great respect for police officers, firefighters, EMTS, and members of the military.
“You’re doing something most people don’t have the courage to do or don’t have the respect to do. The purpose of tonight is simply to say thank you,” Matthews added.
“I’ll probably say thank you more if we win the game,” he joked.
Matthews noted their many alumni in positions of leadership among the city’s first responders.
“They tend to put the Hawks in charge,” he joked.
The game began with a tip-off featuring Acting Jersey City Police Chief Robert Kearns, who was part of the class of 1984, and Acting Fire Chief Steve Drennan, a member of the graduating class of 1977.
“It’s a small fundraiser, but it’s really more of a thank you. We wanted to do something for the men and women of our community who are going into law enforcement and fire safety careers and it was important to take part of our day and say thank you.,” Matthews told HCV.
“We thought this was a nice way to combine a pretty big basketball event in the state of New Jersey with men and women who don’t get enough recognition. It’s important people in these careers get acknowledged.”
Matthews also noted Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea, a declared 2025 Jersey City mayoral candidate, is on the board of the school.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, former Gov. Jim McGreevey, another Jersey City mayoral candidate, Hudson County Board of Commissioners Chair Anthony Romano (D-5), Assemblywoman Barbara Stamato (D-31), Councilwoman-at-Large Amy DeGise, and Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey all attended the tribute dinner and were recognized by Matthews, who later added it was not an inherently political event.
“We want to recognize our first line responders, the firemen, the police. And raise money for the school. It’s a good event for all,” Hudson Catholic High School Board Chair Larry Constanza explained.
Hudson Catholic was victorious over Roselle Catholic by a score of 93-84, according to NJ Advance Media.
