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My Best of 2016 in Photojournalism

Happy New Year! I know I’m a bit behind updating my blog, but here are the more memorable images I’ve shot for The Jersey Journal in 2016. And if you want to see more, here are similar posts from previous years: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Thanks for looking!

Christopher Navarro, 2, of Newark, with his father, Rodrigo, react to the sight and sound of the animatronic triceratops in the interactive exhibit of Discover the Dinosaurs at the Meadowlands Exhibition Center in Secaucus on Friday, Jan. 1, 2016. The event runs until Sunday, Jan. 3. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

SECAUCUS, N.J., JAN. 1, 2016 — Christopher Navarro, 2, of Newark, with his father, Rodrigo, reacted to the sights and sounds of the animatronic triceratops in the interactive exhibit of Discover the Dinosaurs at the Meadowlands Exhibition Center. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

A child sits inside a T-Rex

A child sat inside a T-Rex’s mouth at Discover the Dinosaurs at the Meadowlands Exhibition Center. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

DaQuan Keaton

JERSEY CITY, N.J., JAN. 5, 2016 — DaQuan Keaton’s father cried in court after speaking at his son’s sentencing. DaQuan was found guilty of murder in the fatal shooting of Georgia man, Lamar Glover, on Aug. 25, 2012, on the corner of Randolph Avenue and Harmon Street. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Dancers compete in the 26th annual Manhattan Amateur Classic (MAC) at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City from Friday, Jan. 15 to Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016. The event is open to couples ages 9 and above and hail from around the country and the world. DanceSport teams from 32 colleges in 17 states are also competing. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., JAN. 17, 2016 — Dancers competed in the 26th annual Manhattan Amateur Classic (MAC) at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City from Friday, Jan. 15 to Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016. The event was open to couples ages 9 and above and hail from around the country and the world. DanceSport teams from 32 colleges in 17 states also competed. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Dancers compete in the 26th annual Manhattan Amateur Classic (MAC) at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City from Friday, Jan. 15 to Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016. The event is open to couples ages 9 and above and hail from around the country and the world. DanceSport teams from 32 colleges in 17 states are also competing. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Dancers compete in the 26th annual Manhattan Amateur Classic (MAC) at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City from Friday, Jan. 15 to Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016. The event is open to couples ages 9 and above and hail from around the country and the world. DanceSport teams from 32 colleges in 17 states are also competing. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Dancers compete in the 26th annual Manhattan Amateur Classic (MAC) at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City from Friday, Jan. 15 to Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016. The event is open to couples ages 9 and above and hail from around the country and the world. DanceSport teams from 32 colleges in 17 states are also competing. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

A black town car sits on top of a cement divider on Routes 1&9 near the intersection of Duncan Avenue in Jersey City on Monday morning, Jan. 18, 2016. The accident has caused the left lanes on both sides of the highway to be temporarily shut down. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CTY, N.J., JAN. 18, 2016 — A town car landed on top of a cement divider on Routes 1&9 near the intersection of Duncan Avenue.  The accident has caused the left lanes on both sides of the highway to be temporarily shut down. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Aftermath on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, of a five-alarm fire which ripped through three attached buildings from 743 to 747 Broadway, near 33rd Street, in Bayonne, on Tuesday afternoon. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

BAYONNE, N.J., JAN. 20, 2016 — Aftermath of a five-alarm fire, which ripped through three attached buildings from 743 to 747 Broadway, near 33rd Street. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Connie Meglioranza of 6 West performs in Jersey City Medical Center-Barnabas Health

JERSEY CITY, N.J., FEB. 18, 2016 — Connie Meglioranza performed in Jersey City Medical Center-Barnabas Health’s annual Happy Hearts Dance Competition, where departments danced off to raise money and awareness for the American Heart Association (AHA). (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Members of the administration staff perform in Jersey City Medical Center-Barnabas Health

A tearful Soraya Veras holds a photo of her son, Heriberto Lithgow, 21, as she is led back to her seat after giving her victim impact statement during the sentencing of Jeremy Steinman on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., FEB. 19, 2016 — A tearful Soraya Veras, of Union City, held a photo of her son, Heriberto Lithgow, 21,  after giving her victim impact statement during the sentencing of Jeremy Steinman, of North Brunswick, an off-duty part-time paramedic who officials said was driving drunk when he slammed into Lithgow with his vehicle in Bayonne in 2014. Lithgow had faced up to 20 years in prison butwas sentenced to 5 years in prison as part of a plea deal.

Lawyer Adrienne Edward wipes the tears off Robert Warren

JERSEY CITY, N.J., FEB. 19, 2016 — Lawyer Adrienne Edward wiped the tears off her client Robert Warren’s face after his father and grandmother addressed the court during his sentencing on a 2014 North Bergen carjacking and armed burglary. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Hoboken boys basketball hosts University (Newark) in NJSIAA North 2, Group 1 championship on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. University won, 55-49. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

HOBOKEN, N.J., MARCH 8, 2016 — Hoboken boys basketball hosted University (Newark) in NJSIAA North 2, Group 1 championship. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Hoboken boys basketball hosts University (Newark) in NJSIAA North 2, Group 1 championship on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. University won, 55-49. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Hoboken boys basketball hosts University (Newark) in NJSIAA North 2, Group 1 championship on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. University won, 55-49. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Dancers from The JIG Factory, from left to right, Grace McLaughlin, 15; Grace Mabli, 14; Katie Donnelly, 15; and Julia Mastrangelo, 14, perform an Irish step dance during the celebration of St. Patrick

SECAUCUS, N.J., MARCH 11, 2016 — Dancers from The JIG Factory, from left to right, Grace McLaughlin, 15; Grace Mabli, 14; Katie Donnelly, 15; and Julia Mastrangelo, 14, performed an Irish step dance during the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and the 50th anniversary of Charlie’s Corner in Secaucus featuring live music, beer gardens, food trucks, kids games and free ice skating, among others. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Relatives of Wajhat Yaqoob express their dismay at what they perceive to be a lack of effort on the part of authorities in the search for his body. Yaqoo is presumed drowned after going swimming with friends in West Milford and never surfacing. From left to right are Yaqoob

JERSEY CITY, N.J., MARCH 15, 2016 — Mohammad Yaqoob, center, the grieving father of Wajhat Yaqoob, 21, accused authorities of not searching for his son’s body because his family is Muslim, after the dive search for Wajhat was suspended. Wajhat is presumed drowned after going swimming in Long Pond Ironworks State Park in West Milford on March 10 and never surfacing. The DEP responded to the accusation by saying dive teams “risked their own lives” trying to recover Wajhat in “very hazardous and difficult conditions,” and that the water search had to be suspended for safety reasons. Wajhat’s body was later recovered in April after which Wajhat’s brother Ayaz, left, who had joined his father in criticizing authorities, said that he, his father and the rest of his family no longer feel the same way they did on March 15. Ayaz said his father had misunderstood the word “suspended” to mean “terminated”; that his father was undergoing extreme emotional hardship; and that authorities hadn’t been keeping the family fully informed about what was being done to find Wajhat. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Funeral service for Amelia Holmes at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Jersey City on Monday, March 21, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., MARCH21, 2016 — Mourners grieved at the funeral service for Amelia Holmes at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church one week after the 29-year-old mother of three was shot to death on Monitor Street. Just hours after Holmes was killed, police found her boyfriend, Terrence Jackson, dead on a park bench in Mercer Park from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Jackson, 29, was wanted by police following Holmes’ death. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Funeral service for Amelia Holmes at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Jersey City on Monday, March 21, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Funeral service for Amelia Holmes at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Jersey City on Monday, March 21, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Various congregations, comprising Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists, Protestants and Roman Catholics hold the

JERSEY CITY, N.J., MARCH 25, 2016 — Various Christian congregations hold the ‘Walk With Jesus’ Stations of the Cross procession, visiting 14 sites of violent incidents in Jersey City over the last year, on Good Friday (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Various congregations, comprising Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists, Protestants and Roman Catholics hold the

World-renowned juggler Michael Moschen gives a lecture and demonstration during the Presidential Speaker Series at New Jersey City University (NJCU) in Jersey City on Tuesday, March 29, 2016. Here, Moschen balances a pen on his nose. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., MARCH 29, 2016 — World-renowned juggler Michael Moschen balanced a pen on his nose during a lecture and demonstration as part of the Presidential Speaker Series at New Jersey City University (NJCU). (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Real estate photo of the first Journal Squared tower under construction in Jersey City as seen from Baldwin Avenue, Wednesday, March 30, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., MARCH 30, 2016 — Real estate photo of the first Journal Squared tower under construction as seen from Baldwin Avenue. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Defense attorney Mark Bailey, left, hugs Patrick Powell after the jury found his client not guilty of killing Robert Flagler on Thursday, March 31, 2016. Behind them, Powell

JERSEY CITY, N.J., MARCH 31, 2016 — Defense attorney Mark Bailey, left, hugged Patrick Powell after the jury found his client not guilty of killing Robert Flagler. Behind them, Powell’s mother, Jackie, reacted to the verdict. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Michael D

Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Michael D’Andrea, left, held his face in his hand after the not guilty verdict was handed down. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Firefighters battle a blaze at a West 26th Street home in Bayonne on Monday morning, April 18, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

BAYONNE, N.J., APRIL 18, 2016 — Firefighters battled a blaze at a West 26th Street home. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Residents on the block watch firefighters battle a blaze at a West 26th Street home in Bayonne on Monday morning, April 18, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Residents on the block watched firefighters battle a blaze at a West 26th Street home. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

A Secaucus firefighter puts out hotspots at the foot of Henry Street in Secaucus after a brush fire broke out on Tuesday, April 19, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | For The Jersey Journal

SECAUCUS, N.J, APRIL 19, 2016 — A Secaucus firefighter put out hotspots at the foot of Henry Street after a brush fire broke out. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Dickinson

NORTH BERGEN, N.J., APRIL 19, 2016 — Dickinson’s Adam Swift pitched against North Bergen. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

North Bergen

KEARNY, N.J., APRIL 20, 2016 — North Bergen’s left fielder Cassandra Minyetty tripped over a fence trying to catch a hit by Kearny’s Sydney Pace, during the softball game at Gunnell Oval. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Kearny

Kearny’s Tatiana Ferment, center, was mobbed by jubilant teammates after scoring a two-run home run. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Lincoln

JERSEY CITY, N.J., APRIL 22, 2016 — Lincoln’s Angel Medina was hit on the back of the leg with a pitch by Snyder’s Peterson Dossous during the baseball game at Lincoln Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Snyder

Snyder’s Jorge Mejia collided with the glove of Lincoln’s Shakeel Abrams at third base. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

A section of Maple Street between Pacific Avenue and Whiton Street in Jersey City is renamed "Kool & the Gang Way" during a ceremony on Friday, April 29, 2016. From left are Dennis "DT" Thomas, Ronald Bell, Robert "Kool" Bell and George Brown. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., APRIL 29, 2016 — A section of Maple Street between Pacific Avenue and Whiton Street was christened “Kool & the Gang Way” during a street naming ceremony. From left to right are band members Dennis “DT” Thomas, Ronald Bell, Robert “Kool” Bell and George Brown. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Assignment Judge Peter F. Bariso Jr. looks down from the second floor of the courthouse as he waits for the ceremony to begin. The Hudson Vicinage hosts the annual Law Day awards ceremony on Monday, May 2, 2016, in the rotunda of the Justice William J. Brennan Jr. Courthouse in Jersey City. This yearÕs event, hosted in collaboration with the New Jersey State Bar Association, highlights the 50th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Miranda v. Arizona, which requires law enforcement to advise criminal suspects of their rights before beginning an interrogation. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., MAY 2, 2016 — Assignment Judge Peter F. Bariso Jr. looked down from the second floor of the courthouse as he waited for the annual Law Day awards ceremony to begin. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

McNair Academic

JERSEY CITY, N.J., MAY 3, 2016 — McNair Academic’s Fahd Nasser embraced teammate Younass Barkouch at the finish line after they placed third and second, respectively, in the boys 3200-meter race during the 2016 Jersey City Outdoor Track & Field Championship at Stephen R. Gregg Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Ferris

Ferris’ Ivan Daniels won first place in the the freshman boys 100-meter dash, followed closely by Snyder’s Jawuan James. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Snyder

Snyder’s Jeremiah Boger competed in the high jump. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Catamarans that will be racing in this weekend

JERSEY CITY, N.J., MAY 6, 2016 — Catamarans, which will be racing in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series, are seen on the Hudson River from Liberty State Park anchored near Ellis Island and Lower Manhattan and in view of the Statue of Liberty. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Ferris

JERSEY CITY, N.J., MAY 10, 2016 — Ferris’ Luis Pacheco served against Hudson Catholic during the volleyball match at Ferris High School. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Union City

NORTH BERGEN, MAY 18, 2016 — Union City’s Armando Aviles, left, and Matthew Gerges dove for the ball during the boys volleyball Hudson County Tournament quarterfinals against North Bergen. North Bergen won, 20-25, 25-14, 25-20. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

North Bergen

North Bergen’s Jonathan Andrews reacted as his team scored a point during the boys volleyball Hudson County Tournament quarterfinals against Union City. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Jersey City swears in 29 new police officers during a ceremony at City Hall on Friday, May 20, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., MAY 20, 2016 — Jersey City swore in 29 new police officers during a ceremony at City Hall. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Harrison

KEARNY, N.J., MAY 20, 2016 — Harrison’s Alan Yu competed in the first singles match against Kearny’s Jason Boyle during the Hudson County team tennis tournament quarterfinals at West Hudson Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Harrison

Harrison’s David dela Cruz competed in the third singles match against Kearny’s Adrian Velasquez. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

St. Peter

HOLMDEL, N.J., MAY 23, 2016 — St. Peter’s University held its graduation ceremony for the class of 2016 at PNC Bank Arts Center. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Mary Gerraah takes a selfie with faculty and administration after taking a selfie with the audience before giving her valedictory speech during the St. Peter

Mary Gerraah took a selfie with faculty and administration after taking one with the audience before giving her valedictory speech during the St. Peter’s University graduation ceremony. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

The Parade of Ships, which kicks off Fleet Week New York 2016, goes up the Hudson River, as seen from Liberty State Park in Jersey City on Wednesday, May 25, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., MAY 25, 2016 — The Parade of Ships, which kicked off Fleet Week New York 2016, sailed up the Hudson River, as seen from Liberty State Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Lincoln High School in Jersey City holds its senior prom at the Metropolitan Room at the Newark Club in Newark on Thursday, May 26, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

NEWARK, N.J., MAY 26, 2016 — Lincoln High School in Jersey City held its senior prom at the Metropolitan Room at the Newark Club. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Kids like Tarren Brown, 11, learn how to play chess from Bobby Stewart, founder of Kings Knight Chess Club, during the Wear Orange for National Gun Violence Awareness Day at Arlington Park in Jersey City on Thursday, June 2, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., JUNE 2, 2016 — Kids like Tarren Brown, 11, learned how to play chess from Bobby Stewart, founder of Kings Knight Chess Club, during the Wear Orange for National Gun Violence Awareness Day at Arlington Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Opening night of the Marist Family Carnival at Marist High School in Bayonne on Thursday, June 2, 2016, featuring both adult and children rides and games. The carnival runs until Sunday, June 5. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

BAYONNE, N.J., JUNE 2, 2016 — Opening night of the Marist Family Carnival at Marist High School, which featured both adult and children rides and games. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Opening night of the Marist Family Carnival at Marist High School in Bayonne on Thursday, June 2, 2016, featuring both adult and children rides and games. The carnival runs until Sunday, June 5. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Bayonne High School holds its annual red carpet event to send off its seniors to their prom at The Grove in Cedar Grove on Friday, June 3, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

BAYONNE, N.J., JUNE 3, 2016 — Bayonne High School held its annual red carpet event to send off its seniors to their prom. Here, kids watched as the seniors strut in their best attires. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Bayonne High School holds it

BAYONNE, N.J., JUNE 24, 2016 — Bayonne High School held it’s graduation ceremony for the Class of 2016 at the Don Ahern Veterans Stadium. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Bayonne High School holds it

High Tech High School holds its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2016 at the Secaucus High School Performing Arts Center on Monday, June 27, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

SECAUCUS, N.J., JUNE 27, 2016 — Graduates presented their parents with roses during the High Tech High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2016 at the Secaucus High School Performing Arts Center. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

High Tech High School holds its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2016 at the Secaucus High School Performing Arts Center on Monday, June 27, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Husband and wife Mattia Gustafson and Alice Troietto are the owners of Madame Claude Bis, the first part of White Eagle Hall in Jersey City to open. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JUNE 30, 2016 — Husband and wife Mattia Gustafson and Alice Troietto are the owners of Madame Claude Bis, the first part of White Eagle Hall in Jersey City to open. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Jersey City celebrates Independence Day with its annual Freedom and Fireworks Festival at Liberty State Park on Monday, July 4, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., JULY 4, 2016 — Jersey City celebrated Independence Day with its annual Freedom and Fireworks Festival at Liberty State Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

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Jersey City celebrates Independence Day with its annual Freedom and Fireworks Festival at Liberty State Park on Monday, July 4, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

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Jersey City celebrates Independence Day with its annual Freedom and Fireworks Festival at Liberty State Park on Monday, July 4, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

The Village People performed during the annual Freedom and Fireworks Festival at Liberty State Park.

Jersey City celebrates Independence Day with its annual Freedom and Fireworks Festival at Liberty State Park on Monday, July 4, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Jersey City celebrates Independence Day with its annual Freedom and Fireworks Festival at Liberty State Park on Monday, July 4, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Bayonne holds its annual fireworks to belatedly celebrate the Fourth of July at DiDomenico-16th Street Park, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

BAYONNE, N.J., JULY 6, 2016 — People awaited the annual fireworks concert and display to belatedly celebrate the Fourth of July at DiDomenico-16th Street Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Bayonne holds its annual fireworks to belatedly celebrate the Fourth of July at DiDomenico-16th Street Park, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Kids played as they awaited the annual fireworks display to belatedly celebrate the Fourth of July at DiDomenico-16th Street Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Bayonne holds its annual fireworks to belatedly celebrate the Fourth of July at DiDomenico-16th Street Park, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Bayonne holds its annual fireworks to belatedly celebrate the Fourth of July at DiDomenico-16th Street Park, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Fireworks lit up the sky with a dazzling array of colors over the western edge of Bayonne at the DiDomenico-16th Street Park at the festive conclusion of the city

A vendor selling light-up toys passed by in this long exposure, leaving behind a trail of green and blue lights, as fireworks lit up the sky with a dazzling array of colors over the western edge of Bayonne at the DiDomenico-16th Street Park at the festive conclusion of the city’s Independence Day celebration. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Men and women participate in Master Sup

JERSEY CITY, N.J., JULY 7, 2016 — Men and women participated in Master Sup’s Cardio Fitness Boot Camp at the Mary McLeod Bethune Center. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Ethan Montenegro, 9, of Jersey City, a boxer with the Jersey City Recreation

JERSEY CITY, N.J., JULY 13, 2016 — Ethan Montenegro, 9, of Jersey City, a boxer with the Jersey City Recreation’s Boxing Program at Franklin L. Williams Middle School, recently came in second at the Junior Olympic Nationals in Dallas, Texas. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Ethan Montenegro, 9, of Jersey City, seen here running on a treadmill while wearing a high-altitude training mask, at the Jersey City Recreation

Montenegro ran on a treadmill while wearing a high-altitude training mask. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Residents young and old play in the beach with a view of the Manhattan skyline as they enjoy food from local restaurants and free live music performances during the 14th annual Newport Beach Party at Newport Green in Jersey City on Wednesday, July 13, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., JULY 13, 2016 — Residents young and old played in the beach with a view of the Manhattan skyline as they enjoyed food from local restaurants and free live music performances during the 14th annual Newport Beach Party at Newport Green. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Residents young and old play in the beach with a view of the Manhattan skyline as they enjoy food from local restaurants and free live music performances during the 14th annual Newport Beach Party at Newport Green in Jersey City on Wednesday, July 13, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

People enjoy the rides and entertainment during the the International Festival carnival sponsored by The Dominican American Parade Committee at Lincoln Park in Jersey City on Thursday, July 14, 2016. The carnival runs through Sunday, July 17. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., JULY 14, 2016 — People enjoyed the rides and entertainment during the the International Festival carnival sponsored by The Dominican American Parade Committee at Lincoln Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

People enjoy the rides and entertainment during the the International Festival carnival sponsored by The Dominican American Parade Committee at Lincoln Park in Jersey City on Thursday, July 14, 2016. The carnival runs through Sunday, July 17. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

People enjoy the rides and entertainment during the the International Festival carnival sponsored by The Dominican American Parade Committee at Lincoln Park in Jersey City on Thursday, July 14, 2016. The carnival runs through Sunday, July 17. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Kids beat the summer heat at the Secaucus Swim Center on Friday, July 15, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

SECAUCUS, N.J., JULY 15, 2016 — Kids beat the summer heat at the Secaucus Swim Center. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Kids beat the summer heat at the Secaucus Swim Center on Friday, July 15, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Bayonne swimmer Jonathan Gomez -- a St. Peter

BAYONNE, N.J., JULY 19, 2016 — Bayonne swimmer Jonathan Gomez — a St. Peter’s Prep and Saint Peter’s University alumnus who swims for Bayonne’s Scarlet Acquatics — competed for Colombia at the Summer Olympics in Rio. He was photographed during training at the G. Thomas DiDomenico Municipal pool. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Bayonne swimmer Jonathan Gomez -- a St. Peter

Bayonne swimmer Jonathan Gomez -- a St. Peter

People enjoy the Latin Jazz music of La Charanga 76 during NJCU

UNION CITY, N.J., JULY 22, 2016 — A little girl danced to the Latin Jazz music of La Charanga 76 during NJCU’s free Summer Outdoor Concert Series at Washington Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

St. Anthony defeats Hudson Catholic during the Hamilton Park Summer League basketball game on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, in Jersey City. Pictured is St. Anthony

JERSEY CITY, N.J., JULY 26, 2016 –St. Anthony’s R.J. Cole (3) went up for the basket during the Hamilton Park Summer League basketball game against Hudson Catholic.  (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

A dead humpback whale can be seen floating in the Hudson River off Caven Point in Jersey City on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., JULY 27, 2016 — A dead humpback whale was seen floating in the Hudson River off Caven Point.  (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno joins Global Container Terminals USA in welcoming Hyundai Saturn on its maiden call to the Port of New York and New Jersey at GCT Bayonne on Friday, July 29, 2016. Here, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, second from bottom, descends the 70-step gangway of the ship after a tour. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

BAYONNE, N.J., JULY 29, 2016 —  Lt. Gov. Ki Guadagno joined Global Container Terminals USA in welcoming Hyundai Saturn on its maiden call to the Port of New York and New Jersey at GCT Bayonne. Guadagno, second from bottom, descended the 70-step gangway of the Hyundai Saturn after a tour. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno joins Global Container Terminals USA in welcoming Hyundai Saturn on its maiden call to the Port of New York and New Jersey at GCT Bayonne on Friday, July 29, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Global Container Terminals USA welcomed Hyundai Saturn on its maiden call to the Port of New York and New Jersey at GCT Bayonne. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

The Jersey City Police Department holds a National Night Out event at Hamilton Park on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., AUG. 2, 2016 — Girls fawned over a K-9 during the Jersey City Police Department held a National Night Out event at Hamilton Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Jersey City police officers investigate a shooting on Forrest Street near Martin Luther King Drive on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 4, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., AUG. 4, 2016 — Jersey City police officers investigated a shooting on Forrest Street near Martin Luther King Drive. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Kids take part in the Urban League

JERSEY CITY, N.J., AUG. 5, 2016 — Kids took part in the Urban League’s Summer Tennis Program at Bayside Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Members of the community place their hands on each other and on the church

JERSEY CITY, N.J., AUG. 10, 2016 — Members of the community placed their hands on each other and on the church’s wall as they pray during a vigil outside Holy Ghost Tabernacle Ministries on Communipaw Avenue where Leander Williams, 17, was fatally shot during a back-to-school party the night before. Two other shooting victims were girls ages 17 and 12. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

The Jersey City Education Association (JCEA) holds a back-to-school drive giving away book bags filled with school supplies that were donated by city residents to kids on Friday, Aug. 19, 2016. Parents and their children enjoyed free hotdogs from Relish the Thought and kids competed in a hula hoop contest and danced to music played by DJ Sir Trey Benjamin from 107.5 FM WBLS. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., AUG. 19, 2016 — The Jersey City Education Association (JCEA) held a back-to-school drive, giving away book bags filled with school supplies that were donated by city residents to kids. Parents and their children enjoyed free hotdogs from Relish the Thought and kids competed in a hula hoop contest and danced to music played by DJ Sir Trey Benjamin from 107.5 FM WBLS. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Former New York Giant Steve Weatherford -- the health and fitness ambassador for the New Jersey Boys and Girls Clubs -- bought pairs of brand name sneakers for each of 20 Hudson County kids while also offering some advice about the importance of setting goals, at Sneaker Room on Central Avenue in Jersey City on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016. Here, Weatherford gets a hug from a grateful kid. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., AUG. 30, 2016 — Former New York Giant Steve Weatherford — the health and fitness ambassador for the New Jersey Boys and Girls Clubs — bought pairs of brand name sneakers for each of 20 Hudson County kids while also offering some advice about the importance of setting goals, at Sneaker Room on Central Avenue. Here, Weatherford gets a hug from a grateful kid. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

The Inked Out New Jersey tattoo convention at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus took place from Sept. 9 to 11, 2016. Photo taken on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

SECAUCUS, N.J., SEPT. 9, 2016 — The Inked Out New Jersey tattoo convention was held at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus  from Sept. 9 to 11, 2016. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

The Inked Out New Jersey tattoo convention at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus took place from Sept. 9 to 11, 2016. Photo taken on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

The Inked Out New Jersey tattoo convention at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus took place from Sept. 9 to 11, 2016. Photo taken on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

The American Red Cross Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region holds the Jersey City Police & Fire 2nd Annual 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Monday, Sept. 12, 2016. Here, Jersey City Firefighter Christian Sir donates blood. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., SEPT. 12, 2016 — Firefighter Christian Sir donated blood during the American Red Cross Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region’s Jersey City Police & Fire 2nd Annual 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Secaucus

JERSEY CITY, N.J., SEPT. 13, 2016 — Secaucus’ Amanda Ulrich dove to keep the ball in play during the volleyball jerjgame against Hudson Catholic. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

St. Peter

JERSEY CITY, N.J., SEPT. 14, 2016 — St. Peter’s Prep’s Kyle Hess celebrated scoring a goal in the first half of the soccer game against Kearny at Caven Point. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

St. Peter

St. Peter’s Prep’s Kyle Hess celebrated with fans after scoring a goal in the first half of the soccer game against Kearny at Caven Point. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

HOBOKEN, N.J., SEPT. 20, 2016 — Hoboken defeated McNair, 1-0, in the girls soccer match at JFK Stadium in Hoboken on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016. Here, McNair’s Angelina Contreras stopped a goal attempt by Hoboken’s Zoe Higgins. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Hoboken defeats McNair, 1-0, in the girls soccer match at JFK Stadium in Hoboken on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016. Here, Hoboken

Hoboken’s Elyse Santiago, right, celebrated with Zoe Higgins after scoring a goal in the first half of the soccer match. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

St. Joseph Parish of Jersey City is celebrating its 160th anniversary with the church

JERSEY CITY, N.J., SEPT. 21, 2016 — St. Joseph Parish of Jersey City celebrated its 160th anniversary with the church’s 39th annual parish festival from Sept. 21-25, 2016. The festival included food, live nightly entertainment, games of chance, rides and a nightly 50-50 raffle. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

St. Joseph Parish of Jersey City is celebrating its 160th anniversary with the church

Whoopi Goldberg visits Mana Contemporary in Jersey City on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2016, to kick off the month-long exhibit, "Marilyn: Character Not Image," which she curates and opens to the public on Sunday. The sheer gown Marilyn Monroe wore when she serenaded John F. Kennedy with a breathy version of "Happy Birthday to You" on May 19, 1962 is the centerpiece of the exhibit. Also on view are photos of the Hollywood star by Milton Greene and Weegee as well as select video footage, and poems and drawings by the actress. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., SEPT. 22, 2016 — Whoopi Goldberg visited Mana Contemporary to kick off the month-long exhibit, Marilyn: Character Not Image which she curated and opened to the public. The sheer gown Marilyn Monroe wore when she serenaded John F. Kennedy with a breathy version of “Happy Birthday to You” on May 19, 1962, was the centerpiece of the exhibit. Also on view were photos of the Hollywood star by Milton Greene and Weegee as well as select video footage, and poems and drawings by the actress. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Memorial

WEST NEW YORK, N.J., SEPT. 23, 2016 — Memorial’s Pedro Morales tried to stop Bayonne’s Algenis Baret during the game at Coviello Field. Bayonne won, 40-18. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Scott Hahn, of Hamilton, enters a not guilty plea as he is arraigned on Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, at Hudson County Superior Court, on charges he caused the death of Bayonne residents Tim O

JERSEY CITY, N.J., SEPT. 26, 2016 — Scott Hahn, of Hamilton, foreground right, entered a not guilty plea as he was arraigned at Hudson County Superior Court on charges he caused the death of Bayonne residents Tim O’Donnell, 48, and his daughter, Bridget, 5, in a crash on the New Jersey Turnpike in Jersey City on Feb. 22. Pam O’Donnell, Tim’s wife and Bridget’s mother, attended the hearing holding her daughter’s teddy bear. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Hoboken football hosts Lincoln at Kennedy Stadium on Friday, Sept. 30, 2016. Here, Lincoln

HOBOKEN, N.J., SEPT. 30, 2016 — Lincoln’s Kason Carson (blue) intercepted a pass to Hoboken’s Nyjon Freeman during the football game at Kennedy Stadium. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

A moment of prayer at the end of the Zumba class during the morning senior program founded by Joyce Davidson and offered by Grace Community Services in Jersey City on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. Davidson is turning 80 this month and in her honor, GCS is throwing a celebration on Oct. 21 at Grace Church. In lieu of presents, donations are being welcomed for the GCS foundation with a goal of raising $30,000. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., OCT. 4, 2016 — A moment of prayer at the end of the Zumba class during the morning senior program at Grace Church Van Vorst. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

A Zumba class comes to an end during the morning senior program founded by Joyce Davidson and offered by Grace Community Services in Jersey City on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. Joyce Davidson, who founded the program, is turning 80 this month and in her honor, GCS is throwing a celebration on Oct. 21 at Grace Church. In lieu of presents, donations are being welcomed for the GCS foundation with a goal of raising $30,000. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

A Zumba class during the morning senior program at Grace Church Van Vorst. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Jerry Walker, founder and CEO, speaks at Team Walker

JERSEY CITY, N.J., OCT. 7, 2016 — Jerry Walker, founder and CEO, spoke at Team Walker’s annual fundraising gala, Evening of Dreams, at Liberty House Restaurant. The organization was marking its 20th year of helping the inner-city youth of Jersey City by providing them with a safe haven for after school and summer programs, tutoring sessions, and opportunities for community outreach. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

North Bergen

NORTH BERGEN, N.J., OCT. 7, 2016 — North Bergen’s Yousef Alawie stiff-armed Clifton’s Joe Santillo as he carried the ball to the end zone during the football game at Bruins Stadium. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Eric Silverman, who has led the vision for this project, in one of the open workspaces at &co, SILVERMAN

JERSEY CITY, N.J., OCT. 10, 2016 — Eric Silverman, who has led the vision for this project, sat at one of the open work spaces at &co, SILVERMAN’s new 20,000-square-foot cultural and co-work space in the Charles & Co. building on Grove Street. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Bayonne

UNION CITY, N.J., OCT. 12, 2016 — Bayonne’s Niaimani Marshall (14) and Union City’s Antonella Fernandini (10) jumped up for a header during the first half of the Hudson County Tournament quarterfinals at Ahern Veterans Stadium. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

The Jersey City Cross Country Championship took place at Lincoln Park on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., OCT. 13, 2016 — McNair and St. Peter’s Prep runners collapsed to the ground to catch their breaths after finishing the varsity boys race during the Jersey City Cross Country Championship at Lincoln Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

St. Dominic girls varsity runners celebrate at the finish line during the Jersey City Cross Country Championship at Lincoln Park on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

St. Dominic girls varsity runners celebrated at the finish line during the Jersey City Cross Country Championship at JERSEYLincoln Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

More than 100 police officers, firefighters, and EMTs surprised 9-year-old Parth Patel, who is diagnosed with cancer, with a hero-themed parade from his house on Nelson Street to School 27 on North Street in Jersey City on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, followed by a pizza party in the auditorium. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., OCT. 19 2016 — More than 100 police officers, firefighters, and EMTs surprised 9-year-old Parth Patel, who was diagnosed with cancer, with a hero-themed parade from his house on Nelson Street to School 27 on North Street followed by a pizza party in the auditorium. He passed away just two days later on Oct. 22. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

More than 100 police officers, firefighters, and EMTs surprised 9-year-old Parth Patel, who is diagnosed with cancer, with a hero-themed parade from his house on Nelson Street to School 27 on North Street in Jersey City on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, followed by a pizza party in the auditorium. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

More than 100 police officers, firefighters, and EMTs surprised 9-year-old Parth Patel, who is diagnosed with cancer, with a hero-themed parade from his house on Nelson Street to School 27 on North Street in Jersey City on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, followed by a pizza party in the auditorium. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

More than 100 police officers, firefighters, and EMTs surprised 9-year-old Parth Patel, who is diagnosed with cancer, with a hero-themed parade from his house on Nelson Street to School 27 on North Street in Jersey City on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, followed by a pizza party in the auditorium. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

More than 100 police officers, firefighters, and EMTs surprised 9-year-old Parth Patel, who is diagnosed with cancer, with a hero-themed parade from his house on Nelson Street to School 27 on North Street in Jersey City on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, followed by a pizza party in the auditorium. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

George

JERSEY CITY, N.J., OCT. 19, 2016 — A memorial service was held for George Gonzalez at Enos Jones Park where a prayer was led by Rev. Thomas Quinn of St. Michael Church and a monetary donation of $1,100 was presented to his family by Jersey City Recreation Director Kevin Williamson in behalf of the Jersey City Recreation Franco Field Flag Football League. Gonzalez, 11, was fatally struck by a jitney bus at the intersection of Kennedy Boulevard and Neptune Avenue on Oct. 14. Here, George’s mother, Judy Gonzalez, was comforted by her sister, Melissa, surrounded by his flag football teammates. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Mourners gathered at St. Joseph Parish on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, to say goodbye to Bill Gaughan, the longtime Jersey City Height councilman who died Tuesday after a bout with lung cancer. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journall

JERSEY CITY, N.J. OCT. 21, 2016 — Mourners, including Hudson County Executive Thomas DeGise, right, gathered at St. Joseph Parish to say goodbye to Bill Gaughan, the longtime Jersey City Heights councilman who died after a bout with lung cancer. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Boys compete in the north Hudson cross country championship at Stephen R. Gregg Park in Bayonne on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

BAYONNE, N.J, OCT. 21, 2016 — Boys competed in the north Hudson cross country championship at Stephen R. Gregg Park. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Saddle Brook

SECAUCUS, N.J., OCT. 21, 2016 — Saddle Brook’s Andrew Lorenzo stopped Secaucus’ Jaden Gonzalez from running with the ball that he picked up after an incomplete pass. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Secaucus defeats Bayonne, 17-25, 25-19, 25-12, during the Hudson County Tournament semifinals in Bayonne on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016. Pictured is Secaucus

BAYONNE, N.J., OCT. 27, 2016 —  Secaucus’ Alex Ianuale dove for the ball during the Hudson County Tournament semifinals. Secaucus defeated Bayonne, 17-25, 25-19, 25-12. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Secaucus boys soccer hosts Ridgefield in the NJSIAA North 2, Group 1 quarterfinals on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. Ridgefield won, 4-2. Pictured are Ridgefield

SECAUCUS, N.J., NOV. 3, 2016 — Ridgefield’s Dimitri Mataras (14) and Secaucus’ Brian O’Connell (23) head the ball during the NJSIAA North 2, Group 1 quarterfinals. Ridgefield won, 4-2. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

A man looks out one of the windows of the Cast Iron Lofts luxury apartment building in downtown Jersey City where a 180-foot tall mural depicting pop icon David Bowie has been painted on the building

JERSEY CITY, N.J., NOV. 4, 2016 — A man looked out one of the windows of the Cast Iron Lofts luxury apartment building where a 180-foot-tall mural depicting pop icon David Bowie, who passed away in January, had been painted on the building’s facade by internationally-renowned Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Hudson Catholic girls volleyball defeats Dwight-Englewood, 25-17, 25-13, in the NJSIAA Non-Public quarterfinals in Jersey City on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016. Here, Hudson Catholic

JERSEY CITY, N.J., NOV. 8, 2016 — Hudson Catholic’s Alanis Alvarado (8) celebrated scoring point against Dwight-Englewood during the NJSIAA Non-Public quarterfinals. Hudson Catholic won, 25-17, 25-13. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Joural)

Harrison defeats Dover on penalty kicks, 4-3, in the NJSIAA North 2, Group 2 championship in Harrison on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

HARRISON, N.J., NOV. 10, 2016 — A Harrison player kicked around a Dover player during NJSIAA North 2, Group 2 championship. Harrison won in penalty kicks, 4-3. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Harrison defeats Dover on penalty kicks, 4-3, in the NJSIAA North 2, Group 2 championship in Harrison on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Harrison celebrated a goal during the the NJSIAA North 2, Group 2 championship against Dover. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Hudson Catholic girls volleyball defeats Union Catholic, 20-25, 25-17, 25-18, in the NJSIAA Non-Public championship in Jersey City on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., NOV. 10, 2016 — Hudson Catholic girls volleyball defeated Union Catholic, 20-25, 25-17, 25-18, in the NJSIAA Non-Public championship. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Hudson Catholic girls volleyball defeats Union Catholic, 20-25, 25-17, 25-18, in the NJSIAA Non-Public championship in Jersey City on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

St. Peter

JERSEY CITY, N.J., NOV. 11, 2016 — St. Peter’s Zamir Mickens made a dive for the end zone during the first quarter of the sectional football opener against Delbarton at Cochrane Field. St. Peter’s Prep won, 34-13. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Dozens of NJCU students and faculty members walk out of their classes at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, to call for a "sanctuary campus." Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., NOV. 16, 2016 — Dozens of NJCU students and faculty members walked out of their classes to call for a “sanctuary campus.” (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Tyreek McCord

JERSEY CITY, N.J., NOV. 21, 2016 — Tyreek McCord’s family, along with his three young children and led by his mother, Annie (in red), marked the anniversary of his death by walking from his home on Yale Avenue to the IHOP Restaurant on Route 440 where he was fatally shot in the parking lot. They lit candles, prayed and released balloons in his memory and also voiced their dismay and frustration that a year later, no murder charges have been filed against the suspects arrested in the case. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Tyreek McCord

Annie McCord consoled her granddaughter, Tyasia, 9. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Television personality Wendy Williams and the Hunter Foundation hold a holiday dinner for local families at the Currie Woods Community Center in Jersey City on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016. Marco Glorious with "The Wendy Williams Show" emceed the party. Students from Educate the Block at NJCU prepared and served the food, ten-year-old twin sister DJs Amira and Kayla provided the music, and Santa Claus, Mayor Steve Fulop and Freeholder Bill O

JERSEY CITY, N.J., DEC. 14, 2016 — Television personality Wendy Williams and the Hunter Foundation hosted a holiday dinner for local families at the Currie Woods Community Center. Marco Glorious with “The Wendy Williams Show” emceed the party. Students from Educate the Block at NJCU prepared and served the food, ten-year-old twin sister DJs Amira and Kayla provided the music, and Santa Claus, Mayor Steve Fulop and Freeholder Bill O’Dea helped spread holiday cheer. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Television personality Wendy Williams and the Hunter Foundation hold a holiday dinner for local families at the Currie Woods Community Center in Jersey City on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016. Marco Glorious with "The Wendy Williams Show" emceed the party. Students from Educate the Block at NJCU prepared and served the food, ten-year-old twin sister DJs Amira and Kayla provided the music, and Santa Claus, Mayor Steve Fulop and Freeholder Bill O

Television personality Wendy Williams and the Hunter Foundation hold a holiday dinner for local families at the Currie Woods Community Center in Jersey City on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016. Marco Glorious with "The Wendy Williams Show" emceed the party. Students from Educate the Block at NJCU prepared and served the food, ten-year-old twin sister DJs Amira and Kayla provided the music, and Santa Claus, Mayor Steve Fulop and Freeholder Bill O

Kearny boys basketball hosts North Bergen in the first game of the season on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016. North Bergen won, 71-57. Pictured is North Bergen

KEARNY, N.J., DEC. 16, 2016 –North Bergen’s Kayton Darley (23) dunked the ball during the first game of the season against Kearny. North Bergen won, 71-57. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Construction of the new Route 7 Wittpenn Bridge located in Jersey City and Kearny, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016. The old bridge is at right. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

JERSEY CITY, N.J., DEC. 20, 2016 — Construction of the new Route 7 Wittpenn Bridge located in Jersey City and Kearny. The old bridge is at right. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Mayor Dawn Zimmer and other dignitaries host an opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, for the Harlow Winter Village, an outdoor skating rink located under the 14th Street Viaduct between Grand and Adams streets in Hoboken that will be open through Feb. 28, 2017. The rink is supported by sponsorship from Advance Realty — developer of the recently opened Harlow Hoboken luxury apartment building at 1330 Willow Ave. The 3,100 square-foot rink uses synthetic ice which is designed for skating using regular metal-blade ice skates. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

HOBOKEN, N.J., DEC. 22, 2016 — A young girl laced up her skates as she prepared to try out the new skating rink at the Harlow Winter Village located under the 14th Street Viaduct between Grand and Adams streets. The 3,100 square-foot rink uses synthetic ice which is designed for skating using regular metal-blade ice skates. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Weehawken hosts Secaucus during the Indian Classic Christmas Tournament boys basketball game on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016. Secaucus won, 45-31. Pictured are Weehawken

WEEHAWKEN, N.J., DEC. 27, 2016 — Weehawken’s Alessandro Romano (34) and Secaucus’ Abu Ahmed chased after a loose ball during the Indian Classic Christmas Tournament boys basketball game. Secaucus won, 45-31. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

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