Summit Year in Review: The Year In Videos

Jan. 20:  

Some know her as Ms. Benet, Spanish teachers. Others know her as Ms. Benet, translator. But most know her as Celine Benet: the icon of the Latino community in Summit.

"To those who gifts are given, it is our duty to basically make sure that we use them to the best of our ability and give back based on those gifts," she said. "My gift is i'm bi-culturally and bi-lingual and I can bridge gaps for people."

Feb. 23:

Oratory Preparatory School beat Morris Catholic in basketball 59-58 on Senior Night Wednesday with a buzzer-beating jump shot by Matt Billups of Watchung as time expires.

March 7: 

More than 30 local firefighters and police officers were among the thousands of unionized servicemen and woman rallied at the statehouse Thursday against layoffs and Gov. Chris Christie's plan to have them contribute more to health and pension plans.

May 2:  

For one widow, the news of bin Laden's death is difficult to verbalize. She must though, she says, for her kids who were bound to find out at school. But she, who asked to remain anonymous, said she never put much stock in the Al Qaeda terrorist. "The hype brings back all the trauma," she said. "But it doesn't change anything. It doesn't bring my husband back."

May 21: 

Styles of soft and wavy to up-do elegance seemed to be the hit looks this year. At Salon 44 Summit girls were primping for prom with the help of some stylists. The girls brought in photos of Megan Fox, Carrie Underwood and other stars to get that celebrity look-a-like style.

May 31: 

Summit celebrated Memorial Day with thoughts and remembrances of those men and women who served the country and continue to do so.

June 11:

Watch video highlights from the Tournament of Champions final at Rutgers. The Summit boys lacrosse team left it all out on the field Saturday against the Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers in the Tournament of Champions final. The Hilltoppers fell short of their third straight T of C victory, falling to the Panthers 6-5.

July 26:

Residents and mascots from organizations around the state joined together Monday to celebrate the birthday of Summit's most beloved mascot: Shark Diddy from the Family Aquatic Center.

Oct. 17: 

Summit held its first . Festitives included the  football game, boys & girls soccer games, a Summit High School open house & preformances by the students. 

“This terrific weekend could not have happened without the partnership of Summit High School’s administration and faculty,” said Peter Laughlin, organizer of the Hilltopper Alumni weekend committee.

Oct. 24:

The "free-cycle" event kicked off its first of three fall dates this weekend. The heavy-duty recycling that happens at the Summit Transfer Station had the added benefit this weekend of also being a place to pick up some great used books, or something as cool as an old pair of binoculars.

Nov. 18:

The storm that blanketed Summit with heavy wet snow and that toppled trees and cut power to thousands of homes left some memorable images.

Nov. 25:  

Shoppers Snap Up Overnight Deals During Black Friday. From Union to Watchung, shoppers in New Jersey took advantage of hundreds of dollars in savings on items from Target and Best Buy.

Dec. 2:  

John Liberato hasn't been Summit's head coach for too long, but his winning ways have already changed the way football is played here.

Dec. 3:  

When it comes to state tournament football there’s no shame in losing to good teams that have great players. The Hilltoppers had a terrific season but they had not come against a team as good as Madison and a player as talented as Justin Goodwin in some time.

Dec. 4:

Summit High School geared a special presentation toward Latino students who make up 14 percent of the student body. Latinos in Summit represent one of the largest ethnic populations according to recent Census numbers.

Dec. 5:

Residents flocked to Summit Downtown Inc’s annual Santa’s arrival and tree lighting ceremony.

Dec. 22:

The trail of a missing Summit man has been cold for nearly a month. Police say Ronaldo Blanco could be in rehab. Wharton police, who are investigating, say Ronaldo Blanco, who is undocumented, could be in a 30-day treatment program due to his drinking problems.