About Assistant Principals
Interim Grade 9 - Michael Zapicchi
Mr. Soto grew up in Ewing, NJ, and is a graduate of Ewing High School. After receiving his Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Education from Rowan University, he was pleased to give back to his hometown community by teaching in the same district where he was once a student. Over the past ten years, Mr. Soto has taught in various schools, including the Y.A.L.E. School in Ellisburg, Somerville Middle School, Ewing High School, and Fisher Middle School in Ewing, NJ.
During his time in the Ewing school district, Mr. Soto led multiple initiatives, extracurricular activities, and coached sports, which inspired him to pursue a career in Educational Leadership. He coached the boys’ soccer team at both Ewing High School and Fisher Middle School and served as an advisor for the Student Council, Video Announcement Club, Project Unify, Special Olympics, and the PBIS School Climate team. These leadership roles ignited his passion for making a positive impact beyond the classroom.
As Assistant Principal, Mr. Soto brings enthusiasm, care, and commitment to the broader Hightstown and East Windsor school community. He firmly believes that a school’s success is built on collaboration, communication, and support among students, staff, parents, and the wider community. With a genuine passion for education, he is dedicated to ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. He is passionate about helping students grow and develop and looks forward to continuing this journey with them, recognizing and celebrating the rich diversity within the student body. Mr. Soto is committed to fostering an environment where inclusivity is woven into all facets of students' lives, ensuring every student feels valued, respected, and supported. Mr. Soto is grateful and honored to have the incredible opportunity to serve the Hightstown community and make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
Grade 111 - Jennifer RiggiMrs. Riggi grew up in Freehold, New Jersey, and is a graduate of Freehold Township High School. She attended William Paterson University and received a B.A. in English & Education. She was a teacher in the Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District for several years and obtained her M.A. in Educational Leadership from Georgian Court University. Mrs. Riggi then moved on to become a Curriculum Supervisor as a shared service provider for the South Bound Brook & Somerville Public School Districts, as well as the Supervisor of Student Affairs and Instruction at Somerville High School. She has also served as the Assistant Principal at Holmdel High School.
Grade 12 - Rosetta BrownFor the past twenty years, Mrs. Brown has dedicated her life and service to the field of education. Before becoming the tenth-grade Assistant Principal, she served as a school counselor for thirteen years at Hightstown High School. During her tenure at Hightstown High School as a school counselor, Mrs. Brown aimed to make decisions in the best interest of all school members. She worked closely with the administrative team as an advocate for students and additional staff support as a union leader. Now she is elated to join the ranks of the dedicated high school administrative team, working with students while supporting the teachers, counselors, CST members, nurses, and support staff.
Mrs. Brown is a wife and mother of three children, who are a source of motivation. She has a Bachelor's degree from Bennett College, a Master's Degree from North Carolina A&T State University, and a Principal Certification from The College of New Jersey. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Walden University.
She recognizes that education is a life-long process and is committed to putting students first, keeping them at the center of all school-related decisions. She encourages all members of the Hightstown family to become involved to bridge the divide and contribute to the success of their students.
Mrs. Brown is honored and privileged to have been allowed to continue her career at Hightstown High School. She looks forward to working with everyone and reminds them that, although she is now an Assistant Principal, she will always remain "of the people, for the people!"