About Assistant Principals
Grade 9 - Jeffrey SotoMr. Soto grew up in Ewing, NJ, and is a graduate of Ewing High School. He was pleased to give back to this community after receiving his Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Education from Rowan University by teaching in the same district he was taught in. Mr. Soto has taught in multiple schools for the past ten years, including the Y.A.L.E. School in Ellisburg, Somerville Middle School, Ewing High School, and Fisher Middle School in Ewing, NJ.
It was his time in the Ewing school district, leading multiple initiatives, extracurricular activities, and coaching sports, that led to Mr. Soto seeking a career in Educational Leadership. He coached the boys’ soccer team at Ewing High School and Fisher Middle School. He was an advisor of the Student Council, Video Announcement Club, Project Unify, Special Olympics, and the PBIS School Climate team. Taking on a leadership role propelled him into his true calling to make a positive impact beyond the classroom.
As he transitions into the role of Assistant Principal, he is eager to bring his enthusiasm, care, and commitment to the broader Hightstown school community. He firmly believes that a school’s success is built on the foundation of collaboration, communication, and support among students, staff, parents, and the community at large. 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. 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 10 - 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 11 - 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!"
Grade 12 - John PerilloMr. Perillo grew up in Hamilton Township, NJ, and was heavily involved in music and sports. An all-state musician, Mr. Perillo attended Trenton State College where he majored in Music Education with a primary focus on Saxophone. Upon graduating, Mr. Perillo spent 5 years in the Everett, MA school system as a K-5 Music teacher. His career continued in South Brunswick, where Mr. Perillo spent 14 years in Crossroads Middle School as an instrumental music teacher.
Mr. Perillo completed his Master's Degree in Educational Instruction from TCNJ and went on to complete his administrative coursework at Caldwell University. As an administrator, Mr. Perillo was the Fine and Performing Arts Supervisor for Hamilton Township Schools and the East Brunswick School District before coming to Hightstown High School.
Mr. Perillo spends most of his time outside of school driving to and from soccer practices for his son, and drama and dance rehearsals for his daughter. He and his wife also have 2 dogs, Daisy and Fluffy.