In a heartfelt homecoming, rock and roll legend Jon Bon Jovi returned to his alma mater, Sayreville War Memorial High School, to celebrate his induction into the SWMHS Hall of Fame and the grand opening of the newly renamed Jon Bon Jovi Performing Arts Center & Music Suite.
Jon Bon Jovi, born John Francis Bongiovi, Jr. on March 2, 1962, is a renowned singer and songwriter. He is best known as the founder and lead singer of the rock band Bon Jovi, which gained much popularity in the 80s with songs such as “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.” Bon Jovi has held over 2,700 concerts in over 50 countries and has received countless awards, including honorary degrees from Princeton University, Rutgers University, University of Pennsylvania, and Monmouth University.
The ceremony, held on Tuesday afternoon, was attended by students and staff eager to catch a glimpse of the famous Sayreville native. Bon Jovi, who graduated from the high school in 1980, expressed gratitude for the honor and reminisced about his early days in the halls of the school that helped shape his career.
Bon Jovi began his speech with the lighthearted remark, “I never met a microphone I didn’t like,” earning a laugh from those in attendance. He shared how his first ever performance – at a summer talent contest – was on the very stage that he was standing on today to accept his induction into the Hall of Fame, even going so far as to bring with him the second place trophy from that performance, which he’s kept all these years.
Inducted alongside Bon Jovi into the Hall of Fame was another Sayreville alumni, Dave “Snake” Sabo, guitarist for the heavy metal band Skid Row, and the original guitarist for Bon Jovi. Sabo shared his gratitude for both the high school and his lifelong friendship with Bon Jovi.
Both Bon Jovi and Sabo also reminisced about their former guitar teacher, Al Parinello. Parinello was an inspiration to both musicians, who credit much of their success to him, with Bon Jovi even calling Parinello his greatest mentor. The new recording studio at SWMHS has been dubbed AP ‘95, in honor of Parinello.
After the induction speeches, the art students who created a Jon Bon Jovi mural were recognized in a ribbon cutting ceremony. The mural will be featured in the hallway outside the music suite, along with other Bon Jovi photos and memorabilia, including a signed guitar.
Following the ribbon cutting, SWMHS principal Richard Gluchowski and Bon Jovi played “Picture This” in which photos were displayed on a screen and Bon Jovi told stories about his time in high school and his involvement in the marching band and theater, as well as his early career.
Selected students were then given the opportunity to ask Bon Jovi questions. During the Q&A, he spoke about the impact the art and music curriculum at SWMHS had on him and how it laid the foundation to his music career.
In his final remarks, Bon Jovi thanked the faculty and staff who made this ceremony possible and left the students with an inspiring message, telling them that, “Everyday is another opportunity to make a memory,” and to “Make me proud and go pursue your dreams.”
