Benedict’s students participated in the Super Bowl hype on Jan.28 by attending a media reception hosted by Gibbons P.C. Law Firm. Student representatives from Christ The King Prep, the Wilson Avenue School of Performing Arts & Science marching band and St. Benedict’s entertained members of the press who stopped by.

“I want to showcase the best of Newark,”  Chairman and Managing Director of Gibbons P.C. Patrick Duncan said.

Journalists  from all over the country gathered at the event for some entertainment, breakfast or even just a cup of coffee at the Raymond Plaza West before descending on the Prudential Center for Media Day.

Benedict’s was chosen because the firm’s founder, John J. Gibbons ’42, and two partners, John T. Dolan ‘48 Director, Gibbons Business and Commercial Litigation Department, and David De Lorenzi ‘82 Chair, Gibbons Intellectual Property Department (IP), are all Benedict’s alumni.

The Benedict’s choir and newly formed A Capella group teamed up for two days of practice and performed six songs including Benedict’s “Alma Mater,” “We’ve Come This Far By Faith, “ “Beautiful December” and “We Rise Again.” The  A Capella group performed “Stand By Me,” lead by soloist freshman Christian Edwards and “Chasing After You” by Vashawn Mitchell accompanied on keyboard by senior Darian Toms.

“Overall, it was a positive experience that can only lead to good things for both groups,” music director Jeremy Fletcher Ph.D. said.

However, the entertainment did not end with Benedict’s. A DJ and four Gibbons cheerleaders kept the event lively as did Howard Cross, a former New York Giants member who played the most games with the Giants than any other player.

The event ended with people satisfied by the sweet serenades and rejuvenated by the food and drinks. The Benedict’s students left with Gibbons hats filled with goodies and smiles on their faces.

“Great day for Newark,” Mr Duncan said.