Princeton Feel Good Stories From 2025 That Will Make You Smile

PRINCETON, NJ — The news isn't always bad — far from it. In the Princeton area, students received scholarships, a retired police chief was honored, and a Princeton scholar was freed by Iraqi Militia.

As we look back on the year, here are some of the stories in the Princeton area that made us smile.

9 Princeton Students Receive $55,500 In Housing Scholarships During Community Celebration

Nine students from Princeton Community Housing (PCH) were honored at a scholarship celebration on Aug. 13, receiving a combined $55,500 in awards from the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) and the New Jersey Affordable Housing Management Association (JAHMA).

Kidnapped Princeton Scholar Freed By Iraqi Militia After 2 Years

Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian PhD student at Princeton University who was kidnapped by Iraqi militia, has been released.

Cedar Hill Prep Halloween Costume Drive Delivers 180 Costumes to Pine Grove Manor School

Cedar Hill Prep, a preschool through eighth grade International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate school in Somerset, New Jersey, successfully completed its Halloween Costume Drive. Student leaders collected and delivered 180 costumes to Pine Grove Manor School (PGM), marking the start of a year-long community partnership.

Princeton’s Mark Eastburn Reaches Quarterfinals For America’s Favorite Teacher Contest

Princeton School District’s very own Mark Eastburn is in the running to become America's next favorite teacher.

Eastburn is a teacher in the school district’s well-known Research Program. Over the years, he has guided his students to winning several STEM competitions.

Excellence En Français: Princeton Students Wins Coveted Language Award

Two Princeton High School students recently received the 2025 AATF Excellence in French Award. The award is given out by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF)

Homestead Princeton Claims Exclusive Spot On America's Top 100 Small Businesses List

Homestead Princeton has earned a prestigious national honor, becoming the sole New Jersey business selected for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 2025 CO—100: America's Top 100 Small Businesses list.

Princeton Honors Retired Police Chief After 28 Years Of Service In Law Enforcement

The Municipality of Princeton has recognized retired Police Chief Christopher Tash for his decades of dedicated public service as he retired after 28 years in law enforcement, including 26 years with the Princeton Police Department.

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