Pajama's for Philip at Oradell Public School

Just before students and faculty took off for winter break, held a Pajama Day to raise funds in memory of Philip Begonja, an 18-year-old Oradell resident and alumni of and that died on Christmas. While donations still continue to come in, the district has already collected over $2,000.

"It's pretty impressive," OPS teacher Sharon McGill said. "Teachers, OPS staff members, students, and parents all contributed generously."

To participate in Pajama Day, students and faculty members paid a small "fee" ranging from 50 cents for kindergarten to third grade, $1 for grades four through six and $2 per adult to show up to school in their pj's.

Since Philip's death in December, his family created the Philip Begonja Memorial Foundation as a way to award educational grants and scholarships to deserving young people requiring financial assistance; award grants to educational institutions; and award grants for the improvement of public parks.

Begonja was a 2011 graduate of and attending Bergen Community College prior to his death. He is survived by his parents Lucija and Antonio and brother Marko, grandparents Marija and Nediljko Kolanovic and Ana and Ante Begonja.