02/25/2026
Congratulations, Owen! 🎉
We are so proud to see Owen Cooper recognized as Hackettstown High School’s 2026 Warren County Unsung Hero — and we couldn’t agree more with this well-deserved honor.
We’ve had the pleasure of knowing Owen since he was 8 years old. Over the years at Strand Studios, he has studied piano, cello, trombone, and even conducting with us. Even as a young student, Owen would arrive dressed to impress and fully prepared — a true sign of the dedication and leadership that continue to define him today.
In recent years, it has been especially rewarding to work alongside Owen as he has stepped into conducting roles with our ensembles and choirs. Watching his musicianship, confidence, and leadership grow has been nothing short of inspiring. It was truly an honor to write recommendation letters for him and to be part of his musical journey.
Hackettstown is lucky to have him, and we cannot wait to see all the incredible things ahead.
Congratulations, Owen! Owen Cooper is Hackettstown High School’s 2026 Warren County Unsung Hero.
From Principal Sosnovik: As I told Owen when I met with him to share my recommendation for his nomination, I love students who set themselves apart. Students who lead. Students who don’t take the easy road. Students who accept challenges and continually strive to improve themselves. To me, that is what this award is all about, and that is exactly who Owen is. I close my eyes and can still see Owen as the only incoming 9th grader to come up to me at freshman orientation and shake my hand. I still see Owen walking around the building in ninth and tenth grades in a shirt and tie because leaders dress to impress. I have watched him get involved in all our performing arts and seen him perform onstage at many concerts. I have seen him start a Jazz Cafe with his peers through Tri-M Honor Society. I have also seen him put himself out there and, for the first time in his life, deliver a stellar onstage performance in our fall production. On top of that, he has volunteered as a team manager or stat book assistant in several sports. Academically, this year I spoke to him about stepping outside his comfort zone and taking an upper-level math course that was a stretch for him. He didn’t have to do it, but he did so because of the type of person he is. For an award that asks the nominator to identify a student who overcomes adversity, demonstrates exemplary citizenship, and is a quiet contributor to the overall school community, for the 2026 class of Hackettstown High School, there is no better fit than Owen Cooper.
📸Photo courtesy of
