December 29, 2025: Gene Hughes, Class 1971

Meet Gene Hughes, PJHS class of 1971. Gene is a long-time PJ Firefighter and retired Lieutenant for the NYS Dept. of Corrections. This December, in collaboration with PJ Easter Seals & Project Discovery, Gene led a toy drive for local PJ kids and families in need for the holidays. He heard that a local toy drive was canceled, so he stepped up and started his own. He matched donations and generously gave so much to so many. Thank you, Gene, the PJ PD, and many other volunteers who helped with this act of kindness.