When Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School students returned this week, they found a refreshed courtyard with new outdoor seating thanks to a generous donation from local restaurant owners and SPFHS alumni Joe Mortarulo and John "Skip" Brandli. 

Following a series of World Cup watch parties hosted at Darby Road, their popular restaurant in Scotch Plains, Mortarulo and Brandli donated 40 picnic tables to the high school. The addition transforms the central courtyard into a flex space, giving SPFHS the capacity to seat roughly 240 students at a time. 

“We are deeply grateful to Mr. Mortarulo, Mr. Brandli, and everyone at Darby Road for this incredibly generous contribution to our school community,” said Principal Dr. Warren Hynes. “Our courtyard is a unique place, and these new tables give our students a wonderful outdoor space to eat lunch, socialize, and get fresh air during the day.” 

For Mortarulo and Brandli, who both graduated from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in 1988, giving back to the school that shaped them was a natural choice. Mortarulo recalled memories of spending time in the courtyard during his high school years for events like Battle of the Bands and always envisioned the space serving as an outdoor lunch spot.  

Now that SPFHS uses a single lunch period for the entire student body, the donation provided the exact setup needed to pilot an outdoor lunch program, while also creating a versatile outdoor space where faculty and staff can hold class sessions when weather permits. 

“I always loved that big courtyard in the middle of the school when I was growing up in town,” Mortarulo explained. “In today’s world, where people are so attached to screens, I really hope students take this opportunity to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and get a quick change of scenery during the school day.” 

The business partners' connection to the community spans decades. Mortarulo was a member of the high school’s first state championship soccer team in 1987 and later returned to coach soccer at SPFHS for 25 years before coaching at Rutgers University. Brandli, a former multi-sport high school athlete, went on to graduate from Northeastern University's business school. Mortarulo said that the dedication of the SPFHS teachers and administration during his teenage years played a crucial role in his future personal and career success. 

Mortarulo also noted that his connection to the high school remains personal today, as his daughter is currently a junior at SPFHS who will be able to enjoy the new outdoor courtyard alongside her classmates. 

"The support we received from this community when I was in school is something that never leaves you," Mortarulo said. "It's the reason my partner and I try to give back to Scotch Plains-Fanwood whenever we get the chance." 

As the new school year begins, the district looks forward to seeing students and staff take full advantage of the courtyard's new picnic tables and enjoy the outdoor space during the warmer months.