Princeton High School alumni, students, and staff were thrilled to hear of the recent release of Wall Street Journal reporter and PHS gradaute, Evan Gershkovich.

"We are relieved and delighted by the news that Evan Gershkovich has been released from a Russian prison as part of a prisoner exchange with the United States and other countries," said Acting Superintendent Dr. Kathie Foster.

"Our thoughts are with his family as they will soon be reunited with him after 15 months of wrongful detention. I know I speak for all Evan’s former teachers, his classmates, and the entire Princeton Public Schools community when I share our joy of his return home to the United States and his family," she said.

Wayne Sutcliffe, PHS teacher and soccer coach, shared his joy at hearing about Evan's release. While at PHS, Evan was co-captain of the boys soccer team.

Mr. Sutcliffe, the PHS boys soccer team, and the PHS graduates from the class of 2010, have been working to support Evan's family in their efforts to bring Evan home.

There will be a celebration on August 25, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM, at Conte's Pizza, organized by the PHS soccer team and the Wall Street Journal. It was originally planned as an awareness event and is open to members of the Princeton soccer community.

"We are thrilled to be able to change this event to a celebration of Evan's return," said Mr. Sutcliffe. Mr. Sutcliffe thanked Salvador Baldino, former boys soccer coaching staff member from 2004 to 2018. Mr. Baldino, whose family owns Conte's, graduated from Princeton High School in 2000.

Below: A banner has been prominently displayed in the PHS boys locker room supporting the release of Evan Gershkovich. The banner (created by Ryan Walsh, the current head coach of the PHS boys soccer team, and the PHS boys soccer Booster Club) was originally hung at the stadium turf during the 2023 season in support of Evan's release.

Below: The PHS Boys Soccer Team wearing "I Stand With Evan" shirts.