Deonna Purrazzo Raises Awareness and Funds for New Jersey Schools

Deonna Purrazzo, the Ring of Honor women’s pure champion, will soon make her way back to New Jersey. Her visit aims to fundraise for her former high school and bring attention to the financial challenges faced by schools in the state. The event, titled JTown SmackDown, is set to take place at Jefferson Township High School in Oak Ridge on Friday evening.

Collaborating with her husband, fellow wrestling star Steve Maclin, is just part of Purrazzo’s mission. She seeks to shed light on an important issue that she deeply cares about. “I’ve worked with the athletic director, Bill Koch, for the past few months, since earlier this year, focusing on the Highlands Impact Aid Now rally at Jefferson,” Purrazzo told OutKick Dropkick. “We’re highlighting problems with New Jersey’s S-2 funding formula, which isn’t fair to the students of the Highlands and the Pinelands.”

Purrazzo, a former Jefferson High School cheerleader turned pro wrestler, recently emphasized the funding issues during a rally at the school. The district faces a $4.8 million deficit, attributed by school officials to the state’s funding formula and development restrictions in the Highlands Region.

The S-2 funding formula introduced with the 2008 School Funding Reform Act revision was expected to address statewide funding gaps. However, according to Purrazzo and others, it has intensified issues for Jefferson Township. “A law was established in the Highlands about fifteen years ago, restricting land growth and tax base development,” Purrazzo explained. “Nearly 88% of Jefferson Township is protected, preventing new business establishments and housing developments. While safeguarding the environment is crucial, this limitation affects our students’ growth.”

As a result of these restrictions, taxes have risen, and school enrollment, which determines funding levels, has decreased because residents are moving out. Purrazzo noted, “Cities like Newark can build new infrastructure and hire staff, while Jefferson and neighboring towns struggle. Rethinking how the formula works is essential, especially where towns can’t boost enrollment.”

The New Jersey Education Association announced last month that it would work on revising the funding formula with a target implementation during the 2027-28 school year. Jefferson Township Superintendent Jeanne Howe warned that without financial improvement, the district might need to cut programs and increase class sizes.

Despite these challenges, Purrazzo remains hopeful. She recalled sharing her experiences at a rally in March. “I was overwhelmed with emotion when my entrance music played. Speaking about policies was out of my comfort zone, but it was a start. Organizing a wrestling show now feels encouraging.”

The JTown Smackdown will feature matches including Purrazzo and Maclin facing VSK and Emily Jaye. Other matches include Goldy vs. Griffin McCoy, Tiara James against Tina San Antonio, and Oxx Adams vs. Marcus Mathers.

Among the participants, Jaye stands out as a rising talent. Her performances in All Elite Wrestling and other promotions have garnered attention. As a mentor, Purrazzo offers consistent advice. “To Emily and all emerging female wrestlers, never quit on yourself. Even when others don’t see your potential, hold onto your vision.”

JTown Smackdown kicks off at 7 p.m. ET. Through this event, Purrazzo aims to bring more awareness and support to address school funding challenges in her community.