HS students lobby to get New Jersey a state song

TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- Wearing distinctive red T-shirts they designed themselves, a group of sophomores from Delran High School arrived in Trenton to lobby for the adoption of a state song.

"Tennessee I know has 11 state songs and we are the only state that doesn't have one which is, it's just not right," said Brielle DosSantos.

"I think that we should have a state song because I think that it's important and it will be something good for New Jersey," said Angela Verratti.

New Jersey has been squabbling over a state song for decades. You'd think the home of Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen would have one but alas they don't.

The Delran students are lobbying for a tune called "I'm from New Jersey" written by a man named Red Mascara.

"The dude is 92 years old. He's been trying this for 50 years, that's older than I am and it's such a great effort," said Lucca Lima.

Red Mascara has been roaming the halls of the state house for decades trying to convince lawmakers to adopt his tune as the state song.

He succeeded back in the 70s and 80s. Lawmakers approved the song several times, but it was never signed into law.

That is exactly why the Delran high schoolers have come armed with petitions lobbying for passage of yet another bill naming Mascara's the official state song and they are hoping that Governor Christie will sign it.

"Very concrete example of government in action and it was a fantastic learning experience that they understood that the action that they took had positive and tremendous results," said Laura Schreiner, teacher.

There are other songs under consideration too, but whatever happens Red Mascara puts it best: "Jersey's going to do alright."