Throughout the course of this past December, residents along the East Coast and students here at Edison High School, New Jersey, saw little-car-sized, unidentified, flying “drones.” Seen over President Donald Trump’s National Golf Club at Bedminster, resident neighborhoods, and Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and manufacturing facility, locals around the state questioned the government’s response. This would eventually prompt a nationwide debate over the government’s transparency, a letter to Joe Biden from Phil Murphy, and calls for a federal investigation. These sightings have led to many discussions around Edison High, with many having certain theories and opinions concerning these unidentified objects.
Drone Sightings Across New Jersey
The sightings of these unidentified “drones” began around mid-November 2024 in Morris County, New Jersey. The observances of these drones quickly began to ramp up in December across many East Coast states, leading federal officials to speak up to the public about them. Reports and videos of these drones across social media platforms, primarily X and Instagram, have also shown that these drones can often seem to be in clusters and as if they are acting in sync.
Concerns Over Drones
County mayors across New Jersey have also voiced that there is no clear explanation for these “drones.” As reported by CNN, Mayor Michael Melham of Belleville, New Jersey said, “We just don’t know what these things are, so we are being cautious.” As Melham explained, suspicions and concerns remain about these “drones,” as officials simply have no reasoning or assurance to offer regarding whether or not these flying devices stand as threats. These “drones” have also invaded restricted areas such as the U.S. Army’s Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, which has only added to concerns about the possible motives of these “drones.”
“I personally think it’s the JP Stevens students, working on the capstone projects”, theorized Akshat Dubey ‘27.
His theory reflects a shared common opinion among the students of Edison High: that the drone sightings have been over-exaggerated, and really do not pose any credible threat to New Jersey residents.
“I didn’t actually see one of the drones myself, but my friend sent me a video that they took of what seemed to be a drone flying practically above their house,” said Nakul Narayanan ‘25, echoing Dubey’s perspective. “Though, it didn’t quite seem as big as people were describing them on social media.”
Furthermore, his statement reflects the divide seen between people who believe that drones do and between those who believe that they do not pose an actual threat. This divide is evident, showcasing the confusion not only within our local community but across residents of the Garden State.
This opinion of the countless drone sightings being overhyped is popular among students, with another statement by Nidhi Mudholker ‘25: “I personally don’t think appearances are a big deal, people have just been exaggerating them. I saw a couple of drones in the daytime around December, but they didn’t really worry me or bring me to question them.”
Furthermore, Edison High track coach and computer science teacher, Mr. John Krajunus expressed: “I live a mile away from the beach, and I’ve seen a lot of drones above the waters though not quite recently but about a month ago. I remember during one track practice, we saw about a dozen of them not too high up, almost like they were patrolling.”
However, as these sightings continue still continue with most of us confused about their origin, purpose, and even their identity. With no government response or a direct statement on the situation, New Jersey residents remain bewildered about these continuous sightings.
“I was walking home after getting food with a couple of friends, and then we saw something flying a couple hundred feet up in the air, with very bright lights. It was definitely bigger than the size of a drone, I honestly don’t quite know what it was,” explained Jonathan Putong ‘26, regarding his experience with seeing one of these unidentified flying objects.
Ms. Elizabeth Fedowitz, one of many spanish teachers at the school, revealed: “I remember driving home from my mothers house on the parkway, and I saw so many, they were all over, they were so low, but then they stopped”.
“It had to be more than a dozen, and we hadn’t seen any up to that point”, she added.
His puzzlement in not even knowing what was flying in the air is reminiscent of not only other students of Edison High but also the state.“I honestly don’t quite know what it was,” he continued.
One student expressed that the situation had simply been blown out of proportion.“I was genuinely concerned at first because of all the media reports and videos,” stated Abhay Navale ‘27. “But I’ve realized that the media is just trying to overhype the situation and make it something it isn’t.”
These state-wide drone sightings, seen consistently and continuously throughout the Garden State have brought mixed opinions from students of Edison High. Some believe that the sightings are an overstatement, and are “hyped” through social media, with the incidents actually not posing a significant threat. However, these sightings continue to leave students puzzled. Furthermore, theories have started to take shape over the sightings, some believing government involvement and others believing they are nothing more than student projects. As these sightings continue, Edison High brings forward many opinions on the ongoing incidents, closely aligning with the opinions of many residents across the state. Such a blend showcases the diverse opinions on this phenomenon, ranging from genuine intrigue about the sightings to casual indifference.
Verdict on Drone Sightings
Drone sightings are starting to ramp up once again, placing New Jersey at the center of activity for these flying objects. The ban that was issued on the flying of drones greatly lessened the number of sightings. However, occurrences have continued with as many as 36 sightings alone in the first week of January. President Trump recently claimed that he will work to help find the truth about drones, saying, “I would like to find out what it is and tell the people…Why don’t we find out immediately?”
Residents across the East Coast, including staff and students from Edison High, now await further actions to address these strange sightings.
