We all know that one bad kid makes more noise and sometimes news than a dozen good ones. One of the biggest complaints you hear from educators today is more time and energy is spent on those who cause trouble then the gifted, talented and those who are an asset to a school. Anyway for those who wonder where the good kids are I met three of them last night at the Toms River Student Loan Fund’s Annual Recognition Cocktail Reception at the Quality Inn of Toms River. The event had two purposes….to salute individuals while also raising money for the 73-year old organization which helps graduates of the Toms River School District with low-interest loans for college and graduate school.
One of the highlights of the evening was hearing about and then listening to a senior from each of the three high schools. Amar Shah from East, North’s Max Betten & South’s Anna DeBlasio left many of us shaking our heads in amazement over their accomplishments and goals. They truly represented the “best of the best” and all had a common theme and that was their success is largely due to the education they have received and the teachers who have influenced them. That takes me to another part of last night’s event which was to honor and salute the 20 current “Teachers of the Year” in the school district. Many of them were on hand to receive proclamations from the Township of Toms River as well as the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Presentations were made by Toms River Education Association president Kathy Egan and Toms River committee members Maria Maruca & George Whittman.
The evening’s other honoree was longtime Toms River resident Joseph Placente, who was saluted for his contributions to his town, state and country. A lifetime member of Toms River Fire Company #2, the 78-year old is best known for carrying the American flag while running in races and even along local roads.
“Joe the Barber” was truly deserving of last night’s honor with family and friends on hand to share the night with him Special thanks to the sponsors who supported last night’s fundraiser for the Toms River Student Loan Fund, including The Office Restaurant and Lounge of Toms River, Connor Strong Buckelew, the law firm of Kelaher, Garvey, Ballou, Van Dyke and Rogalski and Dave Wintrode of the Causeway Family of Dealerships.
A quick programming tonight….the Shore Sports Network’s “Friday Night Football” game will find Toms River North visiting Southern Regional with kickoff at 7pm. The game can be heard on 105.7FM and 1310AM.
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