BERKELEY – A number of students and local residents were commended at a recent meeting of the Central Regional Board of Education.
The Berkeley Township EMS and the Bayville EMS were thanked for their assistance during the high school graduation.
“Despite the dangerously high temperatures and public concerns surrounding the Class of 2025 Graduation at Central Regional High School, the event went off without a hitch. The collaborative efforts from our surrounding communities and EMS Services provided a peace of mind for our Central families to enjoy graduation,” Superintendent Dr. Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder said.
Two Eagle Scouts were honored during the meeting. A Boy Scout reaches Eagle after spearheading a project to benefit their community.
Liam Kohute organized a soccer clinic, collecting more than 550 pieces of sports equipment, valued at more than $8,700, for children and communities in need.
“This accomplishment reflects his years of dedication, leadership, and service, alongside his outstanding academic and athletic achievements as a high honors student, multi-sport athlete, and member of the National Junior Honor Society at Central Regional Middle School. Liam will continue his journey of excellence in the Humanities Academy at Central Regional High School,” CarneyRay-Yoder said.
Gavin Douglas Ellington built ten screech owl boxes for county parks.
“This project required him to use many of the skills he had learned as a Scout. He used his communication skills to present his plan to the county officials and donors who help him with the cost. His leadership skills helped him organize the construction of these boxes and the placement of them within the different parks. His personal management badge helped him produce a budget for the project and manage the money,” CarneyRay-Yoder said.
Every school board member has a student representative – a senior that sits on the board for a year and updates board members on what’s going on from a student perspective. This year, that student is Emma Lishman.
She is a member of various honor societies and was sworn in as a student member of the board.
Speaking of societies of honor, both schools were recognized by the Jostens Renaissance program.
The framework of Jostens Renaissance is “Identify the values that you respect and then recognize and reward actions you want to see. reinforce your values through traditions and words, while looking for ways to create strong relationships. All of this drives results.”
Last year, Central hosted about 30 schools throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. CarneyRay-Yoder is the Renaissance “Champion” for the North-Atlantic Region which includes New Jersey. She said she wanted to host other districts to show “how wonderful our school is.”
The High School and Middle School both achieved Gold Level Distinction. CarneyRay-Yoder said next year’s goal will be platinum.
Middle School Principal Joseph Firetto said “We couldn’t have done it without our phenomenal staff and parents.”
Last but not least, there was a check donation to the Pinewald Fire Department.
