Pine Barrens Tribune June 22, 2024-June 28, 2024

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Half-Dozen Traffic Circle Signs in Tabernacle Neighborhood, on Dead-End, Rural Street Bewilder, Frustrate Residents Several Locals Demand Immediate Removal of Signs They Say Signify City Environment

By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

THE ‘PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN’

‘I SEE A RESILIENT HUMAN SPIRIT’ SPIRIT’ Following the Election Loss of Two Tabernacle Committeemen Who Favored

ANDRazing ‘COMMITMENT TO EACH COMMUNITY ANDof ACHIEVEMENT’ Town Hall, Former MayorOTHER, Joe Barton, Outspoken Critic the Proposal,

Is Unanimously to Fill Committee and Years UponThrough His Nomination, Class of 2024, OneChosen That Persevered in Its EarlyVacancy, High School Pandemic, Calls for Community Healing, Re-examination of Town Hall Plan, Appearing Graduates from High School, Described by One Official as ‘Uniquely Resilient Class,’ to GarneratNewfound Support from Those‘Through Who Hadthe Suffered Resounding Defeat Having, Times, Experienced Education Most Unconventional Way’ Photo By Tom Valentino

Joseph Barton is chosen unanimously to fill the Tabernacle Committee seat vacated by Natalie Stone, with Barton choosing Committeeman Samuel “Sammy” Moore (right) to swear him in, part of a moveSEE toward PAGE healing the G1 community, despite having recently successfully challenged

Photos By Moore for a separate, full committee term in a GOP Primary.

John Dooley (Lenape), Skip Harris (Seneca), Andrew King (Cherokee), Craig Matthews (Pinelands), Tom Valentino (Shawnee) and Nick Weissmann (Pemberton)

PRINT ISSN | 2834-3611

ONLINE ISSN | 2834-362X

TABERNACLE—A remote, dead- end street in a heavily forested section of Tabernacle Township with three traffic circles that are the result of a trio of landscaping islands, intended to give 22 residences there a further picturesque, woodsy landscape while also serving to simply calm any traffic (and not provide for the merger of roads), has suddenly taken on a more suburban or urban appearance with the installation of a half dozen traffic circle warning signs to warn motorists of the three circles and tell them how to navigate them.

But a group of residents want the signs removed, calling them “overkill,” with one woman pointing out to the Tabernacle Township Committee that not even the far more heavily traveled Red Lion Circle, where major state highways Route 70 and Route 206 comes together, have such signs informing motorists of See CIRCLE/ Page 3

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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

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Saturday, June 22, 2024

Recent Purported Fox Attacks in Southampton Township Neighborhood Dealing with ‘Influx of Wildlife’ from Nearby Development on Route 38 Give Rise to Questions About Scope of Town’s Animal-Control Program

By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

SOUTHAMPTON—A Southampton Township neighborhood purportedly dealing with an “influx of wildlife” from recent development along Route 38 that i ncludes more than a hal fdozen warehouses and condos, has also reportedly been the scene of recent attacks by a “sick fox.”

Now, a resident of the neighborhood, a victim of one of the attacks, is speaking out to not only warn the community, but in also trying to ascertain the scope of the township’s animal control program.

According to Amy Heffernan, of Meadow Drive, a thoroughfare for a neighborhood near Smithville and Newbolds Corner roads, about a mile from Route 38, she and a neighbor were both recently attacked by a fox all as “the influx of wildlife coming into our neighborhood” has “increased greatly,” as deter mined by her and her neighbors.

“A nd it wa s s i ck,” sh e t old t h e Southampton Tow nsh ip Com m ittee during a May 21 session of the fox that attacked her.

Heffernan contended that she called several places following the attack, and received a response of what essentially amounted to, “Sorry, I can’t help you.”

U lt i m at ely, He f fe r n a n s a id sh e called the New Jersey State Police, and was given three phone numbers to call in speaking to an “off-duty” person who answered on behalf of the state police because her call was made after 4:30 p.m. on a Friday.

“He told me the ‘fox was protecting its den,’ which happened to be in a bush in the center of our front yard,” said Heffernan with some apparent sarcasm.

“It was in broad daylight, and I think I know the difference between a sick fox and a healthy fox.”

It was 24 hours later, according to Heffernan, that a neighbor three doors down from her home “got attacked in the same manner.” Heffernan described the neighbor as having been attacked “from behind and grabbed.”

“Neither one of us su f fere d any injuries, but we have children in our neighborhood, as well as peoples’ dogs and cats. I am greatly concerned when someone, who is supposed to provide a service to the residents, didn’t do so.”

But as Heffernan (and Mayor Michael M i k u l sk i) wou ld soon le a r n from Tow nsh ip Adm inistrator and Clerk Kathleen D. Hoffman, Southampton Township has its own animal control officer, “but they don’t do wildlife.”

See FOX/ Page 5

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Former Bass River Twp. Board of Education Member to Fill Post Left Vacant by Nick Capriglione’s Resignation from Commission Jane Allen Is Chosen to Serve in Acting Capacity for Remainder of Year; New Mayor Begins Acting on Campaign Promise to Implement Change

Photo By Nick Weissmann

Jane Allen, a former member of the Bass River Board of Education and the owner of a New Gretna beauty salon, is sworn in as a new member of the Bass River Board of Commissioners

by Township Solicitor Joanne O’Connor (right), with Mayor William “Rick” Adams standing by Allen’s side.

By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer

B A S S R I V E R— A n e w a c t i n g member of the Bass River Township Commission was sworn in at a meeting

of the three-member governing body on June 10 to fill the unexpected temporary va c a nc y c re at e d whe n t h re e -t er m Commissioner Nicholas Capriglione See POST/ Page 4

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(Continued from Page 1) how to navigate what is probably more along the lines of a true traffic circle with actual road junctions in which traffic converges around the circular intersection.

The signs were installed on Gate Road, which is off of Tuckerton Road, within the last several weeks, and according to one Gate Road resident, Cindy Patti, it followed the township having first installed a handful of one-way signs around the trio of circles, but then they were swapped out for the traffic circle warning signs when the township reportedly “didn’t have enough” of them.

“It is such an overkill,” Patti declared. “We live in a very rural community. We like it like that. We don’t have streetlights. We don’t have sidewalks. We certainly don’t need circle signs.”

Patti, claiming to “represent most of my neighborhood” at the June 10 governing body meeting, said that after the signs went up, she began making some inquiries.

First, Patti said, she called the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to find out the criteria for such signs and learned their being installed is “usually based on incidents that happened.”

That led Patti, she explained, to then call the local New Jersey State Police Red Lion Barracks to obtain accident information for Gate Road, in which she contended she learned “no accidents were reported.”

“We have navigated those circles for 40 years without any incidents,” Patti declared.

“Evidently, one person on our street called in, in regards to an Amazon truck coming the wrong way around the circle, and a school bus was parked, and it caused no

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 3 accident, but alarm. So, this one person called and the next thing we know there are six signs, one on each side of the circle.”

The “main problem,” Patti contended, “are the delivery drivers, not the residents.”

“And we are the ones looking at these signs that are hideous and huge,” Patti declared.

“They look like a sign you would have on a main road, not on a dead-end street.”

Patti pointed to “many accidents” in Tabernacle happening at the intersection of Flyatt Road and Route 206, as well as at Old Indian Mills and Tuckerton roads, contending “those are areas that are problematic; those are areas Tabernacle should be looking at for safety, not our rural street!”

“I am here tonight to ask the township to remove the overkill signs, and better locate them where there are traffic problems,” Patti asserted.

Committeeman Noble McNaughton, who was chairing a committee session for the first time in many years as township mayor after Committeeman Mark Hartman stepped down suddenly from the post, recognized that he had received an email a week prior to the June 10 meeting “that this happened” and vowed to “drive out there tomorrow and look at these signs.”

But then he posed a question, “Instead of (ones with) big circles, how about just oneway signs?” That question led to jeers from the audience and one woman shouting, “No! You don’t need anything!”

“To me, it is like gun control,” Patti declared.

“People see a sign, ‘No Guns.’ People who are going to use a gun anyway are not going to look at the sign and say, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t have a gun, I think I will go ahead and put it away.’”

Patti then put a question to McNaughton, “Do you know that in order to get a license from

See CIRCLE/ Page 7

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EVENT CALENDAR

(Continued from Page 3) abruptly resigned from his post at a May 24 reorganization meeting.

Jane Allen, a former member of the Bass River Board of Education and the owner of a New Gretna beauty salon, was named to serve on the commission for the remainder of the year as a replacement for Capriglione, who announced he was stepping down after newly elected Commissioner William “Rick” Adams, a lifelong local resident and co-owner of landscaping and tree-service businesses, was named the township’s new mayor in a 2-1 vote, replacing Deborah Buzby-Cope, a chiropractor who had served for 16 years in that mayoral post.

The naming of Allen to the commission left Commissioner Louis Bourguignon, who has been reappointed deputy mayor, as the commission’s only member with previous experience in running the municipal government.

Allen was one of several residents interviewed for the interim position, Adams subsequently told the Pine Barrens Tribune, and was chosen based both on her having lived in the township for many years and her experience in operating a local business.

“I’m sure she could handle any issues that may arise in a professional way,” he maintained.

The new acting com m issioner acknowledged to a photojournalist for this newspaper that she lacked familiarity with the various challenges currently facing this rural township, but described herself as “looking forward to learning and serving and doing everything I can to make the community work and unify everybody.”

Adams, however, who has never previously held any kind of elected office, wasted no time in starting the process of implementing his campaign promise to make the “drastically needed,” if unspecified changes he told this newspaper he hoped to bring about because he didn’t like the way the commission was handling certain things.

For one thing, he announced that Bass River would be bringing back opportunities for residents to “volunteer their services to the community,” which he said had been done away with under the previous administration.

“There were people in the past that did a real nice job volunteering for the town, so we are going to bring them back again,” he declared. “So, if anybody wants to volunteer, let the office know.”

Another policy the new mayor said he would be reversing was that regarding complaints made to local officials, which residents would no longer have to sign. From now on, should anyone wish to file a complaint with the township, “I will go over it with the code enforcer,” he maintained, and “if it is something that is in our book of rules, we will look that over.”

“If not, nothing is going to happen,” he added. “If you have something, and you want to write it up, we have a box outside, so you don’t have to hand deliver it to anybody.”

Such an approach, he said, should serve to keep neighbor disputes that might be associated with such complaints from

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Buzby-Cope, in reply to a query from a Pine Barrens Tribune reporter, indicated that insurance concerns were the main reason volunteerism had been discouraged in the township.

Adams, however, told the newspaper he was aware of those concerns, which is why in the process of opening up the opportunity to residents who would like to volunteer, a hold har m less clause will probably be included in the application involved.

As for the signing of complaints, she said that was an idea endorsed by Bourguignon, the intent behind it being to discourage frivolous ones from proliferating.

“We had so many people complaining about things, and so many issues we looked into that turned out not to be issues,” she said, asserting that, “It was a good idea on his part.”

B ou r g u i g n o n , w h e n c o nt a c t e d , confirmed that he had been in favor of residents having to sign their complaints to the township for that reason, noting that some “had been coming to meetings with complaints.” But he indicated he would not be opposing Adams on the matter.

“He is now the mayor and that is his choice,” was how Bourguignon put it.

“The people wanted change, so we’ll see if it works.”

Adams, for his part, said he has been putting a lot of work into such matters since assuming office, and that the feedback both he and the township had gotten from the public so far had all been positive.

The commissioners also approved several ordinances on first reading that Solicitor Joanne O’Connor said are required, albeit with some room for flexibility, by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Pinelands Commission, one of which would broaden the scope of permitted “removal and mitigation” of trees by allowing for certain “agricultural exceptions” to the restrictions generally recommended by those agencies for more developed municipalities.

According to O’Connor, the proposed ord i nanc e is “basic al ly the sa me” as measures adopted by other rural c om mu n it ie s, i nclud i ng Sha mong, Tabernacle and Southampton townships, that are “much more agriculture friendly” than the ones suggested by the NJDEP and the Pinelands Commission. Its provisions, for example, would provide for trees to be removed for the prevention of forest fires, or to accommodate the needs of farmers to dig canals or maintain cranberry bogs.

Without such an exception, she noted, there can be “pretty steep penalties associated with doing that.”

The ordinances, which are scheduled for a second reading in July, the solicitor said, all needed to be incorporated as revisions or additions into existing ones, rather than simply being introduced as new ones.

Among those measures, O’Connor said, is one she described as having given her “many grey hairs” — an ordinance to ensure that animal waste, yard waste, and other forms of litter “do not make their way into stormwater.” To keep that from happening, she said, some new restrictions will have to be imposed, such as one prohibiting the feeding of wildlife in public areas.

In a related matter, Josh Collins, whose

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Route 9 property has been subject to repeated flooding, claimed conditions last winter left him with no choice but to pump about three feet of water from his backyard to the vicinity of the highway as a result of what he was told was “the worst flooding in twenty-something years.” While Collins said he was confident what he pumped was all storm runoff and contained none of the waste mentioned in the proposed ordinance, he “wanted to make sure I’m not going to get fined to try to prevent any more damage to my house.”

This prompted Adams to point out that the Collins property, which was the focal point of the township’s drainage problem to begin with, had somehow gotten overlooked by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) when it got

around to addressing the issue of the township’s faulty drainage pipes. The state, “had done the whole job and kind of left him out, and I think at this point it is a safety hazard because he is putting his kids on the bus, and they need to do something about it in front of his house.”

The mayor subsequently noted that he had made repeated attempts to contact someone at the NJDOT about the issue, as had the property owner, using a number he had been provided. But no one at the agency had bothered returning their phone calls, he contended.

O’Connor then said she would attempt to reach someone in the state regarding the problem via another contact.

Allen, in her new acting capacity, is listed

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Saturday, June 22, 2024

Cherokee Photos By Andrew King

CHEROKEE HIGH SCHOOL Class of 2024 Cherokee Graduates Told They Might Be Closing Chapter of Their Books, But It Doesn’t Mean They Can’t Reread It – and Don’t Forget Its Lessons

By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

EVESHAM— Cheroke e Hig h School Class of 2024 graduate Elena Kelly’s mother is a schoolteacher, and therefore recounted during the Evesham Township-based high school’s 47th annual commencement exercises on June 17 that her mother once told her, “‘Reading opens up the world beyond our own, and that each book is an adventure waiting to be explored.’”

“She taught me that life is a book, with each chapter having taught new experiences, challenges and growth,” said Kelly as she reflected on her “incredible journey” at Cherokee. “We may have reached the end of this chapter, but that does not mean we can’t go back and relive it. Memories of Cherokee will forever remain in our hearts, serving as a testament to the bonds we formed, and the growth of our experiences.”

She advised her soon-to-be former

classmates that “as we move forward, remember the future is a blank canvas.”

“Whether you are heading to college, entering the workforce or even taking a gap year, embrace each moment w it h e nt hu s i a s m a nd c u r io s it y,” Kelly declared. “The world is full of opportunities and I have no doubt each one of us will make a significant mark, wherever we go.”

Kelly recounted that fictional character Winnie-the-Pooh once said, “‘How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard,” contending, “This just may be the hardest goodbye we have ever had to experience.”

“As we close this final chapter and move onto the next, may we never forget the lessons we have learned, the friendships we have created, and the dreams we have dared to chase, for in the end we will turn the page and start a new phase of our lives,” Kelly asserted.

“But we must never forget (the school

motto), ‘Once a Chief, always a Chief.’”

Graduate Jenna Spagnolia offered a concurring perspective, declaring, “Today marks the closing of a chapter,” but “that closing does not mean you can’t go back and re-read the pages from your high school novel.”

Spagnolia briefly looked back on “my own Cherokee story,” including that her freshman year was during a pandemic, and because of it, at one point she had to sing through a mask.

“Eve n wh e n t h e world fe lt s o disconnected, and everyone felt so lost and hopeless, the teachers and students at Cherokee did not,” Spagnolia declared.

In discussing her “second chapter at Cherokee,” Spagnolia recounted being “faced with one of the most difficult, intense, excruciating rites of passage one can endure – parallel parking.” She recalled having hit the curb a few times in practicing for her driver’s test.

“It is so important to forgive yourself, if the path to your goals is not a straight line,” she asserted. “I know mine isn’t.

My path to success has always been all over the place. Like this past fall, it

had seen me with playing on the field hockey team, then rushing on stage to a rehearsal, then going to the gym and finally, to the (local) bagel shop.”

The g raduate added, “W hether you have soared, crawled, climbed or wandered in your years here at Cherokee, we all walk across this stage.”

Other points she made to her peers included that in the movies from her youth, “being a teenager looked like the coolest thing,” and, now as one, “if I am being completely honest, it is.”

“Teenagers have extraordinary radiance about them,” Spagnolia said. “We know something kids have not figured out yet, and adults sometimes forget.”

She left her fellow graduates with the words of Ferris Bueller, “‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’”

Cherokee Principal Donna Charlesworth, who noted in remarks around 6:30 p.m. that the senior class began the year with a sunrise, and since that time encountered many more See CHEROKEE/ Page G14

Saturday, June 22, 2024

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MEET THE GRADUATES

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Lenape Photos By John Dooley

LENAPE HIGH SCHOOL Class of 2024

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Saturday, June 22, 2024

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Lenape’s Class of 2024 Says Pandemic ‘Taught Us to Persevere’ and ‘Overcome the Unimaginable,’ with Principal Contending He’s Found ‘Fitting Parallel’ to Experiences with Taylor Swift

By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

MEDFORD—Averie Wu, a graduate of Lenape High School’s Class of 2024, would be remiss if she didn’t recognize the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the graduating class, which, as she noted, had cut their 8th grade year short, with a Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) official noting that the Class of 2024, locally, never had an opportunity for an 8th grade graduation because of it.

Wu’s a ck nowl e dg e m e nt of t he p a nde m ic, t he g r a du at e s a id , i s “because it is what sets us apart from all of Lenape’s previous classes,” she declared during Lenape’s 64th annual commencement exercises.

The unexpected development, she explained, “taught us to cherish the little things” and to “enjoy every moment, conversation, silence and every time (Principal) Mr. (Tony) Cattani said, ‘Lenape Pride.’”

And it was the reason why during the Class of 2024’s senior class trip (which some prior graduating classes did not get to experience because of the pandemic having been in full swing), Wu said, the graduating seniors had a “smile on their faces, cherishing every moment.”

The initial year of high school for the

seniors was one with remote learning that eventually transitioned to a hybrid learning schedule, which would continue until their sophomore year.

“Hybrid taught us to persevere and overcome the unimaginable,” Wu said.

Wu recalled her soon-to-be former peers, when masks were a requirement, “squinting their eyes extra small so people could tell you are smiling behind that mask.”

She also recalled the time when during the pandemic, students were home from school and “rolling out of bed five minutes before Google Meet classes” on the Internet.

“We found light in it all,” she declared.

In detailing some of the things the graduates had experienced with the pandemic during their early years of high school, Wu asserted that they “are just a few reasons why I think Lenape’s Class of 2024 will go down as Lenape’s best, most memorable class.”

And she came to that conclusion, she explained, “because of our perseverance, appreciation for life, genuine kindness, and fight that we have,” which was on full display at that time.

“I hope we take these things with us, no matter where we go,” Wu said.

“These are the qualities that make us so special, and so different from the rest

of the world.”

Grace Lipinski, a second student speaker and graduate, concluded, “We are not a conventional class.”

The “daunting transition,” as she described it, between middle school and high school had been “made even more uncertain by a pandemic.”

She also recounted having spent days “in front of the computer,” including with hybrid learning, as well as having to don masking.

“However, with perseverance and the support of caring teachers, we got through it,” Lipinski said. “Life threw us a wrench and we adapted.”

The lesson to be learned through it all, Lipinski emphasized, is that “life is all about lessons.”

And that brought her to recall a moment from when she was in the third grade in which she “learned an incredibly valuable one,” when one of her friends was unable to attend school due to medical complications.

T he mother of that ch i ld, she recounted, was hesitant to enroll him in school again because of the risks, but she decided to do so “because she wanted her son to live, not just survive.”

“Even at 8 years old, I knew it was one of the most memorable lessons ever heard,” Lipinski declared. “We are so lucky we got to go to school, see our friends, join clubs, and learn.”

High school, she pointed out, provides for an opportunity to “expand our knowledge, see things differently and

MEET THE GRADUATES ♦ Page G5 become better humans” with the “whole world at our fingertips.”

“The best part is, as we enter the next stage, learning does not stop,” Lipinski said. “How lucky we are … .”

Lipinski told her fellow pupils of a “mantra” that has “fueled me when anything felt like a chore.” “‘I don’t have to work, I get to work,’” she said. “You just don’t have a chance for success, but you have a chance to work for it in the first place. So, take it. Roll up your sleeves and dig into life. Discover your passion, knowledge, growth and gratitude, because after all, how lucky we are.”

Wu pointed to lyrics the graduating class heard when they were sophomores: “I hope when you take that jump, you don’t fear that fall. I hope when that water rises, you build a wall. I hope you can say, I did it all.’”

Cattani said that songwriter Taylor Swift inspired this year’s commencement address.

“As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember the words of Taylor Swift, ‘Hold onto the memories, they will hold onto you,’” he told the Class of 2024. “Your time here has been a tapestry of moments, challenges and triumphs that will forever be part of who you are.”

In taking a look back at the senior’s last four years of high school, Cattani maintained, “I find a fitting parallel in the See LENAPE/ Page G14

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Saturday, June 22, 2024

Seneca Photos By Skip Harris

SENECA HIGH SCHOOL Class of 2024

Saturday, June 22, 2024

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Commencement Speakers at Seneca High’s Graduation Exercises Recall Key Takeaways from Life Lessons Experienced Firsthand

By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

TABERNACLE—“As we arrive at the gateways of our futures,” declared Seneca High School Student Council P re sident and g radu ati ng s en ior Anthony Fedeli during the school’s 20th annual commencement exercises on June 17, “let us remember life is not a multiple-choice test,” and “the answers are not in front of you,” but rather life “is an open-book essay.”

Fedeli further advised his fellow graduates to “embrace the mistakes, scribble in the margins and fill the page with fragmented ideas that serve as building blocks for your final draft.”

He then shared with h is fellow graduates a handful of life lessons he learned during his time at the Tabernacle Township-based high school, among them: embrace change, never stop learning, be resilient and foster meaningful relationships.

“The world is constantly evolving, and so must we,” he said of the former. “Be open to new experiences, perspectives a nd opp or t u n it ie s. Embra c e t he unknown, because that is often where we find the greatest growth.”

In telling his senior class to never stop learning, Fedeli pointed out that “education doesn’t end with a diploma,”

but rather it is a “lifelong pursuit.”

“Seek knowledge wherever you go, whether it is through formal education, travel, or simply engaging with the world around you,” he told his soon-to-be former classmates.

In recognizing that “life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns,” it is “how we respond to challenges” that “defines our character,” said Fedeli in emphasizing the importance of resiliency, also by adding that his fellow graduates should “remember that ‘failure’ is not the opposite of success” but is a “bridge along the pathway to future successes.”

“So, take a moment and learn from your mistakes and then keep moving forward,” he advised. “Sometimes life is going to knock you down and things may not always go your way, but that is how the real world is, and we can’t let adversity stop our dreams from becoming a reality. Attack your dreams and don’t quit on yourself until you reach your maximum potential, and even then, quitting is not an option.”

Fedeli recounted the words once spoken by the 26th U.S. president, Theodore Roosevelt, ‘“Believe you can, and you're halfway there.’”

“Believing in yourself is crucial because it lays the foundation for

resilience, motivation and the courage to pursue your goals, even in the face of adversity,” Fedeli declared.

And in regard to the lattermost lesson, Fedeli took note that the “people we surround ourselves with have a profound impact on our lives.”

“Treasure your friendships, treasure your families, and never underestimate the power of human connection,” Fedeli asserted.

Student Class President Grace Melillo, in recounting the Seneca motto, “‘Seneca Family,’” acknowledged that the “idea went right over my head” during her freshman year, but “throughout the four years (of high school) I realized what the saying actually means,” and now, when she hears those words spoken, thinks of “showing up, putting myself in someone else’s shoes and being a shoulder to lean on, no matter what.”

“One distinct moment I remember was during my sophomore year, when our student government sent me beautiful flowers as I was dealing with a family tragedy,” she said. “A week later, my peers, teachers and principals showed their support at the service, giving up their lunch period that day.

“Being a kid, it is difficult to realize a family’s love until it is challenged. Our Seneca Family showed up for me, and I was shown sympathy and support, emphasizing the devotion our Seneca family has for each other. I truly believe our school is one of the most inclusive places, and our school deserves to be

MEET THE GRADUATES ♦ Page G7 praised and honored for the experiences it has given us.”

One example of what Melillo had sp oke n of c a me whe n A s si st a nt Principal Karen O’Neil, also master of ceremonies and the school’s athletic director, presented an honorary diploma to the family of Charles “Charlie” David Bates, a 17-year-old senior who died at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia this past Christmas Eve. A published obituar y for Bates notes that he “loved nature, taking pictures of all the interesting leaves, sticks and insects he came across,” and O’Neil, in recognizing Bates’ love for nature, announced that the “Class of 2024 decided to dedicate a nature trail to Charlie,” with the trail found just outside the high school’s stadium, where a memorial plaque has also been placed in his honor.

“Your class is very special to me,” declared Principal Bradley Bauer, noting that the Class of 2024 began its time at Seneca when it was his first year as school principal, all while the Coronavirus pandemic was underway, forcing a period of remote and alternating days learning.

“We embarked on this four year journey together, navigating the challenges and triumphs of unprecedented times and change. We saw our normal way of life disrupted. At the time these experiences seemed painful, but ultimately, they shaped you into a uniquely resilient class.”

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Saturday, June 22, 2024

Shawnee Photos By Tom Valentino

SHAWNEE HIGH SCHOOL Class of 2024 Congratulations

to our Graduating Team Members in the Class of 2024

Candice Buchler New York University

Stephen Rukowicz Delran High School

Carleigh Kish

Pemberton Township High School

celebrate with zallie’s fresh kitchen catering Summer menu

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Harley Wirth Seneca High School

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High School May Have Ended for Shawnee’s Class of 2024, But Commencement Presents a ‘Beginning,’ Grads Advised

By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

MEDFORD—Consider the moment of graduating from Shawnee High School in Medford Township as a “beginning,” or when you first earned your driver’s l ic ens e, is the me ssage g radu ate Elizabeth Hoover conveyed to the Class of 2024 during the school’s 52nd annual commencement exercises on June 17.

Hoover, who made a point of having taken to the wheel somewhat prematurely at the age of only 14, declared, “As we graduate, we are the drivers continuing along our road in life.”

But her soon-to-be former classmates are doing so after having “encountered roadblocks” and “making mistakes,” wh ich have taught them “how to navigate life” beyond high school and “how to handle our mistakes.”

“Now, we are ready to travel along life’s winding roads,” Hoover asserted.

And at this point, “never stop driving,” she advised, and “drive wherever you want,” noting there are millions of square miles beyond Medford.

“Find the passengers who fuel your car, and push you to be the best version of yourself,” Hoover maintained. “But always remember you are the driver, and you control how far you go. Go out in the world and do what fills your tank. Don’t

predetermine your destination and let it consume you, because you won’t be able to appreciate where you are right now.

Drive at a speed you feel comfortable, and don’t accelerate past those moments that you will look back on, wishing you slowed down.”

Ho ove r c h a l l e ng e d h e r fel low graduates, as they embark on their journeys, to “put their vehicles in park” to take time “to appreciate what you have experienced,” as well as reflect on “the boundless opportunities ahead of us.”

“Please do not treat life like a Shawnee car line, wishing the time away, and forgetting to take time to appreciate the view,” she asked of her peers, in also advising them to, “Remember the roads we choose may lead to mistakes, and it is OK, because you can always shift into reverse and re-route your navigation.”

Upon the conclusion of her speech, Hoover declared, “See you out on the roads!”

Senior Class President Meredith Bandomer, meanwhile, delivered an affirmation that, “I believe that one day, every single one of us is going to get insanely rich – I am thinking over the moon wealth, coming out of our ears rich.”

But Bandomer cautioned her fellow graduates that she was not necessarily

MEET THE GRADUATES ♦ Page G9

foreseeing them being wealthy in terms of money, but rather “nothing would make me so happy than to know all of us are wealthy in love, friends, opportunities, laughter, joy and all the things that make us who we are.”

After pointing out that she has known many in her graduating class for a long time now, having gotten to know her peers over the course of the past 12 years of her educational journey that began back in 2012 when she was just six years old, she declared of her class, it is “because of them I feel like the richest girl in the world.”

“If it weren’t for you, I would have never have gotten this rich,” Bandomer asserted.

The senior class president recounted that back in the first grade, she and

her classmates “believed in magic and superheroes,” but “since then we have grown up a bit.”

“Many of us now believe in the things that we can see, or the things that can be proven,” Bandomer declared. “Our high school years have given us the opportunity to believe in more than that. We have learned to believe in love, our instincts, in each other, and most importantly, we have learned to believe in ourselves.”

Principal Matthew Campbell, who kicked off the commencement exercises and served as master of ceremonies, explained that “we set the focus this year on raising expectations,” which is See SHAWNEE/ Page G15

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t

Congratulations

Shawnee High School Graduates

Village of Taunton Forge, 200 Tuckerton Road, Medford, New Jersey

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Saturday, June 22, 2024

PEMBERTON HIGH SCHOOL Class of 2024

Pemberton Photos By Nick Weissmann

Pemberton High Graduates Reflect on ‘Gratitude’ and ‘Integrity’ Being the Cornerstones of Their Journey, with Superintendent Impressing Upon Them Importance of Continuing to be Grateful

By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

P E M B E RT O N — C h r i s t o p h e r Haines, salutatorian and vice president of Pemberton Township High School (PTHS)’s Class of 2024, described of the institution’s 65th graduating class that “two themes have been cornerstones of our journey: gratitude, a mindset of being appreciative no matter the circumstance; and integrity; the quality of being honest and adhering to strong moral principles.”

“G ratit ude is the i l lu m i nati ng lens through which we can view the experiences and people who have shaped our lives,” Haines told the large crowd that gathered on June 19 for the school’s 65th commencement ceremony as part of his class vice president address.

“With gratitude, I thank our incredible teachers and staff. Your dedication, patience, and unwavering support have been the backbone of our success.”

Haines emphasized that the teachers and staff of the Pemberton Township School District “have not only impacted our minds with knowledge, but also believed in and guided us to become the people we are today, as we step into the real world.”

“Thank you to the teachers who have made it their mission to create a positive environment in which everyone can flourish,” he declared. “Thank you to the coaches who enabled us to become more focused on our self-awareness and maturity. And thank you to the See PEMBERTON/ Page G11

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administration for always keeping a safe environment for us to grow in.”

H i s m e s s a g e t o “ou r fa m i l i e s and friends” is that “your love and encouragement has been the foundation of our success, and we appreciate every time you have cheered us on through our triumphs and tribulations.”

“Your sacr ific es have not gone unnoticed, and we are here today because of your unwavering support,” he further asserted. “You have celebrated our victories, comforted us in our disappointments, and encouraged us to pursue our dreams. Thank you for always being at our sides, and establishing the foundation upon which we stand today.”

Integrity, he said, “is going to become increasingly important to our success as individuals,” as the graduates “stand in view of a future that is still ambiguous.”

“Integrity is more than just honesty; it's the moral compass that will guide us through life’s unexpected hardships and help us stand by the principles we have come to believe in,” Haines declared. “The courage to admit when we are wrong–and the commitment to do what is right will be the glue that holds our lives together, as we move on to greater ventures.”

Haines advised his soon-to-be former classmates that “our graduation is simply the first milestone of many that are to come.”

“As we step forward, let us carry the lessons we have learned and put them to good use,” he declared. “As distinguished young adults, remain thankful for the opportunities that you are given and for the people who have helped you along the way. Let us strive to be individuals who lead by example, who inspire trust, and who contribute positively to society.”

Another piece of advice Haines gave to his fellow graduates: “Be sure to remember our journey is just beginning.”

“This graduation is not a culmination, but a commencement – a beginning into a world of adventures and possibilities,” Haines maintained. “Embrace the future with the same enthusiasm and determination that brought us to this moment. Here’s to our future!”

Also concurring with the point that the view of the future is still ambiguous was Valedictorian Ryder Hubbs who acknowledged that a “question floating in my mind” recently is, “‘What's Next?’”

“To that, I don’t have a definitive answer,” Hubbs declared. “Everyone here has their own lifestyles, ambitions, and or plans, for their future. However, as a class, we have been by each other’s sides, and maybe not for the entire four years, but the time spent was something I believe we can all reflect upon.”

Hubbs’ prediction is that “what follows will likely be unexpected, much as life is.”

“Some of you may be going to college, trade school, or directly into a job,” the

valedictorian recognized. “Life from now on will be different. Though I think everyone here will enjoy these differences. As sad and heartbreaking as it may seem to no longer see that close friend every day, or hang out as much as you used to, life is moving forward, and so should we.”

Haines retur ned to the podium to give a second speech, this one as class salutatorian, speaking of his “journey that has afforded me many accomplishments, challenges, times of personal growth, and unforgettable moments.”

“I am reminded of the obstacles we faced, not only with the harsh conditions COVID-19 put us through, but also with the unmeasurable amount of time and effort needed to complete such a tremendous task,” he said.

In recognizing “each of us has a unique story that has brought us to this point,” he told his own, which included giving acknowledgement to the efforts of his girlfriend “for always keeping me on the path to do what is right,” his guidance counselor “for always helping me with tedious tasks as a student, and for helping me achieve this amazing accomplishment,” his brother “for creating the path that I followed in joining the STEM (Science, Technology, E n g i n e e r i n g a n d M a t h e m a t i c s) program,” his father “for always reading me books when I was a little kid before going to sleep, which helped to grow my literacy skills,” and to his mother “who

MEET THE GRADUATES ♦ Page G11 has been the backbone of my success” in being “there for me when it counted the most, whether that be making sure I was always at school, or keeping an eye on my grades.”

“I don't give my mother enough credit for the amount of help she has given to me, so, Mom, I hope this makes up for it,” Haines quipped.

Haines’ final message to the Class of 2024 is that “let us not be afraid to dream big, to take risks, and to push beyond our comfort zones.”

“Our journey has just started, and our potential is limitless,” Haines declared.

“This is our moment. Let us embrace it with open hearts, and open minds, ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, whether it be going to college, starting a career, or taking a break for a while. We all have our own paths that will decide our future; my only proposition to you is to make it count.”

Principal Jer maine Blount, who pointed out that the senior class began its high school tenure online due to the Coronavirus pandemic, attested that the graduating class “leaves us as mature, young adults,” having been set with a “road map of your future” that has readied graduates to “unleash your greatness and make a positive impact in your life and our communities.”

“Today, you look around and you are supported by your friends, family, See PEMBERTON/ Page G16

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Saturday, June 22, 2024

PINELANDS HIGH SCHOOL Class of 2024

Pinelands Photos By Craig Matthews

Student Orators at Pinelands Regional Graduation Invoke Sentiments from Vintage Movie, a Favorite Childhood Book, and a Sports Legend

By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer

LITTLE EGG HARBOR—Members of the Pinelands Regional High School graduating class of 2024 not only were reminded of the extraordinary challenges of their last years of education by 2024 class president Johanna Smith at the school’s June 19 commencement ceremony, but received some sage suggestions from her for moving forward with their lives along with what might be considered a rather unexpected bit of advice coming as it did from a contemporary teen: “As Ferris Bueller said, ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’”

For anyone unfamiliar with the source of that sentiment, Ferris Bueller was the high-school student played by a young Matthew Broderick in the 1986 comedy, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” a movie released a full two decades before today’s high-school grads entered the world.

Smith also took the opportunity to impress on her classmates the things she considered most important — to “be human, make mistakes and learn from them,” to “be loving, work hard,

and allow yourself to be vulnerable,” to “be OK with sometimes being uncomfortable,” because “you will not grow in comfort,” and to “remain curious, but stay conscious.”

The class president noted that the one thing she could say with certainty was how proud she was of her graduating class and the qualities of “perseverance, compassion, integrity, and curiosity” it had exhibited, especially given that its past six years of education had been anything but “normal.”

After first having to spend part of middle school at Frog Pond Elementary, she recalled, the members of the class were finally allowed into the junior high building (following renovations), only to have its journey again disrupted by the pandemic, forcing the students to spend their freshman and sophomore years engaged in hybrid learning, “where we joined (classes) from our backyards, the beach, restaurants, and well anywhere that was not a desk.”

But somehow, Smith pointed out, she and her classmates had managed to transcend such difficulties to not only go on to earn their diplomas, but to have some memorable experiences along the way. Citing the senior trip as one example, she reminisced about their

having to “spend quite some time in the airport, we had fun doing it!” Among the other memories she characterized as “nothing short of amazing” in retrospect were having “spent most Fridays in weird and outlandish outfits to support our football team” and having hosted the first-ever Miss Pinelands competition.

“And how could we forget the man on a tricycle in a police chase that put our school in a shelter in place,” she asked, referring to a somewhat bizarre episode involving local law enforcement. “But, seriously, thank you for keeping us safe.”

Another graduating senior, William J. Sisco, one of two students who were asked to speak at the commencement

ceremony, after thanking his “amazing parents” and classmates for making his years at Pinelands so rewarding, chose to invoke a quotation from a figure out of contemporary literature (from “one of my favorite childhood books,” as he put it), Dr. Seuss: “‘You’re off to great places.

Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So ... get on your way.’”

Sisco said that If I had to describe the Class of 2024 using one word, it would be “resilient.” He, too, then recounted the odyssey he and his fellow graduates had been on during the past few years of their education: “Due to construction issues, we See PINELANDS/ Page G13

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PINELANDS

(Continued from Page G12) started our journey entering Junior High in one of the elementary schools,” Sisco noted. “Only two years later, the pandemic hit, shutting us all out at the end of junior high school. Then, we, as high school freshmen, had to endure our class splitting in half, spending only half our school year in an actual classroom with alternating schedules.

The following year, we went from taking our classes half the time from our beds to suddenly moving back to full-time in-person classes. Enduring the chaos had an effect on all of us.”

He then quoted yet another fabled figure, only a real one, Michael Jordan, as having observed that “‘obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.’”

“We climbed that wall,” he pointed out. “And the reward was worth it.”

Also weighing in on the characterbuilding effects of the years spent at Pinelands was Brenna Omert, the other senior selected to address her fellow graduates.

O mer t st re s s e d how va r iou s instructors had contributed to her selfconfidence and the ways in which “this school community has allowed me to flourish” and to “look past perfection” to the realization that “everything you

do in life is not going to be perfect” and that “your future is going to be full of flaws and challenges that will leave you (feeling) unworthy of yourself.”

“But to be worthy does not mean to be perfect,” she observed. “To be worthy means to go through life with selfconfidence and willpower in everything you do. We should not only thank the teachers and staff, but I encourage my peers to also thank their families who have provided us with comfort, love, and wisdom to guide us through this chapter of our lives. We all would not be here today without them.”

She added that “our graduation marks the threshold of our future” and while “the future sounds scary, this school has prepared us to face any underlying obstacles and uncertainty.”

Also delivering brief speeches were Principal Troy Henderson, head football coach and special education math teacher John Tierney, who was named “teacher of the year,” and Pinelands Regional Board of Education President Jeffrey Bonicky, an alumnus of the school, all of whom took the opportunity to offer the graduates the benefit of some parting advice and wisdom.

Henderson emphasized the “remarkable resi l ienc e and determination” the class had exhibited to get to this point, given how these past few years have been unlike any other in the school’s history, with “challenges that no one could have anticipated.

“From navigating remote learning

to adapting to new ways of staying connected, you have demonstrated a level of adaptability and perseverance that is truly inspiring,” he declared.

The principal also offered some thoughts for the class members to carry with them as they make their way in the wider world, the first one being to embrace change.

“The world is constantly evolving, and so should you,” he advised them.

“Be open to new experiences and perspectives. Growth often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.”

Secondly, he told them, they should “never underestimate the power of kindness.” Small acts of kindness, he asserted, “can create ripples that extend far beyond what you can see. Treat others with respect and compassion, and you will make a lasting impact on the world around you.”

Third, “Be lifelong learners.”

“The end of high school does not mean the end of your education,” Henderson declared. “Whether you pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or take a different path, keep seeking knowledge and understanding. Stay curious, ask questions, and never stop learning.”

Lastly, Henderson adv is e d the departing students to “believe in yourselves.”

“You have already accomplished so much, and you have the potential to achieve even more,” he maintained.

“Trust in your abilities, have confidence in your decisions, and pursue your

MEET THE GRADUATES ♦ Page G13 dreams with passion and determination.”

Tierney observed how each of the graduates “has overcome challenges, embraced opportunities, and grown in ways that you may not have thought possible when you first walked through the doors” of Pinelands Regional High School.

“In sports, we often talk about the importance of teamwork, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence,” he said. “These values extend far beyond the playing field and are evident in every aspect of your lives. Whether it was studying late into the night … or not, balancing extracurricular activities with academic responsibilities, or supporting each other through personal struggles, you have demonstrated commitment and determination.

“But graduation,” he stressed, “is not just about looking back on what you have accomplished; it is also about looking forward to the possibilities that lie ahead” To do so, he said, they should “embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, never lose sight of your goals, and always believe in your ability to make a positive impact on the world.”

Bonicky urged the graduates to “remember that success is not solely defined by grades or accolades, but by the impact you make on the lives of others and the contributions you offer to society.”

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(Continued from Page G2) sunrises filled with growth, friendships and memories, and now was approaching a sunset (literally and figuratively) with their high school chapter coming to a close, attested that “this senior class is the embodiment of unity, achievement and positive influence, but equally as important, is you do everything with

LENAPE

(Continued from Page G5) Extraordinary Eras Tour by Taylor Swift.”

He called the Class of 2024’s freshman year the Debut Era (“in discovering who you were”), their sophomore year the Red and Black Era (“marked by passionate pursuits and discovering what truly mattered to you”), with their junior year the Reputation Era (“a time for reinvention, resilience and

SENECA

(Continued from Page G7) Bauer recognized that the Class of 2024 “just didn’t attend classes at Seneca,” but “you elevated our school with your curiosity, creativity and unwavering passion for learning.”

“C o l l e c t i v e l y, yo u r a c a d e m i c achievements speak volumes, including earning over $80,000 in local scholarships, multiple students attaining straight A’s and many of them a perfect 6.0 for all four years, with there also being a student who earned an associate’s degree, a perfect ACT score and three students who have received a full appointment to a military academy,” the principal recognized.

Bauer continued that “what truly sets your class apart isn’t what you achieved, but how you went about it,” noting that the pupils “supported each other, lifted each other up and embraced differences” – “attacking every opportunity with enthu sia sm a nd approa ch i ng the challenges with optimism, determination and an unyielding belief to make Seneca a better place.”

“Your sense of comradery and unity

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Saturday, June 22, 2024

enthusiasm, and all your heart.”

She p oi nt e d out , a mong m a ny accomplishments and rankings, that one Cherokee grad has earned a fulltime engineering apprenticeship with Lockheed Martin, while another has earned an appointment to Westpoint.

“Greet your future with anticipation, dream big, work smart and remember your roots, your manners and the way home,” she told the Class of 2024.

“Behind you, all the memories, before

you all the dreams. Around you, all who love you, within you, all you need.”

Fo l l o w i n g C h a r l e s w o r t h w a s Assistant Principal Shannon Bretz, who noted there are 31 Cherokee grads who achieved straight A’s for their entire high school career.

Certifying to the Lenape Regional Board of Education that the graduates have met all the requirements to earn a diploma was Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) Business

Administrator Kara L. Huber, who told the graduates, “As you embark on your next chapter, carry forward the knowledge, skills and values you have acquired.”

“Embrace the opportunities that come your way, and face the challenges ahead with courage and determination,” the business administrator added. “We believe in you and know you will achieve great things.”

you faced challenges head on, from vigorous academics to personal trials”) and their senior year the Fearless Era (having “faced your final year with an open heart and unwavering spirit” based on the “confidence and courage you built over the years”).

In regard to their freshman year, according to Cattani, it was “much like Taylor Swift’s new album, ‘Songs in Your Heart, Dreams In Your Eyes’ with “the newness of high school,” and in regard to their sophomore year, it was “just as

Taylor Swift poured her heart into her songs, like ‘All Too Well.’” And their junior year was “much like how Taylor Swift refined herself during this period.”

“I am im mensely proud of each a nd ever y one of you ,” de cla re d Cattani, noting the final product of the pupils moving on from Lenape are representative of the “well-organized intentions of her lyrics, release dates and her life lessons.”

The principal’s final advice for the

graduates is that, “As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember the lessons from your high school eras – be fearless in pursuing your dreams, treasure the red moments of passion and growth, carry forward the strength of your reputation and always embrace new beginnings like your debut.”

“Believe in the greatness within you,” he concluded. “We love you, admire you and hold each and every one of you in our highest regard.”

has been the heartbeat of our school and what made my role as principal incredibly fulfilling,” the principal concluded.

Bauer’s speech was followed by a commencement address from Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) Superintendent Dr. Carol Birnbohm, who compared the past four years of the seniors’ lives to that of a movie preview, before taking the opportunity to “describe how I saw the preview of the movie of your life.”

One of Birnbohm’s own children is a graduating Seneca senior, with her asserting, “I have been fortunate to watch a portion of your movie, the portion played out at Seneca,” adding that “after seeing this, I would certainly buy a ticket to the movie of your life.”

“When I look at this class of graduates, I see a resilient human spirit, with a commitment to each other, community and achievement,” she further declared. “These previews showcase your hard work, school spirit, perseverance, and service to others.

They highlighted how you have continued the tradition of family at Seneca.”

She added that the previews also revealed the “‘extras’ in the movie of your life – the extras who are here tonight, the cast to fill several roles, such as your friends, teachers,

coaches, counselors, and of course, your family members.” Those people, she maintained, “became important supporting characters” to the graduates’ lives, including by leading them to success or giving them the encouragement they need to forge a new path.

In recounting one of the movies from their childhood, “Brave,” Birnbohm described there being a character, a “bold, little red-headed little girl” who “learned she needed to take a break from tradition and be open and ready to change,” describing that is what the Class of 2024 did when COVID struck and forced them to undertake Google Meets.

Another film from 2012 is “Wreck-It Ralph,” the superintendent recalled, where “Ralph was tired of being the bad guy in his video game and it took a quirky, glitchy little girl, Vanellope (von Schweetz) to help reset the game.”

“As you leave Seneca, you have plans for next year and beyond, and some of you will stick to your chosen majors, while some of you will switch and even change colleges,” Birnbohm said. “If your passion or your major changes, remember Ralph and Vanellope: reset your plans to align with your enthusiasm for your future.”

Birnbohm also sought to connect the meanings from the “very first ‘Avengers’ movie” of 2012 to valuable lessons learned, pointing out that the characters of the film “all had unique flaws and fears, and if there is one thing I can tell you as an absolute truth, it is that we are all beautifully flawed.”

“There will come a time in your adult life where you will need to look inside, address your inner flaws and realize that what you thought was a flaw might actually be your superpower,” Birnbohm declared. “If you are procrastinator, you will be the one who performs best under pressure during a crisis. If you are an overthinker, you will be the one prepared with the best solutions for every possible scenario.

“These flawed characters needed each other to save the world, and while there is little likelihood you will need to save the world in the movie of your life, never underestimate the power of embracing all people, especially those who seem different than you.”

The superintendent summarized that “in the movie of your life, no one knows the ending, as we have only seen the previews of your feature film,” but that “many of See SENECA/ Page G15

Editor’s Note: The Lenape Regional High School District and Pinelands Regional School District, beginning with the Class of 2024, has ceased naming a school class valedictorian and salutatorian, as well as having them speak to their respective graduating classes. This is not an omission by the newspaper.

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SENECA

(Continued from Page G14) the supporting characters who are here for you today will remain in your movie” as the pupils venture out to new experiences, and “although you will say goodbye to some of the supporting characters here at Seneca, know that we, the cast, will continue to want what is best for you.”

“If you carry the lessons learned from us, your supporting cast, and continue to work hard, give back to your community and have fun, you will be able to write any ending to your movie you desire,” the superintendent concluded. “And, as in all movies, when your story gets to the part where the main character must overcome an obstacle, tap into Captain America’s unwavering determination and resilience and say to yourself his iconic catchphrase, ‘I can do this all day,’ and then be your own director and say ‘action.’”

“Graduates, please know it is a privilege and an honor to sit beside you in the theater, to watch the movie of your life unfold,” Birnbohm declared. “Without reaching the end, we already see greatness. And while your supporting cast of educators,

SHAWNEE

(Continued from Page G9) “about setting your heights higher, daring to dream bigger and pushing above and beyond your perceived limits.”

“It is about refusing to settle for mediocrity,” he continued. “You have already demonstrated your ability to rise to challenges, but now it is time to embrace an even higher standard – one that not only meets expectations, but exceeds them. Throughout your time here, you have shown resilience, determination and a commitment to build upon our tradition of excellence. “… Now as you head off into whatever your future holds, I urge you to carry the spirit of excellence forward. As you navigate the uncertainties of the future, remember every obstacle is an opportunity for growth, whether you pursue further education, enter the workforce, the military or follow a different path.

Approach each endeavor with a mindset of continuing improvement. Set ambitious goals, push boundaries and don’t be afraid to aim for greatness!”

Mat t h e w We bb, a s s i s t a nt superintendent of the Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD), in short and sweet remarks, told the graduates that “tonight you get to ring that bell at the top of your long climb,” and to “appreciate” and “absorb” the moment, for it would be the last time the Class of 2024 is together.

“We are certainly all better together,” he declared.

The final student speaker was graduate Benjamin Barclay with what he termed as the “Word of the Day”: “Over,” a term he said he has “lately been using to describe our high school years,” one that is a “short, but solid, meaningful word.”

‘O,’ he said, “stands for opportunity” with him recounting that physicist Albert Einstein once said, “‘in the middle of

community members and family are screening your movie right next to you, we will turn to you and whisper, ‘You are making your movie your own story, making real connections, spreading love and joy, and embracing a world of opportunities – we love you and are proud of you.’”

Fedeli’s “final point” to his classmates is “dare to dream.”

“Daring to dream means embracing the valor of your imagination,” he said.

“It requires courage to envision a reality, regardless of doubts along the way. To pursue aspirations that seem beyond reach, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Set ambitious goals, pursue your passions relentlessly, and never settle.”

He left his peers with a quote from Rocky Balboa that he contended he has always lived by and wants his fellow graduates to live by as well moving forward: “‘Now if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth, but you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!’” every difficulty lies opportunity.’”

“Our class had the unique distinction of beginning our high school journey online,” he said of the Coronavirus pandemic’s impact. “We all learned a valuable lesson here: be prepared.”

The pandemic, he noted, presented an “opportunity to master something new.”

‘V’, Barclay explained, stands for victory, with General George S. Patton having once called for people to ‘“accept challenges so you can feel the exhilaration of victory.’”

“Make no mistake about it, today is a victory,” he said of the Shawnee Class of 2024 graduating, with him explaining that while in Pre-K, he and his peers could neither read or write, but now, after accepting a learning challenge, the subject matter has been retained and that is the victory, but “not just for the graduates, but the loved ones that saw us through and the teachers who never gave up.”

“It is a shared victory,” Barclay declared.

The ‘E’ stands for “explore,” according to Barclay, in him asking his fellow g radu ates to fol low the adv ic e of Mahatma Gandhi and “‘Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

“It is our time to find out who we are, to explore the route we want our lives to take,” added Barclay, noting with freedom comes responsibility, and the world is a shared space with various backgrounds to familiarize oneself with. “The future is bigger, scarier, and yet, much better for swimming.”

And then, in defining the ‘R,’ as meaning to “remember,” he quoted from Aristotle, “‘Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.’”

“We are adults now, but we must remember to reflect on the past,” Barclay said. “So, remember the milestones that led us here, and to learn from our mistakes.”

Barclay concluded that “high school may be ‘over’ today, but that means opportunity, victory, exploration and remembrance.”

MEET THE GRADUATES ♦ Page G15

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MEET THE GRADUATES

PEMBERTON (Continued from Page G11)

cou nselors and teachers,” Blou nt declared. “You made it here today – you overcame every challenge, you overcame every obstacle, and unleashed your greatness, even through the pandemic, and today we celebrate you! As you set out on your pathway, equipped with courage, confidence, and Pemberton Pride, it is your success today that will guide you to success tomorrow.

“Class of 2024, we believe in you, so believe in yourself and believe in your greatness and your goals and dreams – they are within your reach and are closer than you think or can imagine. As we celebrate on this Juneteenth, the day that freedom was found for many, may you continue to break barriers, uplift others and create a future worthy of our past.

Your journey is just beginning, and the world is awaiting your positivity and the change that you will bring.”

Class President Evelyn Moran spoke of how she was “struck by how quickly our time at PTHS has flown by.”

“Senior year seemed to pass in the blink of an eye, leaving us with memories that feel both vibrant and fleeting,” she said. “Perhaps that is the essence of life – the realization that time is precious, and every moment is a gift.”

With the graduates “standing on the brink of our futures,” Moran shared a lesson she has already learned: “life is about finding magic in the mundane.”

“It is about discovering beauty in challenges and savoring every moment with those we love,” she declared. “It is about singing your own melody and dancing to your own rhythm.”

Moran noted that since her freshman year, she has been guided by a quote from one of her favorite movies, “‘These will be stories someday.’”

“And what incredible stories they have been,” she declared.

Already, Moran, who has served as class president for all four years of the graduates’ high school careers, recognized, “We have crafted countless stories to tell.”

“Who could forget when our class orchestrated a wedding prank in front of the school, even involving the bus drivers?” she quipped. “Or the time we convinced our teachers to get duct-taped to the wall for hours during a fundraiser?

And, of course, the unforgettable moment when I put so much dedication into winning our skit, I fell off a scooter. Each memory is a testament to our unique and vibrant spirit as a class.”

She advised her peers that “as we venture into our next chapters, we will

PINELANDS

(Continued from Page G13) for the better,” he told them. “Cherish the memories you've created here, but also embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether you choose to pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or explore other avenues, approach each endeavor with courage, integrity and an

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM face challenges and uncertainties, but also victories and joys.”

“Let’s continue to make every moment count, to live fully and authentically,” Moran said. “Our future is unwritten, but I have faith in us.”

In emphasizing an earlier point that Haines had made, Superintendent Jeffrey Havers declared that “upon reflection, I am reminded of the profound value of one of our core values – ‘gratitude.’”

“Gratitude should be more than a simple momentary emotion, as it can be a transformative energy, a way of life that enhances each of our experiences and strengthens our interactions with others,” the superintendent told the Class of 2024 in his commencement address. “It is about recognizing all the positive things in our lives, both the tangible and intangible. It is about recognizing all the positive things, such as expressing appreciation for what we have, as opposed to being emotionally drained by spending time thinking about what may be missing.”

Havers advised that as the graduates “navigate the future,” he encourages them to “foster an attitude of gratitude.” “ Ta ke a m o m e nt e a c h d ay t o acknowledge the kindness of strangers, the generosity from those we love, and the beauty of the world around you,” he declared. “Embrace gratitude as a guiding force, for it has the power to uplift you, strengthen your resiliency in times of adversity, and cultivate a sense of satisfaction in your life.”

The superintendent further impressed upon the graduates to “take the advice of Oprah Winfrey, ‘Be thankful for what you have, you will end up having more.’”

“If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough,” Havers emphasized. “Let gratitude guide you as you chart your course forward, always shining a light on your path ahead.”

The superintendent concluded that “as we celebrate your achievements, let us also remember the vision statement of the Pemberton Township Schools, ‘You can get there from here.’”

“These words serve as a testament to endless possibilities and opportunities that l ie ahe ad,” Havers as s er t e d.

“Wit h h a rd work, det e r m i nat ion and gratitude, you have the power to overcome any obstacle and get there from here – no matter what you want ‘there’ to be. So, as you stand right at the doorstep of a new beginning, take with you the lessons you have learned, the friendships you have formed, the memories you will cherish, and may you always remember to be grateful, for it is gratitude that has the power to brighten every moment.” unwavering commitment to excellence.”

The board president also reminded them “to carry with you the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of all those who have supported you along the way. Your teachers, mentors, coaches, family and friends have invested countless hours in guiding and nurturing you and their belief in your potential has brought you to this moment of triumph.”

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FOX

(Continued from Page 2) After Hoffman suggested that an “ext er m i nator” wou ld h ave to b e broug ht i n to address a fox issue, Mikulski told the resident, “We would have to call a contractor.”

He contended the chances that the contractor would “get to your street while the fox is there” is “slim,” with Hoffman pointing out that even if the township’s animal control officer would respond to such a complaint, the person “is coming all the way from the shore – so it does take a while.”

Hef fer nan, i n app ear i ng to have been taken somewhat aback by what

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she had just learned, then questioned what are the actual responsibilities of the township’s animal control officer, to which Hoffman replied, “Cats and dogs.”

“So, in event this sick animal comes back to the neighborhood, what are we supposed to do to protect ourselves?”

Heffernan asked.

Mikulski responded that he thinks c a l l i ng t he st at e p ol ic e wou ld b e the residents’ best option, but that the tow nsh ip wou ld “c al l ou r g uy tomorrow” to see if he recommends anyone closer to the area to contend with the issue.

The mayor added the township would also consu lt w ith the local an i mal control officer to see if a setting a trap would be a possibility, but Heffernan

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contended that in phoning the animal control officer in nearby Lumberton Township, she was told trapping foxes is illegal, causing Hoffman to retort, “I heard it is illegal to trap a beaver.”

Mikulski asked that officials obtain “confirmation” from the township’s own animal control officer, but noted that in any event, the township is a “little hamstrung.”

Still, Heffernan contended that the state police’s procedure should have involved “sending someone out” to her home upon her placing a call to the agency, to which Mikulski asked Hoffman to phone the Red Lion Station to “make sure they are aware” of the situation given involves a “sick animal.”

“Let’s ask them that they go out and address it,” said Mikulski, noting that

State Troopers are the only agency that can fire a gun should an animal need to be put down.

But that is when Hoffman revealed the local State Troopers are “very reluctant to do that” because of a “lengthy report they have to do.”

Heffernan responded that she was surprised to hear that claim because she had learned that a State Trooper had “offered to shoot the fox for my other neighbor,” with Mikulski reiterating that state police have the ability to shoot an animal, “even if it is a protected species.”

Hoffman’s final question for Heffernan: “Did you find any babies?”

“I highly doubt the same fox would have a den in my front yard, and also under my neighbor’s deck,” Heffernan declared.

Page 6

♦

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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CIRCLE

(Continued from Page 3) the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, you have to know how to go around a circle?”

McNaughton reiterated his commitment to “go there tomorrow,” and added that he would then convene a discussion with Township Administrator and Clerk Maryalice Brown (absent from the session) and Township Engineer Tom Leisse (in attendance, but who didn’t say a word about the signs) to “decide whether or not to take them down.”

He also pledged to have the township “write a letter to Amazon.”

But Susan Throop, also of Gate Road, contended that the large conglomerate is “not going to a read” a letter, but rather the township has to call its headquarters and “ask to talk to the Logistics Team” to

POST

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request that a member “come out and look at the road.” Throop said she already had a member of the team sent to her home after Amazon drivers were “cutting through my property to get to the other side of town” and a “dog almost got hit.”

“I am pretty sick and tired of the Amazon drivers, too!” Throop declared. “And I am also pretty sick and tired of those yellow signs staring at me in the face! We are not stupid people! We all work, and most of us have college degrees and are all pretty intelligent people!”

Throop pointed out that the nearby Red Lion Circle doesn’t even have a circle sign (placed along the periphery of the circle).

“We don’t want anything there!” she emphasized of the trio of circles on Gate Road. “It is not necessary! How many cars go down Gate Road? It is not necessary!

Spend the money elsewhere!”

T h e s ig n s w e r e s t i l l p o s t e d t h e

day following the session, when this newspaper traveled Gate Road for this story. The township has made no further pronouncement about the signage, as of press time. The next committee session is scheduled for June 24.

With Brow n’s absence, it was not immediately clear who authorized the signage.

But Patti emphasized “the problem lies with Amazon,” at one point referring to their drivers as “like cowboys.”

“I believe the township’s argument should be with Amazon, and their drivers, about why they are allowed to come to our town and drive carelessly,” she said. “At Christmastime, I had someone come down my driveway from Amazon and end up not even in my driveway, but in the middle of my yard because they could not navigate the driveway. It took six hours for someone to come to pull the guy out of there. They are

the problem. Why should we be punished when we are trying to keep a rural look?

“Most of our neighbors moved from areas like Mount Laurel, which has signage for everything. And we feel, after speaking to everyone on the street, they were all the same way, (they should be removed).”

Committeeman Joseph Barton, who just returned to the governing body on June 7 after a decade of prior service, with this being his second meeting, having also been made deputy mayor on June 10, noted “when I was on committee before, I had some thoughts about deliveries and restricting the hours of deliveries.”

“I had an Amazon truck pull into my driveway at 10 o’clock at night,” said Barton in indicating he felt it was a safety issue. “We really should start thinking about revisiting this. … The U.S. Postal Service delivers within certain hours.”

the fire department, the municipal court, the Construction and Zoning offices, code enforcement, dog licenses, junkyards, campgrounds, and the Board of Health, as well as the administration of public assistance and serving as liaison to the Board of Education.

Adams, however, made a point of

emphasizing that “all commissioners are involved in all departments, and all are aware of what is going on in each department.”

Aske d whether she wou ld b e interested in running for the post in the coming November election, Allen responded, “I believe I will as long as

I have this opportunity to see what it entails between now and then, and if I’m qualified.”

However, she added, “If there is somebody more qualified, I will certainly talk to them.”

Nicholas Weissmann contributed to this story.

Page 8

♦

WORSHIP GUIDE

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Family Owned & Operated

371 Lakehurst Rd., Browns Mills, NJ 609-893-4800 • www.MooreFuneralHome.com

Worship Guide

First Baptist Church

Grace Baptist Church

COME VISIT! We would love to meet you!

240 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NJ 08055

Rev. Vernl E. Mattson, Pastor 39 Main Street Vincentown, NJ 08088

Worship: Sunday Mornings, 10 a.m.

All Are Welcome!

Grace Episcopal Church 43 Elizabeth St, Pemberton, NJ 08068 9 a.m. Sunday Service (609) 894-8001

Sunday School����������������������������������9:45 a�m� Sunday Worship Service �����������������������11 a�m� Cross Roads Youth Group - Sundays �������5 p�m� Bible Study - Wednesdays �����������������6:30 p�m� Prayer Fellowship - Wednesdays ��������7:15 p�m� Adult Choir Practice - Wednesdays ����7:30 p�m�

www.fbcvnj.org • 609-859-8967

I Am That I Am Ministries, Inc. All Are Welcome!

Sunday Worship Se ervice at 11:30 a.m.

Pastors Florence and Russell Webberr

50 Burrs Mill Roadd,follow us on Southampton, NJ 08088 facebook.com/MedfordUMC 609 - 847- 4848

Please join us for Worship 9:00 am Contemporary In-Person or Facebook Live

10:30 am Traditional

Pastor Melvyn L. Rankin Co-Pastor Rev. Marlon Rankin

Call – (347) 403-8702 • Email – marlonrank67@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092121518960

St. Andrew’s Church 121 High St., Mt. Holly MASS: 5 PM Sat. 10 AM Sun. Morning Prayer (M-F) 9 AM on Facebook Office: (M-Th, 8 AM-Noon) 609-267-0225 E-Mail: STANDREWSCHURCHMH@gmail.com Website: WWW.STANDREWSCHURCH-MH.ORG

In-Person or Facebook Live

All are welcome here to grow closer to God through scripture, prayer, music, fellowship, and service to others. graceepiscopalchurchnj.com graceepiscopalnj@comcast.com https://www.facebook.com/graceepiscopalpemberton/

Trinity Episcopal Church 18 Mill St. Vincentown, NJ 08088 Worship: Sundays 10 a.m.

609-859-2299 Transportation Available Call 609-859-2883

www.iamthatiamministriesinnc.com

2 Hartford Road | Medford NJ 08055 medfordumc.org | 609/654-8111 info@medfordumc.org

Facebook: STANDREWSCHURCHMOUNTHOLLYNJ All are invited to join in worship and fellowship!