OCHS principal’s Report
November, 2009
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Tim DeRosa for being selected for the 2009-2010 Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference (HOBY). This program is open to sophomores with demonstrated or potential leadership skills. Ann Unsworth was selected as an alternate.
Congratulations to the following fall athletes who have been named to the First Team CAL All Stars in their respective sport:
Field Hockey: Colleen Slaughter, Danielle McNally, Liz Cruz, Jenn Staab, Laurie Vogel, Alex Moncman, Natalie Hunter
Football: Andrew Fiorentino, Chris Curran, Rob Zauck
Girls Cross Country: Samantha Piergross, Kayla Noll
Boys Cross Country: Miles Schoedler, Michael Hagan, Erik Johnson, Andrew DeMaria
Girls’ Soccer: Carly DiGiovanni, Morgan Torres
Boys’ Soccer: Brian Longo
VETERAN’S DAY
Veterans’ Day is an opportunity to remember the price many people have paid over the years so that we can live our lives freely and peacefully. It was originally Armistice Day, often observed in many countries today as Remembrance Day, and celebrates the day World War One ended. It is remembered at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. In 1918 as people looked at the fields of muddy, rat-infested trenches it was thought that nothing would ever grow there again. By spring time the area was filled with red poppies. In some countries paper poppies are sold for Remembrance Day and money given to veterans' groups.
Our thanks today go to the following staff members:
Mr. Butler Baldwin Army Paratrooper – Airborne Division 1966-69
Mr. Andrew Beattie Navy 1970-72 Vietnam
Mr. Joel Dugan NJ ArmyNational Guard 1998-2005, Iraq from 2/04-2/05
Mr. Robert Ford Army National Guard 1960-66
Mr. Robert Gannon Army – Vietnam 1968
Mr. Robert Gray Coast Guard – 1968-Present –Active & Reserve 34 Years
Mr. Donald Gross Marines – Vietnam
Mr. Brian King Navy 1968-1974
Mr. Robert LeMaire Navy – 1988-1992 1988-1992 Operation Specialist 2nd Class onboard the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63
Mr. Seamus McWilliams Marines – Vietnam – 1968-70
Mr. Jack Myers Coast Guard
Mr. Harding Rice Branch Marines, years served 1968 to 1971.
Mr. Jim Ricketts Air Force 1963-1967
Mr. Frances Scott Army – Gulf War
OCHS observed Veteran’s Day by reading the above over the PA system announcing all the veteran’s names. A moment of silence was observe and Dillion Pearson played Taps on his bugle.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness month was observed by Ocean City High School’s students at many of the sports events. A “pink out” was held at the Ocean City v. Egg Harbor Township football game October 23rd. The yard-line numbers at Carey Stadium’s were painted pink and pink ribbons were painted in the end zone. Football players wore pink socks to show their support and the cheerleaders were dressed in pink. Part of the money from the gate receipts and concession stand and from the Cheerleaders selling lollipops at half time was donated to South Jersey Breast Cancer Coalition. OC Field hockey team and soccer teams also held a “pink out” at one of their games and donated to this organization. A total of $1,100 was donated!!
The National Honor Society of OCHS had many members participate in the Breast Cancer Walk on October 18th on the Boardwalk. It was a rainy, cold and windy day but the students still showed up in good spirits! The NHS participants joined the Weichert Walker Team to try to help them raise as much money as possible. The team came in 8th place raising $3,180 with NHS members responsible for $1,315 of the total!
OCHS SCHOLARSHIP DINNER 2009
The 4th Annual Leadership Club Red and White Scholarship Dinner was held on November 12th from 5:00 to 7:00 in the OCHS cafeteria. The Leadership Club students, along with their advisors, Mary Maguire and Ginny Mulford would like to thank everyone for making the 4th Annual Scholarship Dinner a success, even with the storm raging outside! The menu items included wonderful culinary creations prepared by local chefs; Chef Joe Massaglia – Mama Mia’s Restaurant, Chef Michael Carmody – Greate Bay Country Club, Chef Reds Bridgens – ROJO’s Jersey Mex, Chef Allen Feng – Island Shore Chinese Restaurant, Chef Hilbert Allwood – 701 Mosaic, Chef John Szabo – Positively 4th Street, Chef Kevin Scull – Scully’s Restaurant, Chef John Talese – Jon and Patty’s Coffee Bar & Bistro and Chef Ron DeFelice. Fabulous desserts were donated by Jennifer Bowman with help from Christine Crist, WARD’s, Shriver’s, Marilyn Gray and the OCIS Family and Consumer Sciences classes, and the OCHS Family and Consumer Sciences Department. The delicious and aromatic coffee was donated by Sharon and John Szabo from Positively 4th Street. Coca-Cola Bottling Company donated 10 cases of soda for the event and Bennie’s Bread provided the wonderful rolls and breads.
Our OCHS Jazz Band, under the direction of Mr. Tim Cox, serenaded the crowd. Students from Psychology and Interact clubs and Student Council, along with their advisors set up, served and cleaned up. Thank you to club advisors Linda Spengler, Mimi Fleming and the Psychology Club for creating the beautiful centerpieces, and Phyllis Turner and Matt Purdue for involving their club members as participants in the dinner preparation and event. Blake Halliday and Colin Fahy served as our phenomenal student emcees. Jordan Weisbecker and Maddison Halliday led the pledge of allegiance. OCHS choir members Doug Hanson and Lexi Petrella along with teacher Leah Getz gave a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem.
Debbie Cathcart and Pam Wilson coordinated door prizes and student helpers Alli Pfander, Tori Donlevie and Kayla Iannace helped distribute the prizes throughout the evening, along with Maddison Halliday and Jordan Weisbecker. Craig Mensinger, Eric Baroni and Tom Park also helped with the door prizes, which included an official Eagles football signed by tight end Brent Celek! Prizes were donated by local businesses and friends: Crab Trap, Sack O’ Subs, ROJO’S Tacos (6th Street) , Cricket Box, Chatterbox, Carla Migliaccio, Lisa O’Neill, Rubina Dombrosky, Adriana Palmer and the OCHS Art Club, Bill Nickles and the OCHS Wood Shop, Sharon Norton and Pam Wilson (DECA), Sun Rose Words & Music, LLC, Sharon Norton and the Raider Retailers, Carla Simonini and the Ocean City Coffee Company, Tony and Janet Galante, Rauhauser’s, Kelly’s Creations, Still Waters Stress Center, Port-O-Call, Colette, Shriver’s, Braca’s Café, B & B Department Store, Bendix Cleaners, Aaron Bogushefsky, Katie Ball and Laura’s Fudge, Tuckahoe CheesecakeFactory, Gabrielles, Bendix Cleaners, The Lobster Loft, Marian Talese, Ginny Mulford, Becky Ulmer Allegretto, Henry’s, Playland’s Castaway Cove, Hamburger Construction Company, and George and Andrea Perrier for MIA at Caesars.
This year Mr. Baroni and his graphic design class once again created a playbill that included ads from local businesses. Thanks go out to: Steve Spengler - Berger Realty, Wayne Maguire - Crest East Coast, Mazzitelli & Merollo, Sandy Wallace - Crab Trap, Lisa and John O’Neill - OC Realty, John Yianni - Yianni’s Café, Kevin Halliday - Berger Realty, Paula Tochterman - South Jersey Home Care, Glenn Darby - Darby Agency, Beth Broadley – Broadley’s MDI, Marmora Family Dental, The Holloway Family, Dr. Kathleen Taylor - Inspirational Ad, Carolyn Logan and Ginny Verrechio - a la mode ice cream, Marcia Terry - John’s Barber Shop, PBA – OC PBA – Local #61, Denise and Gary Jessel - FOX Realty, Roxanne Lloyd and Meg Tornetta - Sturdy Savings Bank, Larry and Peggy Doyle - SOJERN Travel, Mrs. Repici – Chatterbox, Donna Macklin - Still Waters Stress Center, Jean Jacobsen - Ocean City Home Bank , Brian Hartley- Playland’s Castaway Cove.
Not to be forgotten are Nancy Natoro, who donated the tuxedos for the student emcees and Jane Beebe, who photographed the chefs! Bob Gannon and his staff did an amazing job setting up the cafeteria and breaking down the area after the dinner. Wildwood Linens and AC Party Rentals donated the linens and round tables to help make our cafeteria look elegant!
In conclusion, special thanks go to Chef Joe Massaglia, who graciously volunteers his time, energy and expertise each year to coordinate the chefs and the menu. Without his guidance, this event would not be possible.
Thank You To All Who Attended, Donated to and Supported the 2009 Red and White Scholarship Dinner!
We hope to see you again next year!
GUIDANCE NEWS
The Guidance Office has been busy processing over 400 college application. Many applications have been submitted via our new on-line transmission service. This allows the colleges to get the students’ transcripts and supporting materials much quicker. Parent email addresses were entered in our college/career planning program which allows us to keep in touch regarding important deadlines and meetings. Attendance at the junior parent meeting held in early November was very high due to the email reminders. All local scholarships are also listed in this program with application forms for our seniors’ use. Our teachers have been extremely cooperative writing numerous letters of recommendations for our students to enhance their college applications. Now that the first marking period grades are posted, counselors are meeting with students to discuss ways for improvement.
The Ocean City Observatory
The Observatory Project is gaining momentum with the final recent approval from Green Acres. It has been miles of red tape and collaboration between NJDOE, the City of Ocean City and the OC Board of Education. Our final leg involves the financial dedication of our community. We are presently looking for club, family and corporate sponsors to share the expense of the actual observatory dome. This is an amazing endeavor in which students, staff, community and industry get to join forces on an unsurpassed addition to our city. This is a university style observatory that will be used by students, families, First Night, astronomy clubs and visiting colleges. If anyone needs further information or wishes to help please call Matt Oster 399-1290 x8703 or email
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES AND VISITORS
On October 21st, Mr. Nickles and Mr. Castellini’s woodshop classes had a guest speaker. Mr. Rick Hendon from Universal Technical Institute spoke on the varied careers UTI college offers.
All Social Studies classes took part in a national mock election program organized by the Youth Citizen-Journalist Network. At OCHS we voted for NJ governor/lieutenant governor and on the public question. The results will be posted on their national website or at www.njmockelection.org
OCHS World Cultures and World History classes have been twinned with schools in Russia, Taiwan, Canada, Kenya, Belarus and Bulgaria. Mrs. Daniel joined this group through iEARN. We will be exchanging holiday information initially and then hopefully the contact will continue. “iEARN (International Education and Resource Network) is a non-profit organization made up of over 20,000 schools and youth organizations in more than 120 countries. iEARN empowers teachers and young people to work together online using the Internet and other new communications technologies. Over 1,000,000 students each day are engaged in collaborative project work worldwide.
CLUB ACTIVITIES
The Student Coalition Against Tobacco/NJ REBEL observed REBEL Revolution with announcements and signage promoting the value of a tobacco free life. SCAT/REBEL enjoyed a Haunted Hayride at Birch Grove Park in Northfield. SCAT/REBEL Advisor , Thomas Gahr, and Mrs. Merle Canderan served as chaperones. The following day they held a successful carwash to raise money for scholarships for members in the Senior Class. They raised $527 thanks to the generosity of community and faculty members.
On October 29th, the Psychology Club, co-advised by Mrs. Mimi Fleming and Mrs. Linda L. Spengler, planned and held a Welcome Party/Scavenger Hunt for all of the new transfer students to Ocean City High School. Students were given a half-hour to locate 20 pieces of information throughout the high school. Upon their return from the scavenger hunt, students were amazed at how many things they had never observed in the building!
Gilda’s Club – On November 11th, Nicole Milan-Tyner and Connie Pinkston (representatives from Gilda’s Club South Jersey) spoke to our OCHS Gilda’s Club members regarding Cancer Information: Myth or Fact. We tossed around a ball that had a variety of statements about Cancer….and when a student caught the ball they had to read the statement and tell us if they thought that statement was true or a myth. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, discuss concern and to learn about early detection, screening, and the importance of knowing their family’s medical history. We also discussed fundraising activities. Throughout the year, our club raises money for Gilda’s Club South Jersey. If anyone would like to make a contribution, feel free to contact our Gilda’s Club Advisors: Tobi Oves (399-1290 Ext. 8716) or Sharon Norton (399-1290 Ext. 1399).
The SCAT/REBEL club observed the 34thannual Great American Smokeout on November 19th. Members enjoyed a kickoff breakfast and displayed a reminder of the importance of this dayby showing the “Human Toll of Tobacco” banner at the entrance to the school. SCAT/REBEL members also made presentations in the Junior Health classes about the importance of living a tobacco free life. Members and Mr. Gahr also provided information about tobacco cessation at all lunch periods.
Key Club’s Fall Rally
On October 11, 2009, the Ocean City Key Club joined approximately three thousand Key Club members from all over New Jersey at Great Adventure for Fall Rally 2009. This annual event is the largest gathering of Key Clubbers in the world. The day began with an exciting morning of cheers, songs, and guest speakers followed by a memorable afternoon in the park. The Ocean City group had the opportunity to hear members of Key Club International, collaborate with Key Club Representatives, and meet other local groups. This year’s theme for Key Club is “Superheroes of Service: Stand up for Service. Save the World.” Ocean City’s Key Club plans to achieve superhero status this year with activities such as Beach Sweeps, Books Without Borders, and Empty Bowls. The Fall Rally was an enthusiastic day of motivation for a productive year of service. Pictured below are Cody Barr, Editor; Alicia Palombo, Secretary; Sam Piergross, Vice President; Jake Krutsick, President; and Kelly Martin, Club Advisor. Luke Hogan, Treasurer, was not able to attend.