Bishop McHugh –
March and April have been very philanthropic months for the students at Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School. Students, faculty and staff celebrated St. Paddy’s Day with Shamrock Shakes, courtesy of the Burlaga Family, a green dress down day and donated over $450 to The Ronald McDonald House.
Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School’s outreach organization, Team Mercy, is spearheading the school’s annual canned good food drive to support the Holy Redeemer Food Pantry. Their goal is to top last year’s donation of 1,800 food items. The food drive began as a school-wide Lenten outreach and will continue throughout May.
The organization also assembled and donated Easter baskets to the food pantry to provide a happy Easter to area children.
Wildwood –
When it comes to smarts, it’s all in the family for Wildwood High School Class of 2014 valedictorian Shelby Thornton.
When Thornton, 17, steps to the podium to deliver her address to her fellow graduating seniors, she will join the exclusive club that not only includes her as its newest inductee, but also includes her older sister Kirby Thornton and her grandmother, Lola Borden (nee Peard).
The family, which now boasts of having produced two generations of valedictorians, has its roots deeply planted in the Warrior Nation. Borden was the number one student in the class of 1961, Kirby Thornton followed in her grandmother’s footsteps 50 years later, and Shelby Thornton completes the hat trick by achieving the honor of being best in her class for 2014.
According to Shelby Thornton, she set her sights on becoming valedictorian at the end of her freshman year when she received the top of the class award. Having an older sister who graduated at the top of her class was also an impetus.
“She graduated as valedictorian and that is when I knew I had to do it too,” said Shelby Thornton. “I definitely looked up to her.”
“I never doubted that Shelby would graduate in the top of her class and be valedictorian,” said Kirby Thornton. “Since day one of her freshman year, she worked very hard and always put her schoolwork first.
“I knew her dedication and work ethic, and I knew that she would be very successful throughout high school. I am so proud of her accomplishments and am so excited to see where she goes in the future.”
Shelby Thornton said her grandmother is very proud of the fact that her two granddaughters will be joining her in the annals of WHS history.
“I’m always proud of them anyway,” said the 70-year-old grandmother. Having her granddaughters also graduate as top of their class came as a surprise. “It never dawned on me,” she said, “But I’m so proud I could burst!”
While siblings being named valedictorians is not unheard of, having two sisters and a grandmother each hold the honor is highly unusual. Principal Christopher Armstrong said WHS has graduated 108 classes and is not aware of any other grandmother/granddaughter/granddaughter valedictorians.
“Having known the family forever, what an exciting accomplishment this is for them,” said Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano. “It does not surprise me in the least, having known Lola and what a wonderful person she is. And to have passed on the mantle of being a valedictorian to her granddaughters speaks volumes of the commitment this family has to education. We are as proud of Shelby, her sister and her grandmother as we are of every student who passes through the halls of Wildwood High School.”
As valedictorian, Shelby Thornton will be required to give an address during the school’s commencement in June. She said she has not started writing the words she will deliver to her fellow classmates. Borden said she has no doubt her granddaughter will rise to the occasion. “I don’t think she’ll have any trouble giving her speech. I never gave mine. I was too shy.”
Armstrong said Shelby Thornton’s accomplishment came as a result of hard work and dedication. With a senior class of 53 students he said the class is as competitive as it is talented. Only six one-hundredths of a point separated the valedictorian from the salutatorian.
“It’s a lot of hard work,” said Shelby Thornton. “Number two and number three are very, very close. But I feel that gave me more of a drive to get it. It was a lot of hard work. You have to focus if you want it.”
“They’re all better for it,” said the principal. “It’s an honor to be number one but I think the rising tide raises all boats. The top of the class has worked hard academically and have been successful.”
In addition to her academic achievement, Shelby Thornton’s activities include soccer, running track, fall and winter cheerleading, choir, National Honor Society, Peer Leaders and Seasiders. She has been accepted to Rowan University where she will major in Psychology and minor in Spanish. She hopes to one-day work for the FBI.
“Education is the key to success,” said Wildwood High School’s newest valedictorian. “It gives you a sense of confidence and honor. It gives you purpose. You have to be here so you might as well try your best. It’s all hard work. It’s definitely worth it.”
Dennisville – As a parent of a Tech student it would be great if the school would update their staff directory. So many old staff still listed and no new teachers listed. What gives?
