Dear Friends,
I want to congratulate Kathleen Taylor on being named 2018 Superintendent of the Year in New Jersey. The New Jersey Association of School Administrators made the announcement this week, and Dr. Taylor now becomes the state’s candidate for national Superintendent of the Year.
In honoring Dr. Taylor, the NJASA noted her innovative approaches to closing the achievement gap between students. She has always made a priority of finding ways to nurture and encourage every student, and the wealth and diversity of programs at our schools reflect that passion.
Dr. Taylor’s selection gives Ocean City the Superintendent of the Year and Teacher of the Year for 2018. American Sign Language teacher Amy Anderson was honored last month as Teacher of the Year by the state Board of Education. Anderson has taught sign language at Ocean City High School for more than a decade, and she has inspired countless students to pursue further education and careers in the field.
The success of Taylor and Anderson is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire district in serving our youth. The exceptional quality of our schools is one of Ocean City’s biggest assets as a year-round community. I want to thank these two educators and all their colleagues for their commitment.
I also want to congratulate the members of Ocean City’s Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts. At an Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony on Tuesday, they will be named Citizens of the Year. These veterans serve both their country and community throughout the year, and I can’t think of more deserving recipients of this annual honor. The ceremony on Tuesday also will recognize outstanding businesses in town, and you can see a list of winners here.
The Ocean City Board of Realtors has launched its Warmth for the Winter drive. They are collecting coats, sweaters, blankets, snow boots, hats, scarves and more for families in need. Donations can be dropped off at the Board of Realtors’ office at 405 22nd Street or you can call 609-399-0128 to arrange to have somebody pick up donations.
Finally, I want to remind everybody that the Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 11) will be held indoors at the Ocean City Tabernacle at 550 Wesley Avenue. I encourage everybody to attend and honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
