The Ocean City Board of Education recognized four volunteers who have served as officers of the Ocean City Education foundation since it was founded eight years ago.
The board honored Chairman Dave Allegretto, Vice Chairman Mary Beth Snow, Secretary Kim Davidson and Treasurer Tom Aromando.
The foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that raises money to enhance educational opportunities for the community and for students inside and outside the classroom.
The group provides $12,000 to $20,000 each year in grants to teachers interested in trying new projects in the schools. Among many other initiatives, OCEF provided funding for the new observatory on the grounds of Ocean City High School and sponsored such programs as the anti-addiction presentations by former NBA player Chris Herren.
Superintendent Kathleen Taylor thanked the group for their “generosity of time and vision.”
Allegretto, in turn, thanked Taylor, the board, fellow OCEF members and his successor as president, Tricia Ciliberto.
Aromando will remain on as treasurer.
On Wednesday, the school board also recognized three retirees.
Irene Bell-Zebley recently retired after a 25-year career in the district, most recently as secretary to the Director of Special Services. Taylor said Bell-Zebley was affectionately known as “Radar,” because “she always knew what you needed before you even needed it.”
Taylor also praised the dedication of Ocean City Intermediate School custodians Bernie LeVasseur and Walter Payne.
Ocean City Primary School Principal honored the school’s spelling bee runners-up: Brenden Bergman and Michael Welsh. The winner, Bria Condella, will be recognized at a future meeting.
