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The Community Newsletter of Shore Regional High School - SPRING 2011

The ShorelineThe Shoreline

Monmouth Park Highway 36

West Long Branch, NJ 07764

(732) 222 - 9300 (phone)

(732) 222 - 8849 (fax)

www.shoreregional.org

Monmouth Beach - Oceanport

Sea Bright - West Long Branch

2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 12 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1

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A y e a r o f A y e a r o f

a c h i e v e m e n t s , a c h i e v e m e n t s ,

v i c t o r i e sv i c t o r i e s

a n d a n d

m e m o r i e sm e m o r i e s

.

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ANote from the Superintendent

The passing of the school budget during this past Aprilʼs elections provided me with yet another opportunity to bear witness to the resounding community support that has pillared Shore Regional High School District. The affirming voter turnout

demonstrates that stakeholders stand behind thedistrictʼs mission to provide an exceptional educa-tion for every student. Such affirmation means avery bright dawn for the 2011-2012 school year anda tranquil sunset upon the current. Thus, it is withgrateful humility that I extend sincere thanks to allthose that, through their service, support and votes,made this yearʼs school elections a success.

The Class of 2011 has certainly provided itsshare of endearing memories over the past fouryears. Abounding with college-bound scholars andstate championship caliber athletes, the classprominently stands out as a collection of young peo-ple who have consistently striven to better their fel-low man through commitments to service andscholarship. The young men and women within theClass of 2011 have made lasting impressions uponShore Regional High School, and it is with greatpride that the districtʼs administration, teachers andcoaches preside over their commencement.

With the celebration of the districtʼs FiftiethAnniversary “kicking off” in September, I entreat allinterested stakeholders to remain in contact.Whether through planning an “anniversary event” orattending some of the festivities surrounding thismomentous occasion for Shore, your involvementwould certainly ensure the year-long celebrationʼssuccess.

Sincerely,

Moving Forward With GratitudeTh e S horeline

Shore Regional High SchoolMonmouth Park Highway 36West Long Branch, NJ 07764

(732) 222 - 9300 www.shoreregional.org

Staff

Leonard G. Schnappauf, Superintendent/Principal

Dennis W. Kotch, Business Administrator

Andrew W. Ker, Director of Public InformationAuthor, Editor, Producer, The Shoreline

The Shore Regional High School DistrictBoard of Education

2011-2012

Ronald OʼNeill, President (West Long Branch)Nancy DeScenza, Vice President (Sea Bright)

David Baker (Monmouth Beach)Beth Garrigal (West Long Branch)Diane Merla (West Long Branch)

Anthony F. Moro, Jr. (Monmouth Beach)Russell T. Olivadotti (West Long Branch)

Frank J. Pingitore (Oceanport)Paul Rolleri (Oceanport)

Tadeusz “Ted” Szczurek (Oceanport)

The Shore Regional High School DistrictEducational Foundation

Board Members

Thomas DuffyMary Lynn Mango

Edward MillerPatricia PflegerPauline PoynerDonna Ruane

Leonard Schnappauf

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Leonard G. SchnappaufSuperintendent and Principal

Spring 2011---

No. II

The Shoreline is published by the Shore Regional High SchoolOffice of Public Information and is funded by

donations from the Shore Regional Educational Foundationand business advertisements.

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Volume IV

On behalf of Shore Regional High School District, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to all those who participated in this past Aprilʼs school elections. The passing of the 2011-2012 budget was the first step toward actualizing another year of exceptional learning opportunities at Shore Regional. The budgetʼs approval implies that those within the sending districts have taken note of this Officeʼs perpetual commitment to fiscal responsibility and prudence. It is my intention to continue these longstanding tenets and continue to ardently maintain accountability.

Shared Services Spawn $aving$

Shared services have become and will continue to be a focal point of Shore Re-gionalʼs Office of Business Administration. The district has continued to join consor-tiums with other districts throughout the state to increase purchasing power for items

such as liability insurance, school supplies, school buses,electricity, natural gas, telephone service and trash collec-tion. Regionally, Shore Regional shares personnel with otherdistricts both for the cost and educational benefits. As of2011, Shore Regional shares its Substance AwarenessCounselor, Child Study Team Case Manager and CurriculumDirector with some of the sending districtʼs elementary andmiddle schools. My capacity as Business Administrator isalso shared with a neighboring District outside of the local re-gion. Shared service transportation initiatives with our send-ing districts have yielded savings in excess of $250,000

despite salaries and MCVTS bus routes. Additionally, due to cooperative purchasingagreements for electricity, natural gas and telephone service, and the completion of theenergy/efficiency construction project, the 2011-2012 budget reflects a 10% decreasein utility costs.

With these cost saving alliances in place, there is no doubt that the fiscal futureof the district remains sound through firm adherence to foundational principles of thriftand austerity.

Sincerely,

Dennis W. Kotch, Business Administrator

A “state of the building” report from Business Administrator Dennis Kotch.

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THE BOARDFORUM

The Shore Regional High School Board of Education, firm its commitment to ensuring a fiscally prudent, inclusive, learner-centered education, celebrates the achievements of all Shore students.

SShhaarreedd SSeerrvviicceess MMaakkiinngg aa DDii ff ffeerreennccee iinn SSttuuddeennttss ʼ̓ LLiivveess

When she joined Shore Regional High School as thedistrictʼs Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) in 2006, Jen-nifer (Pallante) Czajkowski immediately began making re-markably strong bonds with the students she guided. Whenapproached in 2008 by Shore Regional superintendentLeonard Schnappauf to extend the benefits of her guidanceto students of the high schoolʼs sending districtʼs, Cza-jkowski enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity.

“Working in the middle schools allows me to get to knowthe students before they come to Shore and gain a familiar-ity with their needs and concerns,” reflects Czajkowski.“Anything that benefits student well-being is essentially whatIʼm all about,” she adds.

Visiting grades 4-8 in the Monmouth Beach andOceanport schools several times throughout the schoolyear, Czajkowski uses her shared service role to connectwith parents and teachers as well as students. Covering arange of topics such as preventative measures (i.e.,DARE) and emotional health, Czajkowski has noticed atremendous benefit over the past few years. “Students ar-rive at Shore aware that their is someone thatʼs willing tolisten to them and who will be there for them no matterwhat the issue,” remarks Czajkowski.

Since beginning her shared service role, Czajkowski has steadfastly remained committed to theShore Regional student body. Whether it be offering daily insight into student questions or conductingthe annual “Mission Prom” program (aimed at preventing substance use during the prom season), Cza-jkowski has remained a bedrock for students seeking clarity during turbid teenage years. Adds Cza-jkowski, “I always make time for all of my students. By offering my services throughout the sendingdistricts, our schools are able to provide the needed resources for healthy and productive school experi-ences.”

Mrs. Czajkowski smiles within the confines of her “C-Hall” office.

“Working in the middle schoolsallows me to get to know thestudents before they come toShore and gain a familiarity

with their needs and concerns.Anything that benefits studentwell-being is essentially what

Iʼm all about.”

College Bound:An overview of collegiate commitments and financial awards achieved by the Class of 2011.

Members of the Class of 2011 have been Accepted to:

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SShhaarreedd SSeerrvviicceess MMaakkiinngg aa DDii ff ffeerreennccee iinn SSttuuddeennttss ʼ̓ LLiivveess

Adelphi University (1)*Albright College (6)Alfred University (1)

American Academy of Dramatic Arts (1)American University (2)Arcadia University (5)

Automotive Training Center (1)Averett University (1)Barry University (1)

Bloomsburg University of PA (1)Boston College (1)

Boston University (1)University of Bridgeport (1)

Brookdale Community College (52)Cabrini College (6)

Caldwell College (1)The Catholic University of America (2)

University of Central Florida (1)Chaminade University of Honolulu (1)

Champlain College (1)College of Charleston (4)Chestnut Hill College (3)

City University of New York (1)Clemson University (1)

Coastal Carolina University (10)Colgate University (1)

University of Connecticut (2)University of Delaware (9)

DeVry University (1)Dickinson College (2)Drew University (4)

Drexel University (10 )Earlham College (1)

East Carolina University (1)East Stroudsburg University of PA (5)

Eckerd College (1)Elon University (3)

Emerson College (1)Empire Beauty School (1)

Fairfield University (1)Farleigh Dickinson University, Madison (3)

Flagler College (4)Florida Atlantic University (5)

Florida Gulf Coast University (2)Florida Institute of Technology (3)

Florida State University (1)Fordham University (5)

George Washington University (1)Georgian Court University (4)

Goldey-Beacon (1)Harcum College (1)

University of Hartford (1)Hartwick College (1)

University of Hawaii at Hilo (1)Hawaii Pacific University (3)

High Point University (1)Hobart and William Smith Colleges (1)

Hood College (1)James Madison University (7)

Johnson & Wales University (7)Kutztown University (1)

LaSalle College (2)Lafayette College (1)

Lebanon Valley College (1)Long Island University-C.W. Post Campus (1)

University of Louisville (2)Loyola University Maryland (4)

Lynn University (1)Marist College (2)

University of Mary Washington (1)University of Maryland, College Park (3)

Marymount Manhattan College (3)University of Massachusetts, Amherst (5)

McDaniel College (2)University of Miami (1)

Misercordia University (1)Molloy College (1)

Monmouth University (13)The University of Montana (1)Montclair State University (12)

Moore College of Art and Design (1)Moravian College (1)

Mount Saint Maryʼs University (1)Muhlenberg College (4)

New Hampshire Institute of Art (2)University of New Hampshire (2)

University of New Haven (2)The College of New Jersey (5)

New York University (2)Newbury College (2)

Northeastern University (6)The Ohio State University (1)

Pace University (4)Pennsylvania State University (6)

Philadelphia University (6)Polytechnic Institute of NYU (1)

Providence College (1)Quinnipiac University (9)

Ramapo College (4)University of Rhode Island (7)

Richard Stockton College of NJ (6)Rider University (12)

Rowan University (15)Rutgers, New Brunswick (21)

Rutgers, Newark (1)Sacred Heart University (2)

Saint Josephʼs University (3)St. Leoʼs University (1)Salisbury University (4)

Savannah College of Art and Design (2)The University of Scranton (6)

Seton Hall University (8)Siena College (1)

University of South Carolina (4)Springfield College (2)

St. Johnʼs University-Queens (3)State University of New York at New Paltz (1)

Stevens Institute of Technology (2)Stevenson University (1)

Stony Brook University (2)Suffolk University (1)

SUNY College at Cortland (1)Susquehanna University (4)The University of Tampa (6)

Temple University (3)Towson university (13)Tulane University (1)

Universal Technical Institute (1)University of Vermont (3)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State Univ. (2)Virginia Wesleyan College (2)

Wagner College (11)Washington & Jefferson College (1)

Washington College (2)Wentworth Institute of Technology (1)

Wesley College (2)West Chester University of Pennsylvania (4)

West Virginia University (5)West Virginia Wesleyan College (1)

Widener University (1)Wilkes University (1)

College of William and Mary (1)William Paterson University (3)

York College of Pennsylvania (5)

* (#) denotes the number of students accepted at the specific institution.

Total Scholarship Amount Awarded (by month of Mayʼs end):$7,135,848.00

On behalf of the Board of Education, “Congratulations to ALL the members of the Class of 2011!”

ANSWERING theCALL of CIVIC DUTYThis spring, Shore Regional students became the embodiment of “active citizens,” taking voter information initiatives to great heights of success.

During the weeks of April 4-8, 11-15 and25-27, senior AP and IB students along withmembers of the National Honor Society ran a“voter information headquarters” in the highschoolʼs front lobby. Throughout the month, stu-dent volunteers offered building visitors the op-portunity to learn of their current registrationstatus, find polling locations and/or offer registra-tion/absentee ballot forms to those interested.

Using a laptop computer connected to aflat-screen television monitor, student volunteersaccessed the state division of electionʼs websitehousing relevant voter data. Copies of forms inEnglish, Spanish and Chinese were available ona guest-to-guest basis. In each interaction withbuilding guests, students conducted themselveswith politeness, respect and a pure interest incivil service. It was essential that advocacy for oragainst the school election (and/or partisan elec-tioneering) not be present at any time.

Student volunteers utilized an online sys-tem designed by Mr. Ker (Social Studies Depart-ment) to “sign up” for shifts during their approvedclass periods. Additionally, the Social Studies De-partment saw to it that the entirety of the seniorclass themselves became registered and madeaware of the importance of voting.

Senior volunteer Connor Arnette (Mon-mouth Beach) felt the importance of the initiativethroughout the month. “You get a sense of ac-complishment when you help someone and youfeel like you are making a difference. We're tryingto get people to vote, not vote for or against theschool budget. Weʼre just out to make peopleaware.”

Undoubtedly, Connor and the over fortyvolunteers that participated gained a lesson incivics that will remain with them throughout theirvoting lives.

Credits for this photo: Chris Sheldon, www.Patch.com

ADVANCEDRECOGNITION:

Shore Regional High School Named to AP Achievement List by College Boardfor Significant Gains in Advanced Placement Access and Student Performance

During the spring of 2011, Shore Regional was honored by the College Board by being se-lected as one of fewer than 400 school districts in the nation to earn a spot on the groupʼs AdvancedPlacement® (AP) Achievement List. The honor acknowledges schools that have opened AP class-room doors to a significantly broader pool of students, while maintaining or improving the percentageof students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP exams. From 2008 to 2010, Shore Regional HighSchool saw marked increases in the number of students participating in AP along with an improvedpercentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher, the score typically needed to earncollege credit. Based on these accomplishments,Shore Regional High School earned a well-deservedspot on the Advanced Placement® Programʼs “APAchievement District Honor Roll” for 2011.

District superintendent Leonard Schnappaufpraised both students and faculty regarding the honor.“Shore Regional High School District is honored to re-ceive the College Boardʼs acknowledgment. Thisachievement is a testament to our facultyʼs dedicationand the tremendous efforts of our AP students. Thedistrict is both proud and humbled to stand amongstmany of the nationʼs premier secondary schools.”

According to College Board President GastonCaperton, “Participation in college-level AP coursescan level the playing field for underserved students,give them the confidence needed to succeed in college, and raise standards and performance in keysubjects like science and math.” He adds, “The AP Achievement List districts are defying expecta-tions by expanding access while enabling their students to maintain or improve their AP Examscores.”

Shore Regionalʼs AP program has consistently modeled the College Boardʼs aspirations, help-ing more students learn at a higher level and earn higher AP scores. AP teachers within the districtand school administrators alike have collaboratively planned over the past decade to engage initia-tives and strategies to simultaneously expand access and improve student performance.

Districts like Shore Regional are “living proof that when access to AP is provided for a rangeand breadth of prepared and motivated students, districts can achieve exceptional learning out-comes, not the least of which is the opportunity to earn college credit and placement,” said TrevorPacker, vice president of the College Boardʼs Advanced Placement Program.

Taking the honor in stride, Shore Regionalʼs AP faculty are already “gearing up” for their Col-lege Board curriculum audits and providing next yearʼs students with specially formulated summer as-signments. Reflects Schnappauf, “Success breeds success, and the AP offerings at Shore Regionalwill continue to offer all students the opportunity to achieve at the highest levels.”

AP United States History students “chow down” on Mr. Kerʼs homemade pancakes on May 6th, the morning of their exam.

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Junior Kiralee Knotts poses outside the African Unionʼs UN building with Mom and Dad.

KK NN OO TT TT SS LL AA NN DD II NN GGIn working toward her Girl Scout Gold Award,

the highest ranking award a Girl Scout can achieve,junior Kiralee Knotts undertook a project committed tohuman rights, reducing poverty and improving thelives of others. Her project, “Operation Health andHygiene,” is centered upon medical education andhygiene instruction, and will assist the United Nations(UN) in reaching its Millennium Development Goals.In the year 2000 the UN composed eight goals for im-proving human development by the year 2015.Knottʼs project is designed to help actualize these am-bitions by aiding children in the US and abroad gainaccess to basic health supplies.

Among the many challenges Knotts has un-dertaken, delivering 2,000 personal health kits toeight rural schools and orphanages in South Africathis coming August stands out as particularly ambi-tious. While abroad, Knotts will be providing hygieneand first aid lessons in hopes of preventing thespread of diseases. Such efforts are commonplace inKnottsʼs family, her mother having recently spent timein Haiti helping the population recover from 2010ʼsdevastating earthquake.

Advised by renowned childrenʼs environmentalauthor and United Nations spokesperson Rachael Pe-terpaul Paulson, Knotts has set her mind to the taskof addressing the needs of those residing in develop-ing countries. Paulsonʼs Non-Governmental Organi-zation (NGO), Hands on the World Global, Inc.(www.howglobal.org) has partnered with EngineersWithout Borders to provide villages, like thoseKnotts will visit in August, with their first water welland pump, relieving residents from having to walk up-wards of 2.5 miles just to gain access to water.

During the 2010-2011 school year, Knotts col-laborated with Shore Regionalʼs Interact Service Or-ganization to solicit donations from local schools andresidents within her hometown (West Long Branch).Hundreds of supplies have been collected throughcommunity and school drives to help compose med-ical hygiene kits. The kits include soap, toothbrushes,toothpaste, dental floss, band-aids, gauze pads, anti-septics, and antibiotic ointment.

Shore Regional junior Kiralee Knotts is ready to embark

Knotts poses with Mark Breland inside the UNʼs African Union building.

KK NN OO TT TT SS LL AA NN DD II NN GGk upon the journey of a lifetime for the sake of mankind.

Paulson named Knotts as the “Team Leader”of the group that will debark for South Africa in Au-gust. Additionally, Paulson also had Knotts representher organization at a presentation at the United Na-tions. On February 24th, Knotts traveled to New YorkCity with her parents and National Junior Honor Soci-ety advisor Jodi Bocco (Frank Antonides MiddleSchool) to the African Union of the United Nations.There she sat in on a presentation for youth initiativeentitled, “Alpine Youth Challenge: Everything is Possi-ble.”

The presentation keyed upon inspiring hope,initiative, and action among the current generationʼsyouth. Led by Sophie Denis, a Mount Everest summi-teer and world record holder, the conference featuredmany prominent world figures including Patrick Ip(Californiaʼs youngest Assembly District Delegate),Goma Mabika (Founder of the Congo Education andDevelopment Initiative), Sauveur Soriano (Team USAjudo coach and Olympian), Ambassador ChristianWenaweser (Representative of Liechtenstein to theUN), Luciano Lamonarca (Acclaimed Italian tenor andopera singer), Vanessa Greeley (prize-winning fromthe “Food Network”), Michele Vella (United NationsCommission on the Status of Women Facilitator),Mark Breland (Team USA boxer, Olympic Gold Medal-ist, 5 NY Golden Gloves titles), Ian Macdonald-Smith(prize-winning photographer) and Keeth Smart (USAsaber fencer, Olympic Gold Medalist).

With the enormous process of gearing up forthe trip well underway, Knotts excitedly anticipates herdeparture for South Africa on August 11th. “This proj-ect has taken a lot of work and effort. It has involvedmy whole community and has motivated me to stepup and become a better leader,” reflects Knotts. Witha return date of August 21st, Knotts continues to pre-pare for a week that will surely provide life-changingexperiences.

If you would like to support or donate to Kiralee Knottsʼs project, visit

www.shoreregional.org/OHHfor more information.

Kiralee Knotts gives two thumbs up to the destination of her projectʼs services.

Junior Kiralee Knotts listens attentively to Denisʼs presentation on developing African nations.

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Unique Learning Experiences Abound as Programme Continues to Grow

Details of the exceptional opportunities offered within Shore Regional

IB candidates pose at the “Brunswick Zone” during the Big Brothers Big Sisters “Bowl-for-Kids-Sake” fundraiser.

As it enters its fourth full year ofbeing offered, Shore Regional HighSchoolʼs IB Programme continues togrow. Programme Coordinator LindaEnsor notes that collaborative effortswith Curriculum Director Bruce Pre-ston have brought about the tailoringof the Programmeʼs offerings to suiteach individual studentʼs needs.“Weʼve endeavored to ensure thateach IB candidate receives the sup-port he or she requires to succeed inthis academically rigorous program,”reflects Ensor.

Members of the IB Class of2011 completed three weeks of inten-sive examinations during the month ofMay. Since enrolling in the program in2009, candidates have volunteeredhundreds of hours of community serv-ice, completed a mandatory “Theoryof Knowledge” course and submittedthe required Extended Essay. Resid-ing at the pinnacle of academic rigor,the Extended Essay is an independ-ent, self-directed piece of research,culminating in a 4,000-word paper. Asa required component, it providesgreat preparation for the kinds of un-dergraduate research that many willbe involved in during their forthcomingcollege years.

The spring of 2011 found IBseniors and juniors traveling through-out the region. Among their stops wasa visit to Asbury Parkʼs “Hot Sands”where candidates learned how to blowglass and create art projects for theirexhibited assessments.

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IB students working at Asbury Parkʼs “Hot Sands” glass blowing facility.

updatel High Schoolʼs International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

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IB candidatesʼ service require-ments continued to “roll” during thespring months. Working for the BigBrothers and Big Sisters of Middlesexand Monmouth Counties, IB studentsfrom Shore Regional High School par-ticipated in a bowl-a-thon to raisemoney for the organizationʼs annualcharity fundraiser. Shore IB partici-pants collected more than $500 in do-nations for BBBS, while showing offtheir bowling prowess at theBrunswick Zone in Hazlet, NJ.

The month of May found IBcandidates visiting the Jersey ShoreCenter (Eatontown) to paint scenesfrom The Wizard of Oz on the facilityʼswindows (see photos at right). Maywas “National Nursing Home Month,”and the staff of the center had se-lected the classic 1939 film as thetheme for the facilityʼs displays andfestivities. All those served by JSCwere delighted to see the magicalcharacters and scenery from the filmgrace windows and panes throughout .

Ongoing CAS projects includeIB juniors, Colleen McCarthy andJaden Dicopoulos, representing ShoreRegional High School on the 2011CROP Walk Teen Committee. Also, IBjuniors and seniors are currently de-vising fundraisers to help support theLong Branch Rotary Clubʼs schoolproject in Brazil.

For more information on IB at Shore,visit www.shoreregional.org/IB.

Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) Projects Make Positive Impacts

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A L U M N ISince 1964, many of nearly a half-centuryʼs worth

of Shore Regional graduates have gone on to greatachievements. In each edition of “The Shoreline,” the

Alumni Spotlight column focuses on recent alumni“news,” publishing brief acknowledgments, career

accomplishments and/or other life changes amongst theShore Regional alumni body. To submit alumni

information for publication in future editions of “TheShoreline,” E-Mail PublicInfo@ShoreRegional.org.

Time: Saturday, July 9 · 7:00pm - 11:00pm

Location: The Renaissance1110 Valley RoadOcean, NJ 07712

Cost: $75.00

Contact: Jeffrey Brace(E-mail: ark72axow@msn.com)

More Info: www.shoreregional.org/1991

Third Annual Frankie & Friends Tournament a Success

On April 30, 2011, the third annual “Frankie & Friends”Baseball Tournament kicked off another touching memorial forone of the finest Blue Devils to ever grace the diamond. Thetournament honors the memory of Shore alumnus Frank Calta-bilota, Jr., victim of the 2000 Seton Hall dormitory fires, andraises money for his namesake scholarship created by his par-ents.

“Frankieʼs” love for the game could be seen by everyonehe played with and against. Thus, the tournament extends invita-tions to local teams that include players from all over New Jer-sey. Played each year in West Long Branchʼs Valenzano park,the tournamentʼs first three years have been enormously suc-cessful. Donations and participants are always welcomed.

For a full recap of the 2011 tournament and to learn more about the Frank Caltabilota, Jr. Scholarship, visit

www.shoreregional.org/Frankie.

Below: Shore alumnus Pat OʼNeill takes a lead off of second base.

S P O T L I G H TIn September 2010, Shore Regional launched an alumni armed-forces section on

the district website. The Alumni Veterans section catalogues the service records ofalumni that entered military service upon graduation and apprises stakeholders of their

personal accomplishments. The spotlight below is but one story of the large body ofalumni who have served the nation honorably since their days at Shore Regional. In

honor of Memorial Day 2011, the column is devoted to one of Shoreʼs bravest.

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Submit an Alumni Veteran update:All alumni veterans, their families and friends are encouraged to send “updates”

to Shore Regional. Visit www.shoreregional.org/VETS for more information.

Robert O. Balmer was born on January 8, 1947. His home of record is Oceanport,NJ. Bob had two sisters, Terry Lee and Stacy Lynn, and two brothers, Keith and Arthur.He graduated from Shore Regional High School in West Long Branch, NJ, in June1964. His hobbies included fishing, swimming, football, boating, photography andcamping. He received a prize at the Asbury Park Convention Hall for pictures that hepainted.

On June 30, 1965, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps, 3rd Marine Division. Heachieved the rank of Private First Class (PFC).

Balmer was killed on November 20, 1965, during a battle with the Viet Cong at DaNang. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal and Sharpshooter badge.

Beside his siblings, Robert was also survived by his parents, Herbert and TheresaKnott.

Bob enlisted in the Marine Corps so he could get his service over with early and marryhis high school sweetheart, Trudy Hanson. He also had a job as a potential tugboatcaptain waiting for him after his enlistment was up, working for the Railroad tugs. Hisdad was Captain and couldnʼt wait for him to join him. He enlisted right after highschool graduation in order not to worry about being drafted and with his service behindhim he could continue on with his life. He was so proud to be a Marine; his braveryand personal pride in himself and the Marine Corps is no doubt what killed him. Hegave his all in battle and died a hero at the age of 18 years and 9 months. He is stillmissed even after all these years. His fiancée Trudy calls me from time to time to letme know she still loves him and carries him wherever she goes. She is now happilymarried and the mother of twin girls who are graduating from college.

Written by Theresa Knott, Mother

Sources: Theresa Knott (mother) and NJVVMF.

ROBERT O. BALMERHometown:OCEANPORTCounty:MonmouthStatus:Killed In ActionRank:PFCBranch of Service:MarinesCountry of Incident:SVNDate of Casualty:November 20, 1965Date of Birth:January 08, 1947

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“Day of Silence” 2011:

14

One of the challenges many high schoolstudents face remains confronting acts of bully-ing and intolerance. In hopes of aiding studentsduring such times, Shore Regional staff mem-bers Stefanie Lefurge and Carol Burkley becamethe advisors of a new extracurricular groupknown as GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance).

Formed in the winter of 2011, the groupʼsmission is to foster awareness,promote education and provide aforum for discussion about sensi-

tive issues. GSA encourages ac-ceptance and tolerance within thediverse population of Shore Re-gional striving to “break down the silence sur-rounding these issues in order to create a placeof support, respect, pride and safety for gay, les-bian, bisexual, transgender persons and ques-tioning youth with their heterosexual allies.”

On Friday April 15, the group engaged in“The Day of Silence,” a nationwide campaignthat brings awareness and support for theLGBTQ community. Shore Regionalʼs GSAmembers wore Purple “Day of Silence” t-shirts(for an example, see Ms. Czajkowskiʼs photo, pg.3) that had an “equal” sign on the front and thewords “Day of Silence” on the back. These stu-dents took an oath of remaining silent throughoutthe school day. If the student was asked, “Whyare you not speaking?,” the student then handed

a “speaking card” to that person giving an expla-nation of the “Day of Silence.”

Founded in 1996 by students at the Uni-versity of Virginia, and currently officially spon-sored in K-12 schools by GLSEN (the Gay,Lesbian and Straight Education Network), the“Day of Silence” has become the largest student-led action to protest the bullying and harassment

of LGBTQ people and their al-lies. Participants take a day longvow of silence and distribute in-

formation or wear T-Shirts aboutanti-LGBTQ bias and ways forstudents and others to “end the

silence.” Like other schools Shore Regional helda “Breaking the Silence” session at the end of theschool day, offering students the opportunity tospeak out against harassment and contemplatechanges for their schools and communities.

Modern research clearly shows that stu-dents who frequently experience harassmenthave GPAʼs that are half a grade lower thanthose who do not and are more likely not to at-tend college. These statistics and others servedas the genesis for the national “Day of Silence.”At Shore Regional, the “Day of Silence” servedas a poignant call for continued student toleranceand relationship-building within the school.

(SRHS GSA meets every Tuesday in room E-9.)

Shore students, faculty and staff unite to oppose bullying and intolerance.

Shore Regional High School

Monmouth Park Highway 36

West Long Branch, NJ 07764

NON-PROFIT

US POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT #259

Red Bank, NJ

07701

POSTAL PATRON

SRHS Alumni Supporting Future Students Through Donations:SRHS Alumni Supporting Future Students Through Donations:Shore Regional High School District THANKS its alumni, community members and other

supporters for their generous donations to the Shore Regional High School Educational Foundation. The Foundationʼs mission is to continually make technology and other learning resources

available for current and future Shore Regional High School students. Every dollar counts!Visit www.shoreregional.org/donate for more information or to make a donation.

Tadeusz “Ted” Szczurek(Oceanport Resident)

“I donated for a few reasons…In thanks for the great start to their educational ca-reers my children received at SHORE; so that my legacy is one of continued edu-cational excellence that grows and adapts for future generations, and in thanks to

the many Board members who placed education and students first.”

The Davis Family(Oceanport Residents)

“Weʼre excited that our children will eventually attend a public high school that putsstudents first and remains committed to the highest levels of academic excellence.Donating today is an investment for tomorrow and our children are sure to benefitfrom a school that weʼve come to know as one of the finest in Monmouth County.”

Mark Patterson(Alumnus)

“For the four memorable years of my life I will never forget.For those opportunities given and for those taken, and for

what is still to come. Thank you Shore Regional. I amProud to be an Alumni. Go Blue Devils!!!

Michael Spahr(Alumnus, Class of 2001)

“Shore Regional provided me with many lasting memo-ries. This is my opportunity to ʻgive backʼ to the school sothat tomorrowʼs students can share some of the great ex-

periences of being a ʻBlue Devilʼ for life!”

Chris Gornik(Alumnus, Class of 2002)

“As an alumnus of Shore Regional I feel it is very important to support our schoolwith both your heart and your wallet. Every dollar we can raise will make futurestudents more intelligent, more comfortable, and more athletically competitive. I

was lucky enough to be given these opportunities through Shore and I want to domy part so that they continue into the future. Shore Pride!”

Chris Gornikʼs (ʻ02) Senior Portrait