Sadness And Anger At Vigil For Adriana Kuch

By Chris Lundy

officers. Joseph Reilly was promoted to sergeant and there were the moves of Patrolmen Conner Yatauro to the Traffic Safety Section and Jesse Tate and Michael Gardner to the detective bureau.

The ceremony also included the presentation of the Corporal distinction to veteran officer Michael Terranova.

Chief Dolan said, “when selecting individuals for any position within the

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BERKELEY – A vigil in memory of Adriana Kuch was attended by dozens of people who want to make sure what happened to her never happens to anyone else.

Adriana, 14, committed suicide after being attacked in school and then bullied on social media because her attackers shared the video of it online.

Close friends of the family gathered on the stage at Veterans Park and brought flowers.

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Many of the people gathered released balloons with messages written to her. Students drew posters with statements like “Say her name,” “Rest in paradise,” and “Forever in our hearts; always on our mind.”

But they also said things like “Stop the cover-ups at Central Regional” and “Rest easy Adriana. Justice will be served.”

There was more than sadness at this vigil, there was anger, calling for the officials in the district to be fired: Assistant Superintendent Doug Corbett, High School Principal Irene Marousis, and chief academic officer (who is the anti-bullying coordinator) Thomas Gallahue. Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides resigned the next day. A friend of the family started a cheer “What do we want? (Justice!) Who do we want it for? (Adriana!) When do we want it? (Now!)”

Several elected officials were also in attendance. Councilman James Byrnes addressed the crowd asking everyone to pray that “something like this never happens again in our lifetime.”

He also thanked the students for coming forward and standing up for what they believed in. “If you never stepped up, it would’ve been swept under a rug.”

Nearby schools held programs to talk about bullying, social media, and suicide.

Billhimer stopped by a rally held in front of the school the week after her death.

“I’m heartbroken for this family and the loss of this young girl,” Billhimer said in an email to this newspaper. “She had her whole life ahead of her. It’s a tragic situation for all involved. Anytime something like this happens, we all need to ask ourselves if we are doing enough to address the mental health needs of our youth. It’s important for kids to know that every situation in life is temporary. Nothing is worth taking your own life. Things will get better. Parents, teachers, administrators, friends and family – there is someone out there that cares about you. Please ask for help before you make a decision that you can’t come back from. Your life is too precious.”

Fundraiser For The Family

No one is ever prepared when tragedy hits. That’s certainly the case with the Kuch family.

“Adriana was a wonderful and brave daughter who touched the lives of those around her. We are all devastated by her loss and were not prepared for the high cost of the expenses to come,” said her aunt, Sami Nye, who started the GoFundMe that can be found at gofund.me/028f8bac verified and that the money is going to the family.

As of this writing, the fundraiser has reached $30,000.

If You Need Help

Depression and feelings of hopelessness are more prevalent than anyone would like to admit. You are not alone. This is a time to reach out to each other and be there for one another. There are a number of resources available for help.

“Ocean’s Harbor House does work with many teens and families and provides shelter, support and services for youth in our region,” said Tricia Bradly, director of programs. “We don’t focus on suicide specifically but we do counsel many youth who have been involved in bullying incidents. Following up on this tragedy we will be reaching out to Central Regional High School to make them aware of our shelter and counseling services so that in the future they have another resource available to their students.” or divorce, sex and sexuality, problems with friends / peer pressure, relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, self harm, substance abuse, school stress, family abuse, dating violence, and living with a disability. Contact of Ocean and Monmouth Counties has two phone numbers to call: 732-2406100 or 609-693-5834.

The State of New Jersey has created a new helpline. By dialing or texting 988, you can receive help for yourself or someone you love in a mental health crisis.

The police department and the prosecutor’s office couldn’t comment on the case because it involves juveniles.

“We want to give Adriana the memorial she deserves to honor her memory. I am currently asking for donations to help cover the cost of Adriana’s funeral as well as other legal expenses as we seek justice for her,” she said.

Prosecutor Bradley

GoFundMe reached out to this newspaper to confi rm that the fundraiser has been

The National Suicide Prevention hotline is 1-800-273-TALK.

2nd Floor is for young people to discuss both everyday and serious problems. Calling (888) 222-2228 will put you in touch with professional staff and trained volunteers with non-judgmental responses.

They are there to assist callers with any topic including: bullying, family problems

“We are here for anyone who is in trouble, lonely, depressed, and suicidal or someone who just needs a person to listen to them,” they said. They don’t offer advice or try to solve another person’s problems, but they offer a safe space for callers to talk about their problems. When appropriate, they can make referrals to other community services that are available to the caller.

Officers:

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Manchester Township Police Department, whether they be Patrol Officer, Sergeant, Detective, Traffic Safety or Corporal, our residents can rest assured that only top-tier candidates represent our agency.”

Reilly, who is in his 11th year as an officer of the department, took the oath of office first. He served in the United States Marine Corps and as a Military Police Officer with service in Iraq and Japan and has been a Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Youth Police Academy Instructor, member of the Honor Guard, and sniper with Ocean County Regional SWAT since being sworn in to the department.

He also is a Physical Fitness Instructor and Firearms Instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy. Sgt. Reilly holds a master’s degree from Farleigh Dickinson University and has received the Chief’s Award, Life Saving Award, and two Chief’s Recognition Awards, among others.

Next to take the oath of office was Officer Kimbiz, a 25-year-old Brick Township High School graduate who earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Kutztown University. He began his law enforcement career in 2020 when he was sponsored by the Seaside Heights Police Department to attend the Ocean County Police Academy for Class II officers.

He graduated in April 2021 and began serving as a Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO II). After a successful summer season, Kimbiz was chosen by Seaside Heights to continue working into the fall and winter months, which is reserved for only the SLEO II officers with exceptional work ethic and willingness to learn.

Schandall, a 21-year-old Colts Neck High School graduate took the oath of office next. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Farleigh Dickinson University. Officer Schandall was sponsored by the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department to attend Ocean County Police Academy in May 2021.

After a successful summer season, she continued working with the Department into the fall and winter months and was hired by the South Bound Brook Police Department as a full-time officer in June 2022, where she was recognized for her remarkable job performance.

Last to be sworn into office was Officer Sullivan, a 24-year-old lifelong Manchester resident who graduated from Manchester Township High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Farleigh Dickinson University.

Sullivan is a former Class II officer in Seaside Heights. He graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy in 2022 and was hired by the Lakehurst Police Department as a part time officer in June 2022. He came highly recommended for his exceptional work performance.

Chief Dolan explained that the intensive department hiring process for the position of patrol officer began in July of 2021, when approximately 100 individuals submitted their applications for employment.

He explained that during the first phase, applicants participated in the Physical Agility Examination held at the Manchester Township High School. This test consisted of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, and a one-mile run.

Those who passed, advanced to the boxing component. Applicants who successfully completed all phases of the physical exam, went on to participate in the Written Examination. From there, the top scorers went before the Oral Review Board for interviews.

Those candidates considered for employment subsequently underwent a thorough background investigation and submitted to medical, psychological, and drug screenings.

The Chief added, “only those individuals who are truly dedicated to excelling in the service of their community can successfully navigate the process. They will serve the residents of our community with honor and integrity.”

The ceremony also included the lateral move of Patrol Officer Yatauro, a six-year veteran who has completed extensive training in crash investigations, to the Traffic Safety Section. Patrolman Yatauro is also a Child Safety Seat Technician and instructor for Emergency Vehicle Operators.

Patrol Officers Tate and Gardner were selected for assignment to the Narcotics Enforcement Team as detectives.

Tate, a five-year veteran, has served as a Field Training Officer, as a Drone Operator and has participated in numerous narcotics investigations prior to his new assignment.

Gardner joined the Township Police Department in 2019 and consistently displayed an interest in narcotics-related investigations, leading to a number of seizures of drugs, vehicles, and currency.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Officer Terranova was honored with the Corporal designation, a distinction which was instituted in 2015 after being proposed by the late Cpl. Scott Thompson, who was its first recipient, posthumously.

The distinction recognizes excellent officers with 20 or more years of service who exhibit outstanding commitment to their department and profession.