Barnegat Student Wins Optimist International Essay Competition

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BARNEGAT – A touching essay about a sibling has won a Barnegat High School Junior a college scholarship from the Optimist International organization. Jane Haviland, 17, penned the piece about her 5-year-old brother, Emmett. The theme for this year’s Optimist International Essay Scholarship Competition was “Who is an Everyday Hero that Brings Out the Optimism in You?”

“Once I heard the topic of the essay contest, Emmett came to mind right away,” she said. “He is without a doubt the funniest, smiley, perfectly happy person I know, and the thing that stands out the most about him is that he is able to radiate happiness even when he is being challenged.”

Emmett, who is in kindergarten, has Down syndrome. “Emmett is my hero because of his immense bravery, his astounding accomplishments, and his ability to make everyone feel loved and special, and I am proud to observe his growth into a person who is extraordinary,” wrote Haviland in her essay. She went on to say, “Emmett shares love and appreciation for every last person he comes into contact with, no matter the circumstances. In my opinion, this is the most important notion that all people should observe of the Downs community and apply to themselves: the toleration, acceptance, and love for others, for this is the sole reason why Emmett fills my world with optimism. My little brother, the comical, warm-hearted boy who just happens to have an extra chromosome is extra special to me, for he is the basis of my goals, the light in my heart, and my hope for what is yet to come.”

Haviland’s 752-word essay won first place in the preliminary club level competition before moving on to districts, where she also took first place. Haviland’s piece about Emmett won her the $2,500 college scholarship and just another reason to be so proud to call him her brother.

“I really hope that my essay brings more awareness to Down syndrome as a disability,” she said. “Having a brother with special needs who attends school here in Barnegat has opened my eyes to the fact that a lot of people, especially my peers, do not know what Down syndrome truly is and what it means for an individual who is diagnosed with it. I’d really love for my essay to show that, yes, people with Down syndrome have many obstacles to overcome, but the disability does not hinder their quality of life.”

Haviland will be presented with a trophy and scholarship during an awards ceremony this June.

Spring Adult Day Trips

LACEY – Check out the Spring Adult Day Trips! You can register at the Lacey Recreation Department located directly behind the Police Station. If you have any questions give us a call at 609-693-1100 ext. 2203.

April 20 – The Thomas Edison Center at Menio Park, TBD, fee $13.

April 27 – Absecon Lighthouse Lucy the Elephant, 9 a.m., fee TBD.

May 4 – Columbus Market, lunch is on your own, 8 a.m., fee $6.

May 9 – PNC Arts Center, Jackie Wilson Tribute & Tribute to Bobby Rydell and the Chiclettes, 11 a.m. Fee $6.

May 23 – PNC Arts Center, Sounds of the 50s & 60s with Kid Kyle, The Skyliners & The Brooklyn Bridge, 11 a.m. Fee $6.

May 27 – Arneytown Memorial Cemetery, Memorial Day Service, lunch to follow on your own, 8:30 a.m. Fee $6.

Bunco Fundraiser

LACEY – The Woman’s Club of Lacey is hosting a Bunco Fundraiser for the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation on April 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the Charles Smith Community Center, 15 E. Lacey Road,

Forked River.

Tickets are $20 and includes a light lunch, desserts, coffee, tea and water. There will be prizes, raffle baskets and a 50/50. For ticket sales contact Maria at 609-971-9375.