Senior Selected To Be In 59th Class Of U.S. Presidential Scholars

HOWELL – Camryn Bartone of Howell Township, a senior at Freehold Township High School, was selected to be in the 59th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors from across the United States for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, and a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

Since entering high school, Camryn has been a part of the Global Studies Magnet Program. As a top-achieving student within the program, Camryn has showcased her leadership, organizational, and critical thinking skills on a daily basis. In addition to her academic achievements, Camryn is known for her dependability, self-initiative, and positive moral character. Her teachers have praised the tenacity and strength that she has exhibited throughout high school. Camryn is also an important member of the Lead for Diversity (LFD) Program. Each year the staff and administration of FTHS recommend a small number of students who they feel can make a positive impact on the school community to be a part of the program. Camryn enjoys the opportunity to promote acceptance and tolerance to the student body. She leads with an empathic and caring approach and is an essential part of the LFD team.

During her high school career, Camryn received a Gold Medal Award for the best score on the National Latin Exam in 10th and 11th grade. Additionally, she was recognized as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award recipient, highlighting her academic excellence, leadership, and service. She is a valued member of the National Honor Society and the National Latin Honor Society. She has also been recognized twice as the Global Studies Student of the Month. Camryn is also an active member of the Junior Statesmen of America organization, a four-year member of the Varsity Cheer Team, and an active member of her church’s youth group.

Camryn is a remarkable person and is genuinely deserving of the U.S. Presidential Scholar honor!

Howell Night At e Jersey Shore BlueClaws

HOWELL – Howell Night at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws will be on July 27, 7:05 p.m. start time. Cost is $17 and includes: reserve seat ticket, hot dog, soda, novelty ice cream and boardwalk game ticket. All tickets can be purchased through online at: fevogm.com/event/Howelltownship/ offer.

Memorial Day Services

HOWELL – Howell Township Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9691 and Auxiliary will hold its Memorial Day Services with our fellow comrades of Farmingdale American

Legion Post 178 on May 29 at 11a.m. at Howell Township Soldiers Field and 11:30 a.m. at Lutz Park Borough of Farmingdale, Main Street.

The Howell Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!

Awards: Continued From Page 1

At the 2023 Garden State Film Festival, a team of juniors and seniors in the Music, Video, and Production (MVP) program received the Best Home-Grown Student Short award for their film, “She Gazed Into the Mirror and The Sun Stared Back.”

Directed by Meaghan Krantz, the 10-minute short stars EmmaLynne DeRoss (who also produced the piece) as Luna, a girl seeking personal fulfillment in New York City.

“The project was prepared in New Jersey during the months leading up to the October kickoff and was shot and edited over three days as part of the 2022 All-American High School Film Festival’s Three-Day Invitational,” officials said.

In addition, Krantz and editor Ella Lambiase had won Best Home-Grown

Romance Short for their silent film “Maya! The Musical.” The two were co-directors on the project and teamed up with “She Gazed” talent Andre Paras, Trenton Konopack, and Clover Otero to create the film.

“Maya! The Musical” tells the story of a girl who dreams of embracing the spotlight and the stage but is hesitant to take the leap. This achievement is Howell High School’s second straight win in this Garden State Film Festival category. The school also screened three other films at the Berkley Hotel.

Just before spring break, the students discovered that “Maya! The Musical” had scored even more awards, winning the Jury Prize at the Kent Place Film Festival.

“These students are filmmakers with something important to say,” Howell FPAC video instructor Scott Napolitano said. “They plan out every detail, they know when to improvise in the moment, and overcome major production obstacles to make these stories a reality. These festival wins reflect the kind of ingenuity and skills they possess.”

Within the past 10 years, Napolitano’s students have screened projects over 150 times at nearly 50 festivals, winning 60 awards in seven countries on three continents.

Wildlife

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Some years ago, while I was working at a large law firm, I received a call around 9 p.m. from one of the maintenance workers who discovered a bird on the balcony of one the attorneys’ office. He didn’t know what to do, but knowing I was a wildlife rehabilitator, he called me. I was able to ascertain the kind of bird it was, and I knew the office he was referring to had large windows. My first thought was that the bird struck a window rendering it unable to fly. The bird was a mourning dove, capable of a flight speed of up to 55 mph. I knew the safety of the bird would be at risk overnight, so I readied myself to make the 40-minute drive to Roseland. This was one of the rare cases where I had retrieved the injured animal, as the maintenance worker was working his overnight shift. I met up with him and we proceeded to the balcony, retrieved the bird, and drove home.

There were no obvious injuries. This appeared to be a case of the bird getting stunned by the window strike. I proceeded to care for the dove over the next week. The most difficult part was that each day I arrived at work, I observed the apparent mate of the injured dove on top of the building, calling its mate. It was heart-wrenching. I knew I would release it where it was found. But how long would the mate wait?

The week passed and each day the dove improved. I decided to perform the release on Sunday, as there would be less activity at the firm. I arrived early that morning and I removed the dove from the carrier. I did not see her mate. With the dove in my hands, I opened them and from behind where I stood, simultaneously, another dove joined her in flight to ultimately end up on a railing next to each other. I feel certain it was her mate. Generally, the mourning dove is a monogamous bird.

To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.