HSE Students Connect With Florida Youth Following Hurricane Ian

TOMS RIVER – High School East School Resource Officer Scott Kenny and Supervisor Kelly Kirk have been leading HSE students in a heartwarming and impactful initiative.

J. Colin English Elementary School, located near Fort Myers, Florida, is within a community that has suffered suffered greatly from Hurricane Ian this past September. East students were asked to write letters to these elementary kids as if they were speaking to their younger selves, and to let them know “You will be OK.”

“Many of our students can remember when Superstorm Sandy struck our hometown and the devastating effects it had on us,” said Kenny. “Since our students were about the same age as many of those students from J. Colin English Elementary School, we offered them the opportunity to share their experiences and how they were able to persevere through those difficult times.” Students were willing and eager to participate in this letter writing campaign, and they wrote from the heart. So much so that Kenny recently received a thank-you email from Theresa Stanley, a student counselor from J. Colin English Elementary School. She also included a thank-you video from the Fort Myers High School’s TV Production Program, in whic h students narrated the letters, an expression of gratitude to HSE students for their support.

“Words cannot capture the positive impact Toms River High School East is making on Lee County,” said Stanely.

JROTC Cadet Wins Caring Award

TOMS RIVER – It’s the inaugural year of the district’s Junior ROTC Academy, and one cadet is already making a big difference.

JROTC Cadet Sergeant and High School North student Sarah Marshall has been named the OCSCA 2023 Caring Award winner.

“Cadet Sergeant Marshall is a leader in and out of the classroom,” said SFC Long, Army Junior ROTC instructor. “She truly cares and goes above and beyond the call of duty - especially during practices and competitions.”

Marshall, who will be attending the University of New Haven and majoring in fire science, fire arson, and investigation, has excelled in community service and volunteerism. She has earned the respect and admiration of her teachers, instructors, and peers, and has proven more than deserving of this distinguished award. Congratulations, Sarah!