Also, the Fourth of July parade t-shirt winner and Little Miss and Mister were announced
Mayor Joann Gattinelli and council recognized community members for outstanding achievements, academic honors and participation in the Fourth of July Parade at last week’s meeting.
Washington Township High School 2015 graduate James Bloemker was commended for his leadership within the community as he recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Scouts are required to earn 21 merit badges to receive the promotion; James earned 30, becoming an ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow, a Scouting national honor society, according to the Boy Scouts of America website, www.scouting.org, recognizing individuals who best represent the Scout Oath and Law in their everyday lives.
Additionally, Bloemker spearheaded a service project benefitting Camp Fun N’ Sun, a recreational space founded by The Arc Gloucester, which offers individuals living with developmental disabilities a space to enjoy summer activities. Bloemker coordinated the project and led Scouts and volunteers with landscaping, planting flowers and the creation of camp directional signs.
“Bloemker is an adult leader in Troop 57, helping others accomplish their goals,” Gattinelli said. “James demonstrated even a personal challenge is no obstacle which he cannot overcome.”
Gattinelli also recognized Robert Minnick, a recent Washington Township High School graduate and recipient of Comcast NBCUniversal’s Leaders and Achievers scholarship.
According to Gattinelli, the mission of the Leaders and Achievers scholarships are to recognize high school seniors for their community service, academic performance and leadership skills. In 2017, more than $2 million was awarded to more than 2,000 graduating seniors.
“The most critical voice these students show is the voice of the heart,” Gattinelli read from Minnick’s proclamation. “These students demonstrate how to reach out to someone who is in need of a voice they may not have, and also how to give back and serve your community in ways that are more than academic.”
Minnick was one of nine students within Gloucester County to receive a $1,000 scholarship to further their education.
In other news:
• After receiving more than 200 design submissions, Councilwoman Angela Donato and the Fourth of July Parade Committee announced the winner of this year’s parade t-shirt design contest, eighth grader Nicole Geaneotes. The shirts were sold throughout the township prior to the holiday as well as during the Fourth of July festivities on July 4.
• Donato and the Fourth of July Parade Committee recognized the chosen Little Miss and Mister Parade, Grayson Hull and Kenzie Heil at the meeting. The elementary school students were awarded a certificate as well as a Fourth of July t-shirt. Hull and Heil were to appear at the parade, riding in a convertible.
• Council approved a resolution authorizing the solicitation of bids for solid waste and recyclable materials collection, as well as disposal service for the township.
• The Aug. 23 regular council meeting was canceled. The next council meeting is scheduled to be held on July 12.
