Mount Laurel council had a busy meeting on June 11 as it recognized two residents and declared June Pride Month in the township.
Deputy Mayor Nikitas Moustakas read a proclamation commending Alexa Meloni’s nomination for an exclusive STEM program at Villanova University.
“Alexa Meloni is a fourth grade student at Larchmont Elementary School,” Moustakas read. “Meloni’s teacher, Gina Salas, nominated her student to take part in Envision’s NYLF Pathways to STEM program at Villanova University.”
NYLF Pathways to STEM is a unique learning experience for bright, forward-thinking elementary-school students who are accepted into the program based on academic achievement, leadership potential, career aspirations and mentor recommendation.
A nomination to the STEM program is notable and a tremendous opportunity for ambitious, young students like Meloni a chance to explore their interests outside the classroom and discover how to innovate and think creatively through immersive learning.
In addition to academic excellence, Meloni is involved in a number of clubs and philanthropic groups. She is a member of the Give Back Club, where students complete various tasks to help their school and community. She also belongs to the school choir and is a performance team dancer at Mainstream Dance Academy.
Councilwoman Karen Cohen read a proclamation at the meeting on Douglas Stair and cited him for his contributions to the township’s Beach Vollyball Association, where he is president. The Mount Laurel resident joined the group after moving to the township in 1986.
The proclamation noted that Lenape Regional High School began an indoor volleyball program eight years ago that influenced Stair to start a beach training program for students in fifth to eighth grade to gain experience before eventually playing at the high school. It resulted in the establishment of the nonprofit volleyball association.
Over the years, the organization has expanded its training and offers a coed summer program and a fall boys program. Six new beach volleyball courts were built at The Laurel House, which gave the association more space to practice and where lights were installed.
Stair led that effort by negotiating pricing with various companies for parts and starting a donation effort. From eight years of accumulated coaching fees – along with donated funds – enough money was raised to complete the lighting project. Stair worked directly with the township to get the job done.
The proclamation honoring Stair was adopted at the meeting and will take effect immediately.
Pride Month is celebrated locally and nationally each year in June to recognize the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies took a stand against constant harassment from police, homophobia, and discriminatory laws since declared unconstitutional.
Pride promotes the self-affirmation, equality, and increased visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. Despite being marginalized, it continues to celebrate authenticity, acceptance, and love. Council’s declaration noted that the township cherishes the value and dignity of each person and appreciates the importance of equality and freedom.
“All are welcome in this community, and every faintly, in any shape, deserves a place to call home where they feel safe, happy, and supported by friends and neighbors,” the declaration read.
Council also cited the cultural, civic and economic contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in Mount Laurel and urged residents to learn, celebrate, and appreciate those contributions during Pride Month.
The next council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, July 1, in the courtroom at 750 Centerton Road.
