MANCHESTER – The Township School District observed a proud honor recently. Manchester Township Elementary School (MTES) was chosen by the NSA of Lakehurst to be adopted as a part of the United States Navy’s Adopt-A-School program.
The NSA of Lakehurst presented MTES with a formal proclamation at a recent ceremony announcing the adoption that included school district and township officials and representatives from the military.
Superintendent Diane Pedroza said, “this achievement reflects the positive impact of our collective efforts to foster a thriving learning environment in Manchester. It is one that not only involves our staff, students, and our families but also our community. After all …it takes a village!”
Present from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst were U.S. Navy Captain James B. Howell, CS2 Luke Morrison, Public Affairs representative Pikkwan Boston and School Liaison Specialist/Child and Youth Services Flight Angelica DeJesus.
Superintendent Pedroza was joined by MTES Principal Ellen Healy, Vice Principal David Johnston, Manchester Mayor Joseph Hankins, Detective Sgt. Christian Nazario and Lt. Al Vega. Council Vice President James Vaccaro was also present along with the mayor’s confidential aide Judy Noonan.
Superintendent Diane Pedroza, third from right, joins MTES Principal Ellen Healy, Vice Principal David Johnston, Township Police Detective Sgt. Christian Nazario, Lt. Al Vega and Capt. James Howell, Commanding Officer of NSA Lakehurst during a special ceremony where NSA Lakehurst adopted the Manchester Township Elementary School as part of its Adopt-A-School program. (Photo courtesy Manchester Township)
The Joint Base interacts with several different school district given its proximity within Ocean and Burlington counties. Those school districts include Lakehurst Borough and Manchester Township in Ocean County along with North Hanover Township, Northern Burlington Regional and Pemberton Township in Burlington County.
DeJesus’s office assists military families by educating parents on the local school system policies, procedures, programs, and schedules, coordinating education transition-related resources and points of contact within school and community and addressing issues with youth registration in the local school system.
Other duties include supplying resource materials on primary, secondary, and post-secondary education; supporting school personnel by providing information about the military lifestyle; securing access to military resources; enhancing community programs through a partnership with schools and business/industry and combining resources to eliminate duplication of service.
Captain Howell, Commanding Officer of NSA Lakehurst, officially adopted MTES during the ceremony, stating, “We are your neighbors and friends, and we are all a part of the Manchester community. The NSA Lakehurst Adopt-A-School Program continues to build our
connection and shared opportunities and help inspire the next generation.”
“We are excited to be a part of your educational journey. Together, we can learn, grow, and most importantly, look forward to our continued partnership,” he added.
Principal Healy expressed her gratitude, saying, “it is an absolute privilege and honor for MTES to be chosen by NSA Lakehurst for this school adoption. This is a special moment for our school and our district.”
“This partnership represents community, collaboration, and a shared mission to support the growth of our students and leave a lasting impact on their lives,” she added.
The celebration concluded with the reading of the Adoption Proclamation by DeJesus, followed by the signing of the Proclamation Agreement by Captain Howell, Superintendent Pedroza, and Principal Healy, while the crowd cheered in support.
This historic event marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both MTES and JB-MDL. As the first school adoption of its kind in the Manchester Township School District and township officials noted that it stands as a testament to the power of partnerships and the importance of community engagement in enriching the educational experience for all students.
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