The Hammonton Gazette
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Local businesses support
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p. 21-29
HHS seniors receive
academic awards
p. 33
118TH HHS CLASS GRADUATES
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Volume 18 • Issue 26
www.hammontongazette.com
Madalyn DiBona is valedictorian; emily Mahler is salutatorian
by Paul J. Macrie IV
Gazette Staff Writer
HaMMONtON—On June 20,
the largest senior class in Hammonton High School history,
which consisted of 360 students,
graduated in a traditional commencement ceremony held out-
side on the football and track complex. it was a picture-perfect early
evening for the 118th graduating
class to say its last goodbyes, as it
sets its sights on the future,
whether it is continuing education
or heading right into the workforce.
after the “Star Spangled Banner” and the alma Mater were
Council gears
up for big race
by Lauren Bucci
Gazette Staff Writer
HaMMONtON—Challenge
atlantic City race Director
Stephen Del Monte came before
council on June 23 to give a final
overview of the race’s impact when
it comes through town June 29.
sung by the Senior Select Choir at
the beginning of the graduation
ceremony, Class President Pamela
Stratton delivered her welcoming
speech. Stratton began by stating
this would be the final time the
class would stand in unity.
“although that may come as a
relief for some or a feeling of sadness to others, it will not paint the
fact that we are moving on from
the place we called home for the
past four years. it seems like yesterday when we entered the halls
of Hammonton as freshmen,”
Stratton said.
She continued her speech by
saying each graduating senior has
faced adversity throughout the
years, and will continue to do so
for the rest of their lives.
“Yet, it is safe to say that everyone out on this field has overcome
whatever was going on in our
lives, big or small or we would not
be standing her today. During our
successes and our troubles we
looked up to the seniors, who at
the time seemed so much older,
See HHS, Page 2
Del Monte, from Wildwood, said
he was happy to have an opportunity to introduce himself.
“i’m glad i had an opportunity to
show you who i am because this
isn’t just some company from Germany … this is a guy from South
Jersey, big dream, going to make it
happen,” Del Monte said.
Wrecked restrooms
frustrate commission
by Lauren Bucci
Gazette Staff Writer
HaMMONtON—issues involved with repairing the vandalized bathrooms at the Hammonton
Lake Park were a major topic of
discussion at the Hammonton
See COUNCIL, Page 17
Parks and recreation Commission’s monthly meeting on June
17.
Hammonton recreation Supervisor Monica Newton reported
that she received a quote for lock
repair from Mike Hitman, but is
waiting on a plumbing quote from
Local cycling expert’s insights on June 29 event
See PARKS, Page 10
THG/Joseph Bruno. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940.
Members of the National Honor Society walk with the Hammonton High School Class of 2014 during the graduation
ceremony held at the high school on June 20.
by Paul J. Macrie IV
Gazette Staff Writer
HaMMONtON—With
the
Challenge atlantic City triathlon
coming through sections of Hammonton on June 29, The Gazette interviewed a cycling expert about
what to expect during the cycling
portion of the triathlon. it will be a
112-mile bike route starting in atlantic City, going west on the atlantic City expressway, then
exiting the expressway at exit 28 in
Hammonton where it will make
two loops through the town and
head east to atlantic City on the expressway.
it is a unique course where approximately 1,500 to 2,000 triathletes from around the world will be
competing in the grueling event. it
begins with the 2.4-mile swim in
the back bays of atlantic City, continues with the cycling route, and
DiDonato: June 30
troops parade canceled
by Gabe Donio
Gazette Staff Writer
Image Courtesy of Challenge Atlantic City and Caesars
Above is the map of the Challenge Atlantic City bike portion that will be taking place in Hammonton on June 29.
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HaMMONtON—an email
from Mayor Stephen DiDonato received by The Gazette on June 24
at 4:43 p.m. announced the cancelation of a welcome home parade
for returning troops from the New
Jersey National Guard’s 150th en-
See CYCLING, Page 4
gineer Company.
“the army has informed the
town that the 150th engineer
Company will be coming home on
tuesday, July 1st at 4 p.m. they
have asked us to stand down on the
parade, so it is cancelled. the town
will still host a private picnic for the
soldiers and their families at the
Hammonton National Guard ar-
ONLY $20 FOR 52 WEEKS! CALL (609) 704-1940
See TROOPS, Page 3