The Hammonton Gazette 06/25/14 Edition | Page 2

The Hammonton Gazette IS SOLD IN 70+ LOCATIONS IN: Hammonton • Folsom • Mullica Twp. • Egg Harbor City Waterford Twp. • Winslow Twp. • Buena • Collings Lakes Local businesses support the Blueberry Festival 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. SUBSCRIBE TO The Gazette! 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