By SHANNON CAULFIELD
The Tabernacle Sun
As we say goodbye to 2012, we look back on the moments that made news in Tabernacle this year.
School board
The report cards, based on the 2010–2011 school year, reported proficiency in testing, information on the classroom environment, the finances of the district and details on the staff and students.
Dr. Carol L. Birnbohm was named the new superintendent of Lenape Regional High School District schools, effective July 1. Former superintendent, Emily Capella’s retirement was effective on June 30.
Birnbohm, who previously served as assistant superintendent, is a graduate of Cherokee High School, located in Marlton.
“Carol is an asset in part because she has experience at every level of the district — as a student, teacher, coach, administrator and now superintendent — and she has done very well at every level,” said LRHSD Board President Ted Shinske.
“I have had the opportunity to work for three different superintendents and have gained a variety of leadership skills from each opportunity,” Birnbohm said in May. “Most notably, it has been an honor to work so closely with Emily Capella. She reinforces through all of our initiatives, and on a daily basis, the district’s unwavering commitment to the students. She fosters a sense of collegiality and teamwork among the administration and staff that allows us to all openly problem solve.”
The graduation rate was 96.11 percent at Seneca High School, just under the Lenape Regional High School District average of 96.89 percent– the highest rate in Burlington County according to Birnbohm. Students who took the SAT performed better than the state average in all three categories.
In math, Seneca students’ average score was 527 compared to the state score of 517. Students scored an average of 506 in the verbal section, while the state average was 493. Seneca students’ scored an average of 508 on the essay portion of the exam with the state scoring 496.
LRHSD’s average overall score was 1566.
Tabernacle School District presented its low numbers of violence and intimidation in its HIB report.
According to the presentation, the number of cases has dropped over the past year.
There were 15 documented incidents of violence in 2011 and 12 incidents of violence in 2012. In 2011, there were three reported cases of substance violations and one reported case in 2012. There was one instance of vandalism reported in 2011 and no cases of weapons or vandalism reported in 2012.
“If a student is accused of making a threat to another student, it’s reported and taken care of,” said Superintendent George Rafferty. “We’ve had a little bit of everything, especially at the middle school.”
Incidents documented as violent include students taking belongings from another student. According to Rafferty, items stolen worth more than $10 must be reported. The school handles the case, and the items are recovered.
“With 800 students and only 12 instances reported over a year, it isn’t too bad,” said Rafferty.
Seneca shines
Seneca students showed their Golden Eagle pride throughout the year. From fashion shows, to plays and homecoming, here are some of their brightest moments.
Students learned first hand how to put together a fashion show this year. The event, planned by DECA, is done following the lesson on marketing and sales in the classroom.
Approximately 60 students work as a team in preparation for the show, they learn about organizing an event, including how sponsorship works and how to publicize to the public.
“As they learn something then they actually apply it,” said Grace McCloskey, Seneca High School business teacher and advisor for the DECA club. “They work hard.”
Senior Tom Monaghan, 18, said the show is “just a really positive event for the entire student body.
“Everybody always gets together and we have a good time and it helps generate funds for the DECA club.”
Seneca High School librarian Amy Rominiecki was named president of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) this year.
“I’m very excited and honored,” said Rominiecki, an eight-year employee at Seneca. “It is a huge responsibility to be the leader of more than 700 school librarians in the state of New Jersey.”
She was already a member of the NJASL board when the nomination committee asked her to run for the position once it opened.
“I am scared, also, because it’s a huge job, but I’m very confident that I’ll do a good job,” Rominiecki said.
Brittany Snow dominated Seneca’s scoring records this year. It wasn’t just a Snow day it was a Snow year.
Snow surpassed both girls’ and boys’ all-time scoring record in varsity basketball with 1,083 points.
“My family always pushed me to do my best,” Snow said, noting her parents are always 100 percent behind her.
Snow has always pushed herself to the limit.
“I don’t give up,” she said. “I just keep going and even when things look too hard, I know somehow we’ll get them done.”
Michelle Graf has never missed a day of school, ever. That encompasses her years through elementary school, middle school and high school.
“I just never really was sick enough to stay out of school. By the time I was halfway through middle school, I took it as a challenge and wanted to keep going through high school,” explained Michelle.
There were instances where Graf wanted to stay home, for example, all of her senior year.
“I just wanted to stay home,” she admitted. “I’m excited to get out of (high) school.”
After high school, Graf will be attending Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, where, if she feels sick, she’ll take the opportunity to miss class.
“Once I’m sick in college, I’m staying in bed,” she said.
Events
Church of the Holy Eucharist held its 23rd annual Pine Barrens Festival in July.
Between 35,000 and 40,000 visitors visited the festival grounds this year and supported a good cause.
“The money goes directly to the parish and its upkeep of the year — it’s a major fundraiser for the church,” said Father Jamieson.
The festival has seen improvement over the years between growing crowds and an increase in interest.
“I would say there has been gradual improvement over the past few years. Three years ago we got the new rides from Majestic Midway, and everyone loved the safety, cleanliness and the professionalism,” said Jamieson.
“We’re just glad to have them at the Pine Barrens Fest.”
Each night of the festival honored a different Pinelands town and a volunteer who stood out for their accomplishments.
This year, Tabernacle night was held the final night of the festival, July 28 and honored Bob Lees for his 75 years of dedication to Tabernacle.
Valenzano Winery held its 10th annual WineFest in mid-September.
“Our goal is really just to put on a great party that everyone will enjoy,” said Tony Valenzano, owner of Valenzano Winery, in a statement. “It seems we know how to throw a party, because WineFest has grown from a few hundred people in 2002 to New Jersey’s largest wine festival.”
Valenzano’s had a sample table, in addition to the other wineries in attendance.
Additionally, each bottle of Red, White and Blue Sangria sold will contributed $1 to Operation Troop Aid, a fundraiser Valenzano’s has donated $64,000 dollars to.
“To date, Valenzano Winery has donated over $64,000 to our foundation. Their contributions have been extremely helpful and greatly appreciated by the men and women serving our country,” said Mark Woods, founder of Troop Aid in a statement.
