The Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) Board of Education held a special meeting on Dec 15 to recognize its members, parents and student accomplishments during the year.
Superintendent Carol L. Birnbohm introduced the high school’s assistant principal and music supervisor Gene Jones to note the accomplishments of his marching band.
Jones explained that he and music teacher/marching band Director Steven Waldron had great success in 2021 The high-school marching band won the USBands Group I category at the New Jersey State Championship, and took honors for best music, visuals, color guard and overall effect for its 11th state title in the past 13 years and the 30th championship title in the program’s history.
Waldron spoke on behalf of the students’ accomplishments this year, noting their hard work and dedication and the connections they made along the way.
“Coming out of the COVID year, we had no idea what to expect, and if nothing else, the resilience of these young men and women have proven themselves again and again,” he said. “I’ve told them that I was blessed to work with such fine young people and will today stand by that.
“They are such great men and women.” Waldron added “And our future looks bright with them in charge,”
Waldron recognized each individual band member, and Birnbohm responded to the generous applause from community members after that.
“You are truly a family within the Lenape family, and I want to thank you for bringing great honor to Lenape High School, and the Lenape Regional High School District,” she said.
“So thank you very much on behalf of the board of education.”
The meeting also saw the recognition of the Cherokee High School girls cross country team, and coaches Dave Petruzzi and Mark Jarvis. Jarvis was also recently named New Jersey Coach of the Year.
Principal Donna Charlesworth spoke on behalf of the student athletes, who have gone undefeated this season. Assistant Principal and Director of Athletics and Activities Scott Agnew spoke about Jarvis, who noted that the team reached the fastest average in South Jersey history.
“I said it right before the season began, this is the best group of girls I’ve ever coached,” he said
The next board of education meeting will take place on Wednesday, Jan 5. For more information about the district, visit https://www.lrhsd.org/Page/1
