ABERDEEN HONORS MATAWAN REGIONAL H.S. STUDENTS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EFFORT ON BEHALF OF ELDERLY AND DISABLED RESIDENTS

Students from Matawan Regional High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club were honored by the Aberdeen Township Council for their participation in a community service program that provided assistance to disabled and elderly Aberdeen residents unable to shovel snow at their property.

Mayor Fred Tagliarini and Deputy Mayor Margaret Montone presented community service certificates at the Council’s April 5th meeting to: Nicole Aellis, Evan Asante, Joseph Bracco, John Carelli, Amanda Ferrara, Kyle Gamble, Anna Giglio, Jesse Haber, Griffin Leibell, Jordan Lewandowski, Marina Manova, and Robert Otten.

Under the pilot program created by Aberdeen Economic Business Council Chairman Carmine Visone, the 12 student volunteers were assigned in teams of two or three, to shovel at seven homes around town. All students had to undergo a health check by the school nurse and have parental permission to participate.

According to MRHS teacher and FBLA advisor Cindy Mesko, the club was looking for a new community service initiative. She credits Visone for bringing the idea for the project to the club and for serving as the link between the FBLA and the Township administration, which found residents in need of the service.

“Except for the January storm that dumped over 20 inches of snow, this was a fairly mild winter, so the volunteers’ participation was somewhat limited,” Visone noted. “However, we got great feedback from the homeowners who were assisted. The first-year pilot project was clearly a success and we hope to be able to assist more residents next winter with an expanded roster of students.”

“I truly believe that volunteers are the heart and soul of any community and the fine young men and women we are honoring tonight are fine examples of that,” said Mayor Tagliarini. “We thank them for their service and dedication to the town.”