Kids Celebrate Veterans At 'Pastries With Patriots' In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Dozens of Ocean City Primary School students celebrated local heroes with their families and a beloved staff veteran at the annual “Pastries with Patriots” event, according to a district news release.

Michael Callahan, 78, a proud grandfather of OCPS students Reed and Leo and father of the school's Wilson Reading System specialist Jamie Nicholl, served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Diana Juelg, 68, grandmother to Rip and Lincoln, served four years in the U.S. Navy and was one of the first females on a Navy tugboat in 1976. Mark Simmerman, 39, father to second grader Oliver, was stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii as part of Navy Cryptologic Technician Communications.

Students got to hear stories firsthand from these veterans and more on Nov. 13, with more than 20 veterans in attendance.

Pastries with Patriots was organized by OCPS guidance counselor and veteran Joel Dougan, along with principal Cathleen Smith and secretary Stacy McCarron. Its goal was to bring together students and staff to honor and express gratitude for veterans.

“Our veterans deserve to be honored for all they have given us and honored the ways they have supported us in their service and sacrifice for our country,” said Dougan. “This event provides students with a unique opportunity to see true heroes up close - individuals who serve not for wealth or fame but out of love for their country and a dedication to protect its citizens.”

Dougan joined the U.S. Army after graduating from Ocean City High School in 1998 and later transferred to the New Jersey National Guard. He studied elementary education/special education at La Salle University, transferred to Richard Stockton College and then graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science. After the terrorist attacks of Sept.11, 2001, his unit was activated and sent to Ground Zero, becoming responsible for guarding the bridges and tunnels leading into New York City. During Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011), Dougan completed one tour of duty in Iraq, serving in the military police force while stationed in Baghdad from 2004-2005.

“Pastries with Patriots not only brought the OCPS community together, but also served as an educational moment, highlighting for students the importance of sacrifice, service, and patriotism,” Smith said. “The school's food service team added a special touch, providing a spread of delicious pastries and refreshments that made the event feel warm and inviting for the veterans and all in attendance.”

Through the event, students got to learn that heroes aren't just in movies and TV shows. They're all around us, quietly working to make the world a better place.

“Our veterans have given so much to serve our county, and it's a privilege to see the Ocean City school community come together to honor all they've done,” said Ocean City School District Superintendent Christian Angelillo. “I'm proud of the efforts by Mr. Dougan, Dr. Smith, and Ms. McCarron, along with everyone at the Primary School. They dedicated time in putting this together, showing our commitment to recognizing these brave individuals.”