Community Corner
Soccer Game to Raise Money for Betsy Young Scholarship Fund
The public is invited to watch the Ocean City Nor'easters play teachers and others in memory of the popular music teacher.
Members of Ocean City Nor'easters, a Professional Development League amateur soccer team, visited Ocean City Intermediate School earlier this week to meet students and to show support for the memory of a beloved music teacher.
Nor'easter staff members Steve Thurlby and Dan Ash ran drills and practice games with four gym classes on Monday as a run-up to the game the Nor'easters will play at 5:30 p.m. Sunday against school teachers and others, including Ocean City Patch editor Doug Bergen.
Thurlby and Ash never met Betsy Young, who died Aug. 29 after battling brain cancer, but they said they gladly are supporting a scholarship in her name.
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"We are the Ocean City soccer club and we want to be involved in Ocean City, become entrenched in Ocean City and be a part of the community," Thurlby said.
Amanda Thomas, a former student of Young's who is organizing the event, said admission to the game is $4 for adults and $2 for kids over 12. Proceeds will be used to form a scholarship fund in Young's name for a musically involved Ocean City High School graduate to help fund college studies, Thomas said.
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Young taught in Ocean City for 13 years before she fell ill in 2010. She influenced many students, some of whom were on the soccer field with the Nor'easters Monday and plan to attend Sunday's game.
John Watson, 13 and eighth-grader, plays soccer for Thurlby and learned saxophone from Young.
"It was very sad and I felt really bad (that she died). I went to her funeral," Watson said. "My sisters were really close to her family and stuff."
Gym teacher Jesse Parker said he plans to participate in Sunday's game.
"I think it's a great cause and a great community effort," said Parker, who also applauded the Nor'easters players visiting the school. "It's great for our (physical education) program and for the Nor'easters (who are) trying to build a fan base."
Young's daughters survive her. They are Rachael, a 10th-grader at OCHS, and Becky, a student at West Chester University.
The game kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept 18, at the Tennessee Avenue Complex soccer field. Kids under 10 are welcome to walk on the field with the Nor'easters and its mascot before the game.
Call 609-233-9020 for information.
