The school was selected for the award due to its successful implementation of Coastal Prep Recovery High School
L-R: Cape May County Commissioner Director Leonard C. Desiderio, Commissioner Melanie Collette, Middle Township School District representatives Michael Hickman and Toni Lehman, Commissioner William Morey, Commissioner Vice Director Andrew Bulakowski, Commissioner Bobby Barr
Cape May Court House, NJ – Middle Township High School (MTHS) was recognized for developing partnerships and programming that created a viable option for high schoolers recovering from addiction. MTHS received the 2024 Cape May County Commissioners and Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Board Award for implementing Coastal Preparatory High School (Coastal Prep).
The award was presented at the commissioners’ meeting on Dec. 10 at the Cape May County Administration Building. Representatives on hand to accept it were Dr. Toni Lehman, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Middle Township Public Schools, and Michael Hickman, Coastal Prep’s Interim Site Director.
“On behalf of Middle Township School District and in conjunction with Cape Assist, we very graciously accept this award,” said Dr. Lehman. “Certainly, addiction can be a stigma to many and seeking help becomes an issue. Our program is an opportunity for hope, for students to find a safe haven that maybe their regular high school doesn’t offer them if they’re coming back from a recovery-based environment. As Interim Site Director, Mike Hickman has worked alongside our Cape Assist partners as a true opportunity for us to unite a school district, community and community resources. We’re honored to receive this award.”
Coastal Prep Recovery High School opened in 2019 with the support of a grant to Middle Township Public Schools. Through their partnership with Cape Assist, a substance misuse prevention and treatment agency in Cape May County, it became New Jersey’s third recovery high school and provides support services in a safe, non-judgmental environment to keep students in recovery also stay on track academically. By providing a unique blend of academic resources, recovery support and experienced professionals, Coastal Prep has empowered students to maintain their sobriety while pursuing their education. Several graduates have entered the workforce, attended trade school and continue to celebrate significant sobriety milestones.
“Having this resource for our youth is an incredible accomplishment for our county and I offer congratulations on behalf of our Board to Dr. Lehman and all of the community members involved in making this a reality,” said Commissioner William Morey.
The annual award was given to two others along with Middle Township Public Schools, one being The Lower Township Health Youth Coalition, another Cape Assist initiative, as well as Georgia Dougherty of the Lower Township Municipal Alliance.
The Cape May County Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Board develops plans, allocates resources, monitors services and advocates for people with lived experience and their families. They meet nine times a year. For more information, visit https://capemaycountynj.gov/683/Mental-Health-Alcohol-Drug-Abuse-Board.