School staff and local business owners led the afternoons filled with stress-free fun, food, haircuts and practical advice on jobs, personal finance and more
Priscilla Loomis, a motivational speaker and elite athlete from South Jersey, delivers inspiring messages to students at the Middle Township Performing Arts Center.
Cape May Court House, NJ – What started as a plan for a Women’s History Month event evolved into an opportunity to empower all Middle Township High School (MTHS) students.
Community partners stepped up to help MTHS follow up two scheduled half-days on March 13 and 14 with afternoons of valuable activities for students.
District leaders, teachers and staff spearheaded the after-school events, which were packed with self-care information, motivational messages and life skills lessons. Students were invited into breakout rooms where local business leaders discussed topics such as entrepreneurship, college and trades, real estate, summer work opportunities, social media, self-esteem/body image, nutrition and relationships, as well as financial topics such as stocks, banking, and investing.
“I was asked, ‘What made you host an event like this?’ and I could only respond with, ‘Why wouldn’t we?’” said MTHS principal Sharon Rementer. “It says something about our school climate and culture. The community showed up and provided our kids with a memorable experience. With so much focus on social media surrounding instant gratification and filtered realities, we wanted to change the narrative and provide action-packed after-school experiences that celebrated the genuine essence of our students.”
Students participate in self-defense training during the ‘Girls Takeover’ event at MTSD.
Guest speaker Priscilla Loomis headlined the “Girls Takeover” portion of the event, sharing her inspirational story of competing in the Olympic trials in the high jump event. Loomis, a South Jersey native, talked about resiliency and gratitude. Stone Harbor Yoga ran a yoga class for students, while Middle Township police officers offered a self-defense fitness class.
Some activities during the two-day event were just for fun, such as flag football games and an inflatable obstacle course set up in Middle Township School District’s Performing Arts Center. Students savored free food from Whitesboro native Daniel Auld’s food truck and Playa Bowls Stone Harbor, owned by MTSD alumnus Joe Wallash.
“Events like these bring likeminded individuals together,” said MTSD Superintendent Dr. David Salvo. “I was blown away by the incredible turnout of support from our community for the students. Dan, Joe, along with dozens of barbers and cosmetologists, law enforcement officers, and numerous other local business owners generously gave their time. We are immensely grateful for the powerful message this sends to our students.”
The “Boys to Men” portion of the event featured MTHS Basketball Coach LaMarr Greer, Head Baseball Coach Chris Branigan, and Head Wrestling Coach Matt Wolf as keynote speakers. Students were treated to free haircuts and fades from local barbers and Cape May Technical School District cosmetology students, and weight-room training/fitness sessions with MTHS Head Football Coach Gavin Leipe.
Transportation was provided for all students who wished to attend the voluntary activities.
“Picture it, roughly half of the student body made the choice to stay after school,” said Rementer. “They gained valuable experience and bonded with their peers and community. That’s what it’s all about.”
Students receive free haircuts and fades from local barbers and Cape May Technical School District cosmetologists.