Jersey Mike's Has Donated $30,000 to Point Boro Schools

Jersey Mike's Subs has donated more than $30,000 in funds and supplies to the Point Borough School District during the past two years and has recognized many outstanding students.

At a recent meeting of the Borough Board of Education at, Superintendent of Schools Vincent S. Smith presented Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems representatives Rich Hope and Wicks Stires with a plaque of recognition for their support through the “Support Our Students” (SOS) program, which supports co-curricular offerings while also recognizing exemplary seniors at the

In return, Smith received a check for $15,000 from the company for student activities. The $15,000 gift was in addition to donations of and merchandise for the district to sell for which it retains the funds.

“The program began with a generous donation of $15,000 made last year,” said Smith. “Since that time, the program has evolved to include the sale of bracelets, shirts and tote bags, which have, so far, raised over $500 in additional funds.

“This additional $15,000 will go a long way toward preserving the co-curricular offerings of the district,” he added.

Smith then invited the three exemplary seniors, or Student Standouts, selected for the 2011-12 school year to the podium for recognition.

Student Standouts

“These students represent all that is possible with a Point Pleasant Borough education,” Smith said.

Senior Elizabeth Davis was one of the students honored with a certificate of excellence because she is captain of the Lady Panthers Cross Country Team, a member of the varsity spring and winter track teams, and a member of the National Honor Society and Yearbook Club.

“As a lifeguard and a Girl Scout, who has earned the organization's prestigious Silver Award in recognition of service, Elizabeth has a rich and varied history of helping others. Perhaps that is why she plans to pursue a career in Sports Medicine,” said Smith.

“Elizabeth has been recognized by coaches, staff and several distinguished institutions of higher education for her athletic and academic excellence and I am extremely proud to present her with this certificate of achievement in recognition of her selection in Jersey Mike’s Student Stewardship program.”

Next up was Lucas Stegman.

“Throughout his high school career, Lucas has managed to balance lead roles in high school musical and dramatic productions, interspersed with participation in the Biology Club, Chess Club, Environmental Club, Spanish Club and Science League with a 101 plus grade point average,” he said.

“Add to that participation in various volunteer activities, martial arts, for which he holds a black belt, and membership in the National Honor Society, as well as outside employment, and you have Lucas Stegman.”

“As an AP Scholar, Lucas’s senior class schedule reads like an Advanced Placement Course Guide: AP Physics, AP English, AP World History, AP Calculus and AP Computer Programming not to mention the AP Language Composition and AP Biology that he took as a Junior,” Smith said, with a smile.

Joined by fellow Student Standout, Andrew Ruff, the two founded the school’s Biology Club where Lucas serves as President, doling out tutoring assistance to students in need.

So it is no surprise that Lucas hopes to one day become a college professor, a dream he hopes to realize by pursuing higher education in an Ivy League setting.”

Finally, Smith invited Andrew Ruff to the podium.

“Currently ranked first in Point Pleasant Borough High School’s Class of 2012, Andrew has earned a grade point average well above 100 percent while participating in various academic, athletic, and social activities,” he said.

“Over the past four years, Andrew has racked up quite a list of accomplishments including serving as vice president and editor for the Key Club and captain of the Quiz Bowl. He is also a member of the varsity tennis team, the Science League, Chemistry Club, Math League and of course, the Biology Club," Smith continued.

"Andrew has accomplished all this while taking an impressive amount of Advanced Placement classes earning straight As throughout his entire high school career.”

“These students underscore the invaluable role of co-curricular activities in education,” said Smith. “Without athletics, and social and academic clubs, these students would not develop the commitment and discipline that these types of activities instill."

Smith also noted the achievements of recent graduates Ryan Malleck, now attending Virginia Tech on a full athletic scholarship and Kelsey Haycook, currently setting records on the soccer field at LaSalle University.

“I would just like to thank Jersey Mike’s for their overwhelming generosity of the district and our students,” Smith said. “Our partnership will help to enable Point Pleasant Borough Schools to continue to offer a diverse selection of co-curricular programming.”

Corporate Sponsors

Cuts in state aid and the budgetary implications resulting from the 2 percent tax cap have compelled school districts across the state to seek alternate sources of funding.

One way the local school district sought other sources was to initiate the Corporate Sponsorship Program. The Jersey Mike program is one part of that program which has netted more than $50,000 for the district so far.

A strategic partnership with Weisleder Auto Group resulted in a donation of two new scoreboards and two new scorer’s tables for district athletics.

A recent partnership with LandLink Traffic Systems has garnered the funds to purchase assistive technology for the self-contained autism classes at both Ocean Road Elementary School and Memorial Middle School.

To find out more about the Point Pleasant School District, visit the district website at www.pointpleasant.k12.nj.us.