A recount of today’s events by Superintendent Laura Winters. As many of you know, our Lakewood High School students have been learning about civics, government and constitutional rights particularly the First Amendment right to free speech and peaceful assembly to petition government.

This morning, approximately 350 students were afforded the educational experience to voice their very strong beliefs on how they feel about the future of Lakewood Schools, their education, the funding issues and YOU the teachers and staff they value most, to the New Jersey Department of Education staff.

Students gathered in the Auditorium of Lakewood High School, as the keynote speaker, the Honorable Senator Singer, inspired all, prior to departure! Township Officials (Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller, and Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein) wished all students well, and it was time for take-off…or so we thought!

Due to a snafu, the district was unable to demonstrate at the DOE, and had to find an alternative location. Senator Singer and Mayor Coles jumped into action, and within minutes saved the day, as they were able to secure the Trenton Thunder parking lot!

As our High School students pulled out of the High School, it was amazing to see 1,100 Middle School students lined up on Somerset Avenue waving to the 12 buses, and 4 police cars (The Township donated police escorts for the trip!).

Today, our Lakewood Piner students represented every Lakewood student and staff member of the Lakewood School District in a most respectful, honorable manner!

Words cannot express how proud I was to be a Piner today!

I hope you are too!