Entry fees are $200 per boat (up to six anglers), $50 for kayak or land-based anglers, and free for junior anglers aged 12 and under.
All participants are invited to a Post Weigh-In BBQ Cookout, and one complimentary drink included with registration.
Frank “Ozzie” Thomas
This beloved and highly popular tournament honors Frank “Ozzie” Thomas, a lifelong Highlands resident and dedicated supporter of the local business community. Proceeds from the event will benefit the 2026 Frank Thomas Memorial Scholarship in the Trades Program, supporting students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
A Captain’s Meeting will be held the evening before the tournament, Friday, June 13 at 6:00 PM at Driftwood Liquor & Bar, 300 Bay Ave., Highlands. Attendance is not required if registration has been completed in advance.
Prizes will be awarded for top catches, along with special youth prizes. Tickets are available online at highlandsnj.com or can be purchased at the Captain’s Meeting.
The Highlands Business Partnership, a nonprofit commercial alliance, is committed to promoting economic development in the Highlands community. This event is made possible with the support of sponsors, including Monmouth County Tourism, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Bahrs Landing, Cuts & Catch, Farmacie, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Gateway Marina, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, Sandbox at Seastreak, Valley Bank, and WRAT 95.9.
For more information, contact the Highlands Business Partnership at hbpadmin@highlandsnj.com or call 732-291-4713
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Congressman Chris Smith, who has waged a multiyear fight against what he called “extremely dangerous” wind projects off New Jersey and elsewhere, including Empire Wind, welcomed a lawsuitthat contains compelling information he believes will help the Trump Administration as it “continues its review of all wind industrial farms rushed through by the Biden Administration as part of the Green New Deal.”
“As President Trump’s comprehensive review of offshore wind continues, this new lawsuit exposes the many insurmountable problems with offshore wind in general and the Empire Wind project in particular,” said Smith.
“Whether it be the safety of mariners and air travelers, radar interference, security and navigational concerns or harm to marine life, all of these concerns that were ignored or glossed over by the Biden-Harris Administration for years are now front and center in the lawsuit.”
Two years ago, July 20, 2023, the House passed an amendment authored by Smith which required President Biden or his designee to certify that offshore wind projects “will not weaken, degrade, interfere with, or nullify the capability of radar relied upon the Federal Aviation Administration or the Armed Forces.” The Senate failed to consider it.
Three months prior to that, in March 2023—Smith authored legislation that passed the House 244 to 189 tasking the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to comprehensively review the sufficiency of the environmental review process. After that legislation also failed to make it through the Senate , Smith, joined by other lawmakers, successfully convinced the GAO to undertake the audit.
“Thus it’s highly significant” Smith explained, “ that a section of the lawsuit parallels concerns raised by the GAO report in early April that found “Wind turbines can reduce the performance of radar systems used for defense and maritime navigation and safety in several ways.”
According to Smith, “The coalition lawsuit of fishermen, environmental activists, residents, homeowners, and business owners underscores the fact that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) that ‘proposed turbine structure will interfere with the operation of the 11 High Frequency radar installations that protect navigation and make rescue possible in the New York Bight and along the New Jersey coast’.”
“This further tracks with the GAO study which states materials used to construct wind turbines, mainly steel, possess a high electromagnetic reflectivity, which, along with the rotating blades, can make it hard to see targets on different radar systems, including high-frequency and marine vessel radar.”
Smith said that “having no plan on how to mitigate radar interference should be enough to call off the construction of this massive turbine farm planned near the flight paths for Newark Liberty, Kennedy, and LaGuardia Airports, not to mention our military bases and busy marine ports along our coast.”
Smith is co-chair of the Congressional Executive Commission on China, the developer of Empire Wind named in the lawsuit— Equinor— I which s owned and controlled by the Kingdom of Norway, and has faced controversy over its relationships with Chinese Communist Party entities.
“The legality of leasing United States waters to a foreign power is an important question raised in this lawsuit that has to be examined,” Smith said.
Congressman Chris Smith
“It is abundantly clear that major, unanswered questions remain regarding this project. The lawsuit underscores the inherent dangers in poorly vetted, extremely dangerous offshore wind projects and should provide the information needed both in court and for President Trump’s ongoing review, to once and for all pull the plug on Empire Wind,” he said.
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The Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) is hosting its 14th Annual Taste of Highlands on Saturday, June 21 from noon to 5:00 PM, rain or shine event.
Tickets are $45 and include a map of 18 participating locations, offering tasty food and cocktail samples, plus complimentary parking.
Thanks to Seastreak, attendees can hop aboard the Seastreak Shuttle, which will make stops at all participating businesses throughout the day.
Guests must be 21 or older and show a valid photo ID to join in the fun.
“This event is a true celebration of what makes Highlands unique,” said Jay Cosgrove, President of the Highlands Business Partnership. “It’s a chance to stroll through town and experience the incredible cuisine our community has to offer.”
Check-in takes place in Huddy Park, located at the corner of Bay and Waterwitch Avenues, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Guests will receive their official event map at check-in. At each stop, guests present the map to receive a stamp. Those who complete all 18 stops will be entered to win a special prize when guests hand in the fully stamped map at the final stop.
All are invited to join for an unforgettable day of food, drinks, and local flair in the heart of Highlands!
The Highlands Business Partnership is a non-profit commercial alliance dedicated to fostering economic growth in Highlands. Sponsors of the programs include Monmouth County Tourism, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Bahrs Landing, Cuts & Catch, Farmacie, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Gateway Marina, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, Sandbox at Seastreak, Valley Bank and WRAT, 95.9.
For more information on Taste of Highlands, email the Highlands Business Partnership at hbpadmin@highlandsnj.com or call 732-291-4713
Taste Taste Taste Taste Taste Taste
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Tara Beams, Superintendent of the Henry Hudson Regional Tri District at a Recent meeting
Survey Almost half of the teaching staff…..44 per cent …. within the Henry Hudson Regional School District are considering leaving this year due to work conditions.
That was the figure quoted in a recent Henry Hudson Regional Education Association Climate Survey Summary Report VeniVidiScripto received in the mail this week.
Citing their deep dissatisfaction of leadership, a fear-driven culture, and a lack of trust and inadequate resource allocation which creates significant barriers to educator success the report concludes that what is needed, soon, are transparent leadership policies, prioritizing staff morale, addressing workload concerns and hopefully then restoring trust, strengthening collaboration and improving retention rates.
The five page report echoes what dozens of people have said via email, telephone and other communications which VeniVidiScripto has reported over the past several months (See Below), namely, there is something seriously wrong and fearful happening between administration and staff within the newly formed Hudson district, and it is something that has been ongoing for more than two years.
According to the report, the Education Association conducted a comprehensive climate survey among membership. Nearly 90 per cent of its members responded with their assessment of workplace conditions, communication, leadership and professional development.
Henry Hudson Regional Tri District School Board Members
They also gave their opinions on workplace morale and staff retention. “While Henry Hudson educators consistently demonstrate resilience, adaptability and a strong commitment to student success,” the report says, “administrative issues appear to be negatively impacting trust, collaboration and overall job satisfaction.”
The report highlights key findings from the responses that point to widespread dissatisfaction, particularly among the experienced educators , those with more than 19 years experience . It also includes “best practice recommendations” to address each of the pressing concerns raised in the survey.
Describing the situation within the school district as “fear-driven,” the Association members also felt a lack of trust and inadequate resource allocation impede their success and discourage teachers from wanting to stay in the district.
The report concludes with the warning: “Failure to address these issues could result in continued staff turnover, declining morale and worsening school climate – all of which would directly impact student success. Immediate intervention is recommended.”
Tara Beams, Superintendent of the Henry Hudson Regional Tri District at a Recent meeting
While the survey summary mentions no names, Dr. Tara Beams is the Superintendent of the three school district and was first approved for the post in July, 2021 by all three boards of education in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.
At that time, there were three separate boards of education; all voted unanimously for Beams contract to be renewed and extended it to five years in 2024, when her contract was due for renewal.
At that time, the boroughs had approved a single regional school district, and the board members of the interim board that voted for the contract renewal were drawn from the three former school boards and were in office for six months until the first elected board of the new regional school district was voted into office last November.
The superintendent’s annual salary is currently listed at $187,272 plus benefits.
Other members of the district administration team are the business administrator, Janet Sherlock, Director of Special Services, Dr. Denise Lombardi, Director of Special services, Andrew Teeple, Interim Director of curriculum and instruction and Anthony Neggers, Superintendent of facilities and grounds.
The Education Association’s report points out with nearly 90 per cent of its members responding to the survey, the large desire to express strong opinions “underscores the urgency and importance of the concerns raised” and highlights widespread issues affecting staff across the three schools.
There did not seem to be any complaints against the principals of each of the three schools; in fact the survey includes statements favorable to each of the three, with one indicating “our principal is capable, but they are clearly not allowed to lead effectively or make decisions independently.”
Fear appears to be a driving force among the criticisms of administration…comments like “staff afraid to speak up in fear of retaliation,” and “the superintendent is more focused on controlling the narrative than actually supporting educations.” “we don’t feel safe expressing our concerns anymore.” Or “teachers have been called in to be reprimanded by administration, told it was not disciplinary, told it is not a conversation (admin only speaking) and given a directive not to speak about it.” Point to the fear of losing a job or having difficulty in finding a job after leaving Hudson. As one staff member said, “I am scared to even speak honestly about issues in the school, because retaliation is a real problem. This is not what education is supposed to feel like.”
That teachers feel unappreciated or distrusted by administration are evidenced in quotes that “decisions …are made by the superintendent without any input from teachers” or “ we don’t hear about changes until they are already happening.” Or “It feels like our opinions don’t matter.”
Communication is also a major problem, “a major issue,” as one teacher said. “When we ask for clarity, we get vague answers or are ignored entirely.”
Probably the saddest summary in the report, particularly for parents, are the challenges especially among special education teachers. One out of three special education teachers showed an intent to leave for reasons that include “special education needs are being overlooked, and it’s making student success even harder. Teachers can only do so much without support.”
With 88 percent of the comments on the climate questions in the report negative, low morale is the most frequently mentioned issue. Which probably points to the indication that, like several dozen employees who have left the school district in the last three years, nearly half the current the staff are apparently looking for leaving the district many have been happy and effective in for more than two decades.
To see the complete Climate Survey Summary Report of the Henry Hudson Regional Education Association,Click the Link Below
Commander Tracie Smith Yeoman USN (ret) of Bayville, presented a program on Congressional Medal of Honor recipients to more than 120 attendees of the Regency at Monroe Township’s Men’s Club recently.
Smith Yeoman retired from the Navy 14 years ago and in December, then retired from a second position as the senior Naval Science Instructor at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Sandy Hook.
While at MAST, the former Navy diver designed a course of study curriculum that included a class on the history of the Congressional Medal of Honor as well as biographies and backgrounds on some of the more than 3500 men who have received the nation’s highest honor for military personnel. As part of the high school program, Smith-Yeoman required each of the students to research and give an oral presentation on the Medal recipient of his choice.
In the presentation at Regency at Monroe, the speaker identified some of the more than 75 recipients who were from New Jersey, highlighting several from Monmouth County. She spoke of the one woman who had received the Medal of Honor, than had it rescinded, as well as the only President to have received the Medal of Honor and the two sons of Presidents who also were awarded the Medal for heroism and gallantry .
Men’s Club President Sheldon Piekny introduced the speaker and introduced her to other club officers vice presidents Michael Drobnis and Al Marandola.
A question and answer period followed the presentation together with a standing ovation for the speaker.
Chef Daniel Schreiber, founder of Alchemy Hospitality, received the prestigious Academie Internationale de la Gastronomy Award as the nation’s top Chef of the Future at a gala gathering and presentation at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands Friday evening.
Schreiber received the award from the Academy’s president of the East Chapter, Sevi Avigdor of Rumson. Avigdor is also a founder of the American Academy of Gastronomy which began in 1999 after Avigdor met with Rafael Anson, president of Honour of the AID in Madrid, Spain.
Also on hand for both the presentation and the formal assessment of the dinner Schreiber and his team prepared for the occasion, was Steve Kraneisen, formerly of New Jersey now of Charleston, SC, Kraneisen is the delegate of the South Carolina chapter for the Academy. Several other Academy members, industry leaders and Alchemy’s clientele were also present to see Schreiber honored.
Schreiber’s sward, the highly prized “Prix Au Chef de l’Avenir” (Chef of the Future) recognizes him among the global culinary world’s most selective and prestigious personages. It recognizes him as a leader in the future of culinary arts, a rapidly changing world of culinary hospitality.
The AIG is a private, not-for-profit association headquartered in Parish and registered in the Hauts-de-Seine district. Member countries, in addition to the two chapters that cover the United States, are in the Middle East, Japan, North, Central and South America and Africa, gaining it international recognition. Its budget is funded by contributions from Member Academies and grants from corporations and individuals.
Formerly of Ocean Township, Schreiber got his first culinary education at Brookdale and went on to study under universally recognized chefs before founding Alchemy Hospitality last year.
“We’re redefining what innovation in culinary hospitality means,” Schreiber said, in accepting the certificate amid a standing ovation and applause. “For us, innovation isn’t just about using modern cooking techniques or trendy ingredients; it’s about completely rethinking hospitality as a whole.
We’ve built a culture around the simple but powerful idea that if our team is genuinely happy, inspired, and passionate, that energy naturally flows into everything we create.” Schreiber pointed out many times that chefs are recognized as being intense, highly frenetic and hyper which creates an unpleasant environment in the kitchen. I, on the other hand, ” he added smiling, “I am happy cooking, I love to explore a variety of tastes, and I am happy. I want everyone to be happy while enjoying what I prepare as well.”
The International Academy of Gastronomy, comprised of 30 national academies across four continents, selects only one chef per country annually for this distinction. Previous recipients have gone on to reshape culinary landscapes in their respective regions and globally.
Schreiber continued that his mission in creating Alchemy Hospitality is to design extraordinary culinary experiences that seamlessly blend innovation, craftsmanship, and personalized service. The company does that through providing presentations in all venues or residences. Among some of his clients have been Ralph Lauren, Nutella, EY, Forbes and Fortune 500 executives.
“This award doesn’t change our direction, but it does validate it,” Schreiber noted. “We’ve never been about following culinary trends; we’ve always been committed to actively shaping them. This recognition simply strengthens our confidence to stay true to our path, keep personalizing, and keep setting the standard.”
Part of the history of the Academy of Gastronomy is its foundation on the knowledge that the gastronomy of the United States is derived from the many ethnicities, cultural development and migration of people from throughout the world that brought their own ways of life to America.
The American Academy seeks to improve the knowledge of American cuisine and to maintain traditional heritage and culture in all aspects of gastronomy. It traces history back to the Native Americans meeting Pilgrims and introducing each other to an abundance of products as well as improvement in culinary techniques.
Schreiber’s innovation, creativity, coordinated excellence and love for seasonal produce was evidenced the evening of the event, as he hosted both a cocktail hour for approximately two dozen guests in the Galleon Room of the Shore Casino while at the same time as hosting and serving a cocktail hour and three course main meal for the American Academy officers and guests in the adjacent ballroom.
“It’s spring,” the chef smiled, when asked how many different vegetables he used for the evening’s preparation, indicating his choice for fresh and locally grown produce. As a result, he offered eggplant, tomatoes, varieties of greens and vegetables of all colors in no fewer than eight different hour d’oeuvres using 20 different fruits and vegetables.
In addition, choices also included striped bass and littleneck clams, tuna Crudo, a blend of tuna fish, avocado, radishes, and yusu, a citrus fruit grown in Australia and New Zealand as well as in Europe, crab cakes, scallops and bacon and salmon in unusual coned presentation as hors do’oeuvres. He introduced a variety of flowers and herbs both for décor and to enhance or accent tastes and presented spring lamb as a main course along with strawberry and rhubarb Panna Cotta with ginger cream for dessert.
Kraneisen called for the formal assessment and critique of the dinner at the end of the evening, introducing Schreiber and his entire staff, a well as Shore Casino owner Kathleen Sweeney to receive the standing ovation on their excellence.
Academy members marveled and expressed awe at the unique presentations together with the variety and Shreiber’s blend of flavors in his recipes. Shreiber accepted the applause with thanks., but pointed out it is his wife Suzanne together with his staff, who make it possible for him to present his internationally recognized award winning excellence.
The annual Blessing of the Fleet sponsored by the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club will be held Saturday, June 7, at the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Yacht Harbor All boaters are invited to participate in the annual event, which symbolizes the official opening of the boating season but is steeped in history and togetherness as well. Boaters who would like to participate can radio Yacht Club drivers on Channel 9 on their VHF radios.
Yacht Club Vice Commodore Claudia Lucey noted that with the forecast calling for less than optimal weather, Flag Officers of the Yacht Club have a plan to accommodate conditions in real time.
Lucey also extended a welcome to all who want to watch the promenade of boats of all kinds and sizes as they pass by Pier 4 at the harbor piers.
The Yacht Club flag officers, local dignitaries ad guess will be on hand, along with cannon fire to celebrate the event. Parents may want to consider protective hearing gear for youngsters because of the cannon noise.
The history of The Blessing of the Fleet in the United States dates back 300 years when Catholic fishermen would ask their priest for a blessing prior to going out to sea. The Yacht Club has been continuing the tradition for more than 30 years as the ceremonial kick-off starting a safe and healthy boating season in addition to the Blessing.
“As Rear Commodore, I am thrilled to be heading this wonderful event involving not only yacht club members, but to the entire local boating community, “ Vice Commodore Lucey said., “ This Harbor is a wonderful gateway to many of the coastal waterways. It is only appropriate that we send boaters on their way with this tradition.”
The Water Witch will lead the parade of boats up the fairway in front of the US Coast Guard vessels, state and local government vessels, Yacht Club flag officer vessels, past commodore vessels, Atlantic Highlands commercial fleet vessels and private vessels.
All vessels are requested to pass Pier 4 slowly for the blessing and a cannon salute. Crews are invited to “make a joyful noise” at the start of the parade, or sing the National Anthem. The Sea Cadets will provide a Color Guard at the Pier 4 Blessing site where the reviewing party is located.
All attendees are invited up to the club for light refreshments and fare at the end of the Blessing, when prizes will also be awarded for the Best Dressed Crew and Best Dressed Boat.
The Athletic Leadership Council at Henry Hudson Regional High School brought excitement, reading skills and a love of reading to second grade students at the Highlands and Atlantic Highlands Elementary schools recently, showing how high school scholar athletes can promote reading for others.
Led by coach Eric Pritchard, the Hudson Athletic Leadership Council is comprised of sophomore, junior and senior class students at Henry Hudson who were identified by their coaches as either leaders or captains of their athletic teams .
A leadership opportunity for the scholar athletes, the program serves as the voice of those students who are creating The Admiral Way, learning and spreading a statement of core values and why athletics is important at Henry Hudson as an alternative source of instruction and discipline.
Pritchard, who is Athletic Director for the school, noted the students meet directly with him for dialogue and discussion on a variety of topics, including the reading program they offer to encourage reading among the young.
The high school scholar athletes visited the second graders and read them books geared to that age level. The books were provided by 2nd and 7th, a non-profit group in Columbus, Ohio, whose mission is “to promote reading by providing free books and positive role models to kids in need, while encouraging young athletes of the community to pay it forward. T”
The high school students also presented the books to the elementary school children and are already planning next year’s event when they will once again read and present books to the second grade.
“The second graders loved hanging out with the “big kids”, Pritchard said, in explaining some of the benefits of the program. “First the high schoolers read the books to the second graders, and then some of the little ones were reading the books to the high schoolers. After that, it turned into a really nice “hang out session”, he laughed, adding “There may have been some “Simon Says” involved too!”
In addition to serving as Athletic Director at Henry Hudson, Pritchard is also the school’s vice principal, and in that role also continues his leadership and contact with all so the student body through programs and example of discipline, instructional leadership, culture and climate. He has been at Henry Hudson for the past three years and sees the Leadership Council as a strong program that not only enables the high school students to introduce younger grades to the high school through their own enthusiasm and love of reading
“I am very proud of our Hudson Athletic Leadership Council and their participation in the reading program with the second graders,” the vice principal said. “They jumped at the opportunity when I told them about this program. Once we arrived at the elementary schools, after some introductions from myself and the classroom teachers, our scholar-athletes led the charge and had so much fun with our little ones!” They all had a blast, second graders and high school teens together.” At the same time, Pritchard pointed out, the program highlights the core values our athletes practice.”
Currently, there are 13 members on the Leadership Council, and with nine of them seniors, Pritchard said he is already recruiting other members to continue the activity and outreach of the program . The program aims at continuing to instill in the teenagers the impact their “Admiral’s Way” and their athletic program, with its discipline and dedication, has on younger children.
Facebook VeniVidiScripto has been around for only a few years and certainly does have a terrific following, thanks to thoughtful people who enjoy reading a variety of stories, like to hear challenges and even respect the right to have different opinions.
The New York Post is a sensational newspaper with headline writers who are unequaled in their talent for drawing everybody into a story in three to six words. Their readership is in the hundreds of thousands.
Bob Grant is a digital creator, a business analyst, a Fair Haven native now living in Somerset County and a really smart guy. Like the rest of us, he’s hopping mad and is making it known in some pretty strong language.
The Monmouth Journal used to be a terrific newspaper Monmouth County residents could hold in their hands and read about everything from the latest arrests and city government fights to where the best Italian or French or Greek restaurants are. Now it’s a great newspaper on line, with daily stories and photos for pretty much all of Monmouth County, all done professionally by a small but very talented staff.
All of us have been severely impacted by social media taking over news, making it cheap and easy to get stories without plunking down a quarter or a dollar or more for a newspaper by staying glued to the computer. Hence, the death of local print media and the loss of newspapers as large as the Star Ledger.
Far and away, Facebook has been the biggest of the social media, the one that doesn’t cost anything to get on, that lets anybody write anything, but what controls what people say and how they say it. They do that by shutting you out when they think you’ve got too many followers or have too much to say or are covering subjects they don’t want.
Now they’re being more than downright nasty in their control of social media. Now they want to be the ones who control the news, and control how much of any one blog or newspaper you, the reader, can read.
Facebook is now limiting writers, professional and nonprofessional alike, to a certain number of stories a day, a week or a month. They make the decision that one blog is read too much or too often. So they shut down their access to the platform for as long as they want.
They want to be sure they get their way, and so they are now resorting to the almighty dollar….make that thousands of dollars…to ensure that they, Facebook, can control how much of what you, the reader, want to read.
Facebook is now going to introduce a new service, called Meta Verified. And writers who post more than they think they should post are going to have to pay a bundle of money….or not have their copy appear on Facebook.
There is a way to beat Facebook, there is a way to protect your rights….I can’t believe in the United States you still have to protect a person, or a magazine, a blog, or a newspaper’s right to be seen where everybody else can be seen albeit on a limited basis. But that’s what Facebook has come to.
Those readers who wonder why they are not seeing stories they would expect to see on Facebook can choose an alternative.
Thank goodness in America there are still ways to beat those who would like to suppress the news. Seek out alternatives
VeniVidiScripto is not a money-making blog. It’s the result of a journalist’s love for writing,’ it’s a means to keep people informed on a variety of subjects whether it’s a recipe or an award-winning child’s essay or a back-room disagreement among government officials.
It’s a way this journalist shows her love for America and her church, her hometown and all the wonderful people she knows and respects.
It’s a way this journalist can show her/e children and grandchildren that yes, the country was worth putting their lives on the line for in the military branches of service they served .
But because it is a non-profit blog written by a very verbose journalist, VeniVidiScripto will not be able to afford the more than a thousand dollars Facebook plans on charging in order to enable VeniVidiScripto to appear on its free-to-others social media.
There are ways to combat this. They’re called getting onto other social media sites. So
To make it even easier, sign up on VeniVidiScripto as a subscriber; it doesn’t cost a cent and ensures that every time there’s a new story you might like to peruse, you’ll get an e-mail letting you know about it and where you can find it .
Students from throughout New Jersey were invited to submit essays for the annual contest, with first place finishers at local levels then representing the local DAR chapter at the state level. Eight schools in the area competed in the local chapter’s competition and were judged by professionals both members and non-members of the DAR under a strict set of standards that included everything from proper grammar and spelling to historic accuracy and understanding.
For Amelia, this was the second essay contest she has ever entered, and she faced tough competition not only from sixth grade students from all the other schools and her own classmates. But for this lively, history loving honor student, there was one more personal challenge.
A twin, Amelia’s sister Lucia is also in the sixth grade at St. Leo’s and is also an outstanding writer who entered the essay contest with talent and confidence. Amelia edged her out by mere points; Lucia pulled a close second place award.
The twins are the daughters of Veronica and Luis Ortega of Middletown and have been attending St. Leo’s since kindergarten. “Both my parents are graduates of catholic schools, ,” Amelia explained, “so it’s kind of a tradition.”
The St. Leo’s sixth graders were required to enter the contest as part of their social studies class, and Amelia was particularly happy about that. While she candidly admits she would not have liked to live in Revolutionary times, she enjoyed the topic for the DAR essay and felt confident because she liked it so well, she could do a good job writing about it. “I loved the Broadway show Hamilton!” she said. Still, she added, “while I loved writing about it, it isn’t my favorite time. I would rather live in ancient Greek times and be a gladiator.”
That the teaching staff at St. Leo’s works together to help their students is evidenced by Amelia’s praise of her language arts instructor, Mrs. Gross. While it was Social Studies that made writing an essay an assignment, for Amelia, “ Mrs. Gross always gives me detailed feedback on my writing assignments and helps me improve my essays or stories. She’s the teacher that helps me with my writing the most.”
Yes, she loves to write, Amelia enthuses, and credits yet another St. Leo’s staffer, the librarian, Mrs. Wall, with that interest. She attributes Mrs. Wall with “helping me discover my love of reading. And I decided I wanted to make books too.” Which probably explains why this sixth grader is also hoping to attend Communications High School in two years, the Monmouth County Vocational School District school and ultimately become either an author or an animator.
In her free time, Amelia says her hobbies are traditional and include digital art, animation and photography.
Looking back on both the local and state first place awards, Amelia said she entered the contest because of the class requirement and did not expect to win at either level. “But I’m glad I did, “ she laughed, “It helped me do more research about the Revolutionary War.”
And while she credits others with helping her not only through the essay phase but through everyday life, she declines to identify them other than to say they are her best friends. “I’ll describe them as the people who always make me laugh, help me with my work, and encourage me to keep writing.”
Penelope Barker is credited for organizing the women who participated in the Edenton Tea Party. Image courtesy of the North Carolina Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries
October 25, 1774, is a day I will always remember. My name is Amelia, and today I am with about fifty other women in Edenton, North Carolina, to stand up against the British’ They have been taxing almost everything we use: tea, paper, clothing, and our families are struggling.
British leaders across the ocean make these decisions, without knowing or caring how much we suffer because of them. But today, we have decided to fight back’ we are gathering at Mrs. Penelope Barker’s house, one of our leaders, and we are ready to take action.
As I walk toward Mrs. Barker’s house, I feel both nervous and excited. The other women walking with me, wives, mothers, daughters, all look serious and determined. Many of us are wearing the same simple, homespun clothes that we’ve been sewing and spinning for months’ to stop using British fabrics.
We are here for our families, our children, and our future. The British taxes are not just about money; they are taking away our freedom to make our own choices, our right to support our families how *” a.u fit.
Today, we are saying, “Enough is enough.,, when we reach Mrs’ Barker’s house, she welcomes us inside. Her home feels warm, but there is something special in the air. We are not just protesting taxes; we are also showing that women can speak up and be strong, too. ln the room, I see familiar faces, friends and neighbors who have always been there for me. Now we are here for each other, showing that we’re not afraid to take a stand.
Mrs. Barker calls us together and holds up a document called the Edenton Resolves. She says, “Maybe it has only been men who have protested the King’s taxes, but women can be just as strong’.”
She’s right. This document states that we, the women of Edenton, will stop buying British goods. We will not purchase their tea, their fabrics, or any items that support their unfair rules. We are serious about our commitment, and Mrs. Barker’s voice is steady and strong, inspiring each of us to be as fearless as she is.
I feel a shiver as I realize how important this moment is. We are making history. Just like the men in Boston who had the Tea Party last year, we are taking a stand. We may not be dumping tea into a harbor, but our actions are just as strong. We are showing the world that women can be brave, too, and that we have the courage to stand up for our beliefs as one by one we step forward to sign the Edenton Resolves. When it’s my turn, I take a deep breath and sign my name. lt feels like I am leaving a piece of myself on that page, showing that I, too, am a part of this great cause.
When all the names are signed, there is a quiet sense of accomplishment in the room. We know the British won’t be happy when they hear about this, and there might be consequences for each of us. Sorne people might even think we are wrong to take such a stand. But standing together, we are ready to face whatever comes.
After we sign, Mrs. Barker invites us to sit and talk about what this means. We know our boycott might not end the British taxes right away, but it’s a start. By refusing to buy their goods, we are sending a clear message: “We will not be governed by laws we did not make ourselves.” This action won’t solve everything overnight, but it is a powerful statement, one that says our small community won’t give in to their unjust rules.
As we leave Mrs. Barker’s house, the sun is setting, casting a golden light over Edenton. It feels like the perfect ending to an important day. Walking home, I feel proud. I glance at the other women beside me and see the same determination in their faces. We are more than just housewives; we are patriots and part of something greater than ourselves. Even though we do not have guns or swords, we are making a difference in the way that we can.
Tonight, I will sit by the fire with my family and tell them what I did. They will understand that this isn’t just about tea; it’s about standing up for what is right. By refusing to buy British goods, we are hurting their economy and showing them, they can’t make all the rules. We are stronger when we work together, and our actions today will make an impact that goes beyond this one event. I know people will talk about what we did today.
The Edenton Tea Party may not be as big as the Boston Tea Party, but it’s just as important. Our protest will spread hope across the colonies, showing others that everyone can play a part in the fight for freedom. We may not carry weapons, but our voices and choices are powerful, and our efforts, though small, will help build a new future, The Edenton Tea Party proves that women are strong and courageous, ready to make sacrifices for what they believe in. As Mrs. Barker said, “The duty of women as patriots is not less than that of men.” We don’t need to fight in the streets to make a difference. Sometimes, the biggest impact comes from standing together, signing our names, and refusing to be silent. When people look back on this day, I hope they remember the courage of the women of Edenton, who stood together not just for themselves but for their families and the future of our colony.
