An exciting Sinatra Night Dinner and Comedy event is on tap for Saturday, May 21 at the Charles J. Hesse Parish Center 55 South Avenue, with doors open at 5:30 p.m. and offered by the Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Council #11660 of the Knights of Columbus.

“I’m thrilled to announce that popular comedian and master of ceremonies “Broccoli Rob” will be coming back for his second appearance with us,” said Mike Napolitano, Deputy Grand Knight and Event Chairman. “He was so well received when he opened for “Uncle Floyd” Vivino last year at our Oktoberfest event, that we wanted to bring him back to Atlantic Highlands for even more laughs.”

Featured headliner Eric DeLauro is slated to perform the Sinatra Night portion of the evening’s dinner and entertainment in his Bayshore area debut.

DeLauro was a New York City Manhattan Club DJ moving audiences on New York dance floors, before his Rat Pack Band created music for all eras. A native of Frank Sinatra’s hometown of Hoboken, he performs from Mr. Sinatra’s songbook among others and is renowned within the genre both in Northern NJ and NYC.

“Eric DeLauro is undoubtedly the top Frank Sinatra tribute artist in New Jersey. I have had the privilege of booking him previously for other organizations and he has graciously accepted to perform and DJ at our event,” Napolitano added.

Taliercio’s Gourmet Deli will provide much of the Special Event menu for the evening, featuring sumptuous pasta dishes, mouthwatering entrees of flounder and crabmeat, chicken rollatini, sausage and broccoli rabe, stuffed pork roast and chicken murphy. Dessert menu items include Tiramisu, Limoncello Mascarpone Cake and more. “Brooklyn Style” Italian bread, salad and Soft beverages are also included and guests are invited to bring their own libations as well.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Parish Assistance Fund.

Tickets, at $40 per person, are available by printing them from the Parish website (www.olphstagnes.org), on flyers distributed at both St. Agnes and Our Lady of Perpetual Help churches, by e-mailing mikenap1962@gmail.com or calling Napolitano at (862) 368-0801. Each purchased ticket comes with one free chance in a drawing for a flat screen tv (issued during check-in).

The Parish Assistance Fund which was established by the Knights Council under Past Grand Knight John Flynn, helps defray essential maintenance and repairs for the church.

Looking for your TV remote, car keys, $20, dentures, or air pods? Clean Ocean Action (COA) Beach Sweeps volunteers found them and more on the beaches of New Jersey.

Their finds include a record number of 513,605 items, according to its 2021 Beach Sweeps Report released this week.. The premiere of the report occurs each Spring to rally more volunteers to attend the upcoming Spring Beach Sweeps on April 9, and to highlight the data that is collected during the event.

Clean Ocean Action is calling for volunteers to flock to beaches on Saturday, April 9, from 9am to 12:30pm, to give the beaches a good clean sweep before the summer, just as many marine species return to the shore.

Volunteers can sign-up to sweep at a record 75 locations along the coast.

To help COA reduce the use of plastic trash bags, volunteers are asked to bring their own repurposed bucket, bag, or other receptacle for trash collection; volunteers should also wear gloves and closed-toe, hard-soled shoes. Interested volunteers must pre-register at https://cleanoceanaction.org/aboutbeachsweeps

“Last year, over 10,000 volunteers welcomed the opportunity to gather safely, get outside, and give back by participating in the Beach Sweeps. As always, their hard work and diligent data collection provided COA with interesting insights about litter at the Jersey Shore. This is the first step toward identifying solutions to prevent these latest ‘ocean offenders’ from littering our beaches,” said Alison Jones, Watershed Program Manager.

The found items were collected at 70 locations in six hours during last year’s biannual Beach Sweeps. The report includes data highlights and trends, the twelve most commonly collected items, the most outrageous finds as well as the impact of the data.

The April and October Sweeps are part of New Jersey’s largest volunteer-driven, citizen science and environmental event with 70 site locations in 2021. The site locations are from Perth Amboy to Cape May with additional sites along the Delaware River and in Northern NJ. Over the years, 157,863 volunteers have contributed 947,178 volunteer hours to remove and record debris from NJ’s beaches and waterways.

“If you want to change the world, people power is the answer,” said Cindy Zipf, Executive Director, Clean Ocean Action. “The Beach Sweeps is proof positive of that fact. We are grateful and inspired by the dedication and true-blue spirit of volunteers.”

MAST teachers (Marine Academy of Science and Technology ) Liza Baskin and Claire Ng compile data collected by hundreds of volunteers at Sandy Hook . Included in items documented on New Jersey beaches which the Sweeps call “Ocean Offenders,” are cotton swab sticks, dental floss picks, disposable wipes, dog waste bags, e-cigarette cartridges, plastic food takeout containers, disposable and reusable face masks and disposable gloves. Plastic bottle caps and lids were the number one item picked up, replacing the former head of the “Dirty Dozen,” plastic pieces, which this year came in second. On a positive note, plastic beverage bottles, cigar tips, glass pieces, and plastic store/shopping bags all fell in the rankings, suggesting that the prevalence of these littered items may be on the decline.

Spring break can be celebrated at the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) with a full week of fun, in-person programs for all ages! Special programs for teens and tweens include the Job Series, Talewise, and Leap into Science.

Fly! Bessie! Fly! features a Bessie Coleman performance by American History Theater on April 18 at 6:30pm, telling the story of the first African American woman to earn her pilots license in a live history performance.

Leap Into Science: Light and Shadow Family Workshop is planned for April 20 at 11:00am, featuring light and shadow programs with a related book and hands-on activities!

The Teen Job Series will be “Create a Business Card with Canva” on April 20 at 7:00pm, using the Canva program.

Talewise will present Heroes: The Sword in the Stone on April 21 at 11:00am, an interactive retelling of the legend of King Arthur, with an emphasis on showing the importance of making good choices every day and how those choices define character. The Cardboard Challenge for Teens & Tweens on April 21 at 3:30pm will give young people the opportunity to turn ordinary cardboard into magical things.

Teen Haiku Poetry on April 21 at 3:30pm is a teen program for National Poetry Month, where attendees can learn about and practice writing Haikus in the Teen Room!

Author Stacy Stokes will make a virtual visit to the library April 27 at 7 p.m. to discuss and answer questions about her new fantasy novel, “Remember Me Gone,” a popular novel for young adults that takes place in Memory House in Tumble Tree, Texas. The author will discuss the writing process and how the book came about This program is virtual but will also be live streamed in the community room. For more information or to register for a program, please visit calendar page at mtpl.org. Contact Jenna O’Donnell at

jodonnell@mplmain.mtpl.org for additional information.

The library is located at 55 New Monmouth Road.

Deputy Chief Paul Bailey is presented his graduation certificate by FBI Director

Christopher Wray at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on March 17, 2022

On March 21, 2022, Chief of Police Craig Weber announced that Deputy Chief Paul Bailey had graduated as a member of the 281st session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on March 17, 2022. Deputy Chief Bailey is the eleventh officer in department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced training in communication, leadership, and other contemporary courses of study. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these men and women have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions. The 281st session consisted of two hundred and fifty-eight law enforcement officers from 45 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 32 countries, five military organizations, and six federal civilian organizations.

The FBI National Academy is a very prestigious and highly selective executive development program for law enforcement leaders. The professional development training provided at the FBI Academy is the gold standard within the profession of law enforcement and serves to further enhance the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to succeed in today’s complex world. Chief Weber, who is a graduate of the National Academy’s 229th session, said, “The Middletown Police Department has a strong partnership with the FBI and we are grateful for this unique opportunity which was afforded to our agency. I would like to congratulate Deputy Chief Bailey for attending and graduating from the FBI National Academy. It is a very significant and noteworthy accomplishment.”

Deputy Chief Bailey began his career with the Middletown Twp. Police Department in 2000 as a Patrol Officer. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2009, Lieutenant in 2015, and Deputy Chief of Police in 2020. Deputy Chief Bailey currently serves as the Commander of the Investigative and Special Services Division which includes Investigations, Professional Standards, Training, and Community Relations.

Deputy Chief Bailey stated, “It was a true honor to be selected to attend the National Academy. The education and insights gained, coupled with the professional partnerships that are developed make the NA a truly unique experience.”

About The FBI Academy

The FBI Academy instructional staff includes Special Agents and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise, provide training for the program. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia due to the accreditation by the university of the many courses offered. A total of 53,181 graduates now represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935.

“My goals are to continue to provide the best possible service to this community and be as transparent as possible with the public, and to get the youth involved in our community so they can get to know our names and get comfortable with us.”

These are only two of the high standards that are important, the borough’s newest Police Chief Scott Reinert said in his first interview after taking over the top post March 1 from retiring chief David Rossbach.

Nor does he look at either of his primary goals as anything difficult to achieve. “I believe the former Chiefs of this department have laid a great foundation for this department,” he stressed, and added. “Chief Rossbach did a great job of preparing me for this position. I moved up the ranks very quickly with the retirements of Captain Stone (Thomas) and Chief Rossbach so I suddenly collected many responsibilities.” Taking advantage of all the experience and lessons he has gained from predecessors the Chief added, “I am currently working on passing on the responsibilities that I had while completing the responsibilities I have now.”

That he comes to the position well qualified and enthusiastic cannot be denied. A native of Manalapan, the chief is a graduate of St. John Vianney High School before earning a degree in business administration from Iona College in New York. More recently, he also completed in-service Certified Public Manager training with Rutgers University.

His first taste of working in law enforcement came in Sea Girt where he was hired as a Class II Special Officer. After attending the Cape May County Police Academy, and spending two summers on the job in Sea Girt, it was enough to convince the enthusiastic and dedicated officer he wanted to be in law enforcement all his life.

When Reinert learned there was an opening in the Atlantic Highlands department for a dispatcher position, he didn’t waste any time. He was at his second job in Manhattan, working as a union stagehand for Good Morning America, when he got a phone call about the opening. So he immediately drove from that job to the borough to get the application. That led to then Chief Jerry Vasto taking him on as dispatcher in 2008 and then less than a year later, as a full-time police officer. Six years later, in 2015, he was promoted to sergeant, four years after that transferred to the detective burau and name Detective Sergeant.

Last year he was promoted to Captain, gathering up experience and knowhow every step of the way.

Now as the head of the department, Reinert wants to continue the high standards that have been set by every previous chief as well as establish new ones of his own. “I want to get the youth involved in our community by establishing a police explorer program so the teens can really get to know us. It can also serve as a great recruitment tool for future hiring processes and would be a great opportunity for the youth to see if they want to pursue a career in law enforcement.”

But he has also set some pretty impressive goals for himself. “I want to be able to look back at my career and leave it feeling I contributed to making a difference in people’s lives.”

Articulate, personable, and eager to converse about the importance of also listening to people, the Chief recalled a recent story that made him reflect on the importance of being a good listener and treating people with respect. “A woman stopped down at Police Headquarters and asked to speak with me last week,” he said, continuing, “I spoke with her for several minutes in the lobby and she told me that I had stopped her for speeding seven years ago and she never forgot about me. She explained she was going through the most difficult time in her life at that point and the way that I treated her and spoke to her made a difference in her life.” The chief does not remember the incident, did not recognize the woman but admitted “she made my day!” And the conversation led to his explanation of yet another goal he has set for himself. “I also want to look back and see that I put my officers in the best position to succeed and treated them with the upmost respect while holding them to the highest standards.”

Family is of utmost importance in learning high standards, setting goals, carrying through and working with a strong work ethic, Reinert continued. He is high on praise for both his parents for the support they have always, and continue, to give him, and for providing him the opportunity of education and support in achieving those high standards. The youngest of three sons, the Chief said not only were his older brothers great role models for him, but their parents’ support and guidance has led to all three of them being highly successful in their chosen and varied fields of endeavor.

Now a resident of Oceanport, where he lives with his wife, Tami, whom he met when both were students at St. John Vianney, the couple has four children ranging in age from two to eleven, Mason, Miles, Lynden and Lilly. The Chief said his family has instilled even more aspiration for him to set and maintain high standards and carry on the ethic traditions his parents gave him and his brothers.

After less than two months on the job as the top law enforcement officer, Chief Reinert said there’s not any one thing that’s easiest or most difficult. “Policing is consistently changing and evolving and if you are not able to adapt you will not succeed. We are held to such a high standard and a select few can ruin it for all of us. This can get frustrating for all members of law enforcement but we need to prove to our community that we hold our officers to the highest standards.”

Nor is there anything that can be described as a typical day. “One of the many reasons why I became a police officer was because there are no typical days and the days are unpredictable. I loved the idea of a job that’s always different and always changing. You have to be on the balls of your feet at all times and that’s what makes it interesting.”

There is a best part of the job, though, he said enthusiastically, “Having the ability to mold younger officers into great professionals. I am excited to continue to provide them with the best training and tools to succeed. My position is not about me, but making those under me excel. We have a very young department and I have a great opportunity to have a significant influence on how successful they will be.”

His own experience in this department has impressed him with the excellence already established. “II have seen this department stay ahead of the curve on many different issues. I look forward to staying ahead of that curve.” As examples he cited the department’s investment in body camera use seven years before it became mandatory across the state. He pointed out the department became an accredited agency in 2018 verifying “we are following the “best practice” standards in policing.”

Because accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs, the chief explained the process is not mandatory “but my predecessors wanted this department to be held to a higher standard. Over the last three years I have worked to get the department re-accredited and that reaccreditation process is happening this month.” A goal being achieved just months after his promotion.

In addition to his work as Chief, Reinert said he’ll continue to be a uniformed officer on the job, but will don business attire for professional meetings and where it is more appropriate or fitting. He’s already in the Monmouth County and State Chiefs Associations because he wants to take advantage of the “ wealth of knowledge in the room every time there is a meeting. It’s a great opportunity to bounce ideas or problems off of other established Chiefs.”

Looking back to his first weeks working on the job, Chief Reinert said he has been most appreciative of not only the support he is receiving from the men and women with whom he has been side by side and is now their chief, but there’s even more. “What surprised me the most is how much the community has already embraced me in the new position. This is a tight knit community and you don’t always know how the promotion will be received. Everyone has been great and excited for me. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over my career and in my beginning weeks as Police Chief.”

A

tlantic Highlands Police Chief Scott Reinert appears not only ready for the job but dedicated to making it the best experience for himself, his department, and most importantly, the people of Atlantic Highlands.

Congressman Chris Smith, co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus, marked the beginning of Autism Month by highlighting the critical need to expand access to care, education and support services for families touched by autism—, a condition that affects one out of every 35 children in New Jersey.

“Tragically, New Jersey has the second highest rate of autism in the nation,” said the Congressman, who has worked tirelessly over the years for effective interventions and durable remedies for individuals with autism.

“During Autism Month, we bring additional attention to the needs of the autism community, the dedication of their family caregivers and the amazing work being done by grassroots organizations—including Autism Speaks, the Shore Center for Students with Autism, and Autism New Jersey—to help those with autism in our area,” said Smith, who has authored four major laws to combat autism.

Known as the Autism CARES Act, Smith’s comprehensive legislation—signed into law by President Trump—provides $1.8 billion to fund research, early detection and treatment for children and adults with autism through 2024. Smith’s law also expands government programs to include, for the first time, adults with autism who are overlooked and age out of programs.

“While much progress has been made to combat autism, we must do better to ensure those affected by autism have access to the education and services they need to live healthy, independent lives—especially and including as they ‘age out’ of school-based programs and become adults,” Smith said.

Smith’s most recent law expands the work begun under his 2014 ACT to help train health care professionals to provide diagnostic and early intervention services, including 52 Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and other Related Disabilities (LEAD) training programs—like the one at Rutgers University—as well as 10 Developmental-Behavior Pediatric (DBP) programs.

Smith first began his efforts to bring more assistance to families affected by autism a quarter of a century ago when parents of two small children with autism came to his office looking for help. He brought federal agencies to New Jersey to conduct an investigation—which found that autism prevalence rates were high in many nearby communities. That led to his Autism Statistics, Surveillance, Research and Epidemiology Act, which was incorporated as Title I of the Children’s Health Act of 2000. That authorizes grants and contracts for the collection, analysis and reporting of data on autism and pervasive developmental disabilities.

A second law named for two boys with autism is Kevin and Avonte’s Law and is part of an omnibus bill to provide funding for critical educational programs to prevent wandering, as well as non-invasive locative tracking technology to assist individuals with autism and their caregivers.

There are plenty of great wonderful restaurants as well as cozy, comfortable, wonderful little eateries in all the towns in the Bayshore, certainly in Middletown and as far west as Freehold as well. We each have our favorites, and the local folks who own them work hard to make a living and keep their places the wonderful dining establishments they are. But they all must be struggling to meet the ever rising, ever challenging job of keeping their little business up to the tasks of a world that doesn’t seem to want these little businesses but rather endorses the big box places, the chain stores owned by stockholders, the good but not as friendly or down-home as what we in the Bayshore know and love.

I think if each of us really wants to keep our small communities, our favorite coffee shops, our to-go breakfast and lunch spaces, we should do something big to mark the latest attack on mom and pop businesses throughout the nation.

Even before this newest ban from the government, the one on plastic bags, takes effect next month, and then every day thereafter, we should stop at our favorite eatery owned by friends, relatives or neighbors, and at least have a cup of coffee. Or a sandwich. Every bit will help … And leave a tip.

The problem is, with food prices going up on a daily basis, little businesses are struggling more than ever, and have to raise their prices, pennies or dollars, just to break even. But there are so many hidden costs as well and those are going up even higher. So the price of a sandwich, or a breakfast has to be raised as well just for the hidden costs.

Take take-out for example. Doesn’t make any difference how many plastic bags a place has, they all have to be disposed of…properly of course…by the first week of May. No longer will you get your two sandwiches or two or three packages of food in a handy plastic bag. Now the store owners have to supply yet a different kind of bag. Remember when they started having us use plastic to save a tree? Isn’t it ironic we were forced into using all the plastic, now we’ll be forced into not using it.

Then there’s the Styrofoam stuff, though much of that has already been banned. So restaurants have to struggle, pay higher prices and find more substitutes for those who order take out, or only eat half their meal in and want to take home the rest.

Or you order a couple of hot subs. You don’t want them cold by the time you get them home. Smart restaurateurs have found a great substitute for those Styrofoam boxes that kept the heat in. The Girls Café in Highlands has a great paper product, one that’s insulated and easy to wrap, so they can manage that. But here again, it’s a lot more expensive than plain paper and the plastic bag.

Aluminum containers for more substantial foods are still permitted, but of course, the cost of all of them has risen as well. And sometime in the future we’ll be ordered to stop using these as well.

So lots of places are back to cardboard, cardboard boxes, cardboard containers, sturdy packaging for all kinds of takeout. There are also cardboard plates and the classier, more expensive ones even have a coating on the food side so they don’t feel or look so much like dull flat cardboard. But they aren’t cheap either.

Straws are still in, but you have to ask to get one. So don’t ask, if you don’t really need a straw in the first place. Wasn’t it Ben Franklin who talked about the value of a penny?

There are plenty of great wonderful restaurants as well as cozy, comfortable, wonderful little eateries in all the towns in the Bayshore, certainly in Middletown and as far west as Freehold as well. We each have our favorites, and the local folks who own them work hard to make a living and keep their places the wonderful dining establishments they are. But they all must be struggling to meet the ever rising, ever challenging job of keeping their little business up to the tasks of a world that doesn’t seem to want these little businesses but rather endorses the big box places, the chain stores owned by stockholders, the good but not as friendly or downhome as what we in the Bayshore know and love.

If you’re old enough, you can remember brown paper bags taking your lunch to school, or brown bags at the grocery store. You can remember waxed papers to keep your sandwiches fresh. They’re still here, still useful, and you’ll probably see them all popping up in these little cafes and restaurants for takeout. And now of course they are more expensive. But they’re still good for the environment and do the job.

So stop in your favorite little place this week. Get a sandwich or an English muffin, order a sub to go or stay for waffles or French toast. But support that little place you love so much…..and pay the extra few cents they need to charge in order to stay open and serve you.

You stop in for a hearty breakfast or an outstanding lunch, and you come out filled with all of that and more.

That’s what’s happening on Center Avenue now, near Avenue B, where Zoe’s café used to be. Only now it‘s Zoe’s Emilio’s Kitchen, and added to great food is the charm, ingenuity, and ever smiling owner Emilio Vicens, the restaurant’s new owner.

Maybe one of the reasons the food is so good here is because it’s a family affair. Emilio’s wife, Judith, is a waitress, kitchen helper, cleaner, or anything else that needs to be done. His brother Ruperto is the main chef and creative with both the Mexican and American cuisines that are offered seven days a week. Ruperto’s wife Christy and Emilio’s son, Joseph also pitch in wherever necessary and the result is a full menu for breakfast, an even larger menu for lunch, and happy people both at the tables and serving the tables. Couple all of that with the fact Emilio’s first lessons in how to be a restaurateur started back in Mexico more than a quarter of a century ago when he was a youngster and ran errands and helped his mother and grandmother cater for crowds of 50 to 100 guests in village gatherings and celebrations.

A resident of the United States for more than 25 years, and proudly “almost an American citizen, it takes so long to go through all the steps!” Emilio’s been in the business here for a long time. He started out in Jackson working at a pizza parlor, also worked at a former pizza restaurant on First Avenue then was in the kitchen at the Copper Canyon restaurant. When he fell in love with the town and its people, he and Judith with their three young children moved here and live in an apartment above the restaurant. When Zoe’s closed, the owner, knowing Emilio’s expertise and personality, suggested he open his own restaurant.

So in January, the Vicens took on the challenge of opening their own business, spent the next month or so in refurbishing the restaurant, hanging great paintings and décor, adding gorgeous healthy plants and opened the doors to a fine eating establishment last month.

As if the friendliness isn’t enough to ensure your day starts happily, the food certainly will do it. Emilio’s offers everything from eggs prepared any way, waffles and pancakes to quesadillas and tacos, “Tacos” he beams, “there are always tacos. There are so many different ways you can create them.” There are plenty of steaks as well, and many dishes featuring avocado in an interesting variety of ways. “Avocados grow almost wild in Mexico,” he beams, “and they taste so good.”

The same with the waffles. A favorite for breakfast are Valentina’s waffles, the favorite breakfast for his daughter, Valentina. Her sisters Maria and Isabella appreciate all their dad’s cooking as well, and don’t be surprised to see their favorites listed sometime also. Valentina’s favorite are waffles with yogurt and a mixture of berries. There are burritos, sandwiches, and many dishes named for mountains and favorite spots around Emilo’s home town in Mexico. There are some unusual Mexican cheeses and a variety of other specialties Emilio gets from a wide range of specialty vendors.

The big painting on the front of the cashier’s desk tells it all. “Food and Friends,” it reads, citing the two reasons why Emilio works so hard. But he politely disagrees with a gentle smile. “This isn’t work for me. It’s like going to the library. It’s where I get my relaxation, my joy, what keeps me happy.”

Emilio also feels he’s filling a personal obligation in owning his own restaurant.

“Cooking is an art,” he says, with that broad smile showing it’s an art he loves. “Mother Nature gives everyone a gift. She puts something special in your hands so then you have to use that special gift. Everyone has something different and mine is serving people and cooking. And I found a town filled with beautiful friendly people to serve, so I am really a very lucky and happy Emilio.”

Zoe’s Emilo’s restaurant is open seven days a week from 7 am, to 4 pm serving breakfast and lunch. Prices range from $3 to $20. Tables are large and well-spaced, décor is simple and attractive, the freshly painted walls and spotless floors show the pride this family has in offering a new eatery in town.

There’s no charge for Emilio’s smiles and welcoming personality.

Cadet Tyler Smolensky of Middletown, a junior at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, has been awarded an eight-week Private Pilot Scholarship from the U.S. Navy’s Commander, Naval Air Forces, making him the only scholarship recipient in New Jersey and one of only 20 across the entire nation.

The scholarship enables Smolensky, if successful, to attain a pilot’s license to fly small aircraft at the end of the eight-week summer program.

“I guess you could say, quite literally, ‘The sky’s the limit” for Tyler,” said MAST Principal Earl Moore. “What this young man has been able to accomplish at such a young age is truly remarkable. I can’t wait to see where he goes after college and beyond.”

“I worked very had for this and wanted it very much,” the 17-year old junior said. “It is the answer to my dreams.”

That he worked hard for it cannot be denied. In order to apply for the scholarship, which is only open to 9th, 10th and 11th grade Navy JROTC or Marine Corps ROTC cadets, Smolensky had to obtain a minimum physical readiness test score of 60 or better, have a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and has to maintain GPA requirements in order to ensure admission to Delaware State University in Dover, where he will be in the program from June 12 through Aug. 4.

Termed by CNAF to be a scholarship with “tough competition among cadets,” Smolensky also had to secure endorsements from his Senior Naval Science Instructor, Cdr. Tracie Smith-Yeoman, USN (ret), and school counselor Lindsay Oppito. He had to complete an online aviation qualification test with sub-tests in math, table reading, aviation information, instrument comprehension and weight perception, in a single proctored test with no opportunity for a second chance, and had to be recognized as a student who is highly motivated.

“Since his freshman year here at MAST, Cadet Smolensky has distinguished himself with his maturity, his motivation, and his leadership skills, which is why he was selected to serve as a platoon commander his junior year. He is so well-rounded, and puts 100% into everything he does, whether that be competing on the NJROTC drill team, marching in the band at his home high school, his sports, or most importantly, his academics. I know he will succeed in this tough program, and I hope that it is the first step in Tyler becoming a military aviator in the future,” said CDR Tracie Smith Yeoman, USN (ret) NJROTC Senior Naval Instructor at MAST.

Smolensky, soft spoken, ever smiling, and an honor student in all his school years, is the son of Nina and Scott Smolensky and attended River Plaza and Thompson Middle schools before entering MAST three years ago. He admits he has always been interested in engineering as well as piloting a plane, and recalls that both have been his dream since he was in kindergarten. His parents took the family to visit the USS Intrepid in New York and the Concorde was at the Intrepid Museum at Pier 86. The Concorde, the first supersonic passenger-carrying commercial airplane, was built jointly by aircraft manufacturers in Great Britain and France.

Smolensky admits he sets high standards for himself and is highly motivated to attain the standards he sets, which is probably why he scored 1550 out of 1600 in his SATs, and why he also studied for the Private Pilot Scholarship on his own with an online program every day for no less than half an hour in order to ensure he would pass the qualification test.

When asked why he thinks he should know something about aviation as a high school junior in order to get the scholarship to school him in aviation excellence, the junior shrugged his shoulders, smiled, and replied quietly, “I don’t know, but I guess they want to be sure each of us has the ability to understand the basics of such a complex field.”

It is not that Smolensky spends all his time studying or reviewing for tests. This season, he will referee soccer games for several different school or youth groups, a way to make some of the money he cannot make from a summer job this year because of the scholarship.

He is active in numerous charitable causes, including being a member of the drill team at MAST, the school’s KEY club, where he set up a toiletry drive for Habitat for Humanity and also collected funds for the Raine Foundation, the Hazlet-based non-profit charity that helps children and families in crisis. He has been a member of the Middletown South High School’s marching band for four years, playing the tenor sax, which started when he was at Thompson Middle School and in their band program. He is a varsity tennis player for Middletown South and said he can juggle his schedules and time frames by adhering to the calendar he keeps, sleeping “probably less than I should” and “simply staying on top of things to be certain I can get it all done.”

The cadet is also looking forward to college and currently feels he would like to pursue a career with the Air Force, but will apply to all the military academies as well as for ROTC scholarships with Emery-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, his first choice if accepted. He also plans to seek scholarships to the University of Virginia, University of Maryland, and Penn State and the University of South Carolina, but “will make all these decisions when the time comes.”

Smolensky does not know where his love for engineering specifically comes from, but he has always had an interest in discovering how things work. He is paving his own unique career path in the family; Tyler’s dad is an accountant, his mom is a science teacher and his younger brother, Benjamin is on his way to high school next year. His desire to learn, to achieve, and to set goals and work hard to attain them appear to be family traits.

As for the cadet’s favorite subject? “I like all kinds of math and science,” he says, “but I suppose physics is really my favorite.”