Manchester School 'Adopted' By Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township School District and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst have had a close relationship for years. That connection was taken to another level recently as the base "adopted" one of the district's elementary schools.

The school, Manchester Township Elementary School, was adopted by Naval Air Station Lakehurst as part of the U.S. Navy's Adopt-A-School Program.

It is the first school in Manchester Township School District history to be adopted by the base, and "reflects the positive impact of the collective, ongoing efforts over the last few years that have resulted in a wonderful partnership," officials said.

Under the partnership Navy officers have been Reading Buddies with students at Manchester Township Elementary, reading to the students as special guests during almost-monthly classroom visits. The visits, arranged with the assistance of Angelica DeJesus, the school liaison specialist from the Joint Base, also give the students and staff a chance to learn about the officers' jobs, their community, their daily life, dedication, and patriotism.

Some of the Reading Buddies were on hand for the adoption celebration, and the district noted that some have even chosen to send their children to Manchester Elementary.

Also on hand for the ceremony were District Superintendent Diane Pedroza, Manchester Township Elementary Principal Ellen Healy and Assistant Principal David Johnston; Manchester Mayor Joseph Hankins and members of the Township Council; members of the Manchester Township Police Department, the Manchester Township Schools Parent Teacher Association, and Manchester Township Education Association President Dan Staples, who is a U.S. Marine.

Hankins presented more than 600 American flags to the school's students, "symbolizing the pride and connection felt by the community in this special occasion," his office said in a news release.

"We are your neighbors and friends, and we are all a part of the Manchester community," said Capt. James B. Howell, commanding officer at Naval Air Station Lakehurst. "The NSA Lakehurst Adopt-A-School Program continues to build our connection and shared opportunities and help inspire the next generation. We are excited to be a part of your educational journey. Together, we can learn, grow, and, most importantly, look forward to our continued partnership."

"It is an absolute privilege and honor for MTES to be chosen by NSA Lakehurst for school adoption," said Healy, who is the daughter of a U.S. Air Force veteran. "This is a special moment for our school and school district. This adoption signifies community and collaboration and embodies our mission of excellence in education."

"This partnership represents a shared mission to support the growth and success of every child here at MTES," Healy said. "The presence of our Navy buddies has and will continue to make a lasting impact on our students and their lives. All of our families, especially our military-connected families, mean so much to MTES. It is a sincere privilege to be the first school in Manchester to receive this honor."

CS2 Luke Morrison, who is one of the Reading Buddies, delivered the opening remarks, and the Manchester Township High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors for the pledge of allegiance, before the Manchester Township Elementary chorus sang the national anthem.

The adoption proclamation was signed by Howell, Pedroza and Healy.