BEF Thanks Supporters of "Second Century of Excellence" Gala

Over 175 well-wishers gathered on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Forest Hill Field Club to congratulate four outstanding community members honored for their exemplary contributions to education in Bloomfield.

Patricia Gibson Carter, ’49, and Mark Sceurman, ’75, received Alumni of the Year Awards, while Chris Jennings, BHS Principal received the Educator of the Year Award.  The Saint Valentine Athletic Club received the Community Organization of the Year award. 

Mrs. Carter’s son, Mike, introduced his mom as "a person who always had the education of young people as a top priority during her over 40 years in the Guidance Office of BHS.”  Mark Moran, a partner in the WeirdNJ enterprise, shed light on Mark Sceurman’s unwavering ties to Bloomfield, and his use of creative energy to highlight the many wonderful attributes that Bloomfield possesses.  Bob Kinlock, the former Principal of North Arlington High School, relayed stories of Chris Jennings’ professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication as a teacher at North Arlington High School and in every facet of his life.  Joseph Wojak, also the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, lauded the Saint Valentine Athletic Club for volunteering in the Bloomfield community for almost ninety years, and for their scholarships to help young people achieve a college education.

“The BEF wishes to thank the honorees and their families and friends for joining us for our fifth annual Gala to support education in the Bloomfield Public Schools," said Michael Sceurman, BEF Chairman. "Each year, due to the generosity of many, we are able to award scholarships, teacher grants, and dollars for larger projects that are not covered in the BOE budget.  I would also like to thank the over fifty businesses who supported our Gala Journal and most especially Investors Savings, for their continued support of our efforts.  I would also like to thank Madeline Wollner, the Chair of the event and BEF Vice Chairman, for her leadership and hours of work to make the event very memorable and successful.”

The BEF is the official alumni association of Bloomfield High School and creates events throughout the year to bring BHS friends together.  The next event will be the Investors Bank Sunset Classic, held on June 28 at 7PM at Foley Field. 

For information to sign up or to participate in the Kids Sprints or Bicentennial Mile Fun Run, go to www.sunsetclassic.com .  Proceeds from this event benefit the VEST program, a vocational initiative in the BHS for those students with disabilities, seeking to learn a trade.

For information about the BEF, go to: www.bloomfieldeducationalfoundaiton.org.