11th grade students in Mrs. Ragland’s College and Careers class learned about the ins and outs of a career working at a financial institution from Justin Chubbs, a representative from the Northfield office of the Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union.
“This class helps our students gain knowledge about various careers by hearing from different guest speakers from those professions,” said Guidance Counselor Christina Ragland. Over the past school year, Ragland has invited other guest speakers to share information with the 21 students in the class about careers in social sciences, nursing, business and entrepreneurship, and more.
Chubbs attended Atlantic Cape Community College and earned a BS in psychology from Stockton University. He worked for four years as a substitute teacher in a K-8 school in Absecon and then decided to try something different. He took a position as a teller at the credit union. After eight months, he was promoted to the marketing department, where he has found his niche.
Chubbs described to the class the various types of jobs available at the credit union, including member services, loan officer, marketing specialist, information technology specialist, facilities management, and human resources.
He encouraged the students to “do something you love. Don’t be afraid to try different things, and if you don’t like something, move on until you find something that interests you and that you enjoy doing.”
Chubbs noted that the Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union has five different locations in southern New Jersey and about 50 employees. He said the credit union trains its employees in-house for its various positions.
Eighteen seniors processed into the school’s gymnasium on June 4 to receive their diplomas from Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen and Board of Directors’ Chair Les Tomlinson and to thank their teachers and family members for their guidance and support.
Mrs. Oblen opened the program by congratulating the students for making it through a year that has been “a faith walk in which none of us knew what was in store.” Oblen encouraged the students to let God be their guide as they step forward into the future. “It is my prayer that the Lord will fill you with faith, hope, love, and wisdom as you serve Him with the gifts and talents that He has given each of you,” Oblen said.
Upper School Principal Meg McHale gave the closing remarks, noting that the Class of 2021 had learned patience and resilience, “qualities that you will need as you move forward into the next stage of your lives.” She also announced that the students, most of who will be attending college in the fall, had received over $303,000 in scholarships after being offered over $1,027,000 from the various schools to which they applied. Two students — Jeremiah Engle and Joshua Jacoby — will be serving in the U.S. military.
Featured student speakers at Commencement — From left, Valedictorian Sydney Pearson, Salutatorian Kami DeNick, and Chloe Vogel, who delivered the Christian Character Address.
Salutatorian Kami DeNick, 17, of Mays Landing, thanked the administration, faculty, and staff for working hard to make the school year as normal as possible. “This past year was full of uncertainties, but through it all, the Lord gave us so many blessings,” DeNick said. She encouraged her fellow classmates from Deuteronomy 31:8, noting that as they step into the next chapter of their lives, “know that the Lord is going before us; He is writing our next chapter so we don’t need to be afraid.” DeNick was one of five students in the class who had attended ACS since kindergarten. She will be attending Liberty University in the fall.
Valedictorian Sydney Pearson, 18, of Egg Harbor Township, thanked the teachers for building relationships with their students that have helped guide them through their high school years. “You have had a forever impact on our lives,” Pearson said. “You have trained us how to think for ourselves and how to form our own opinions on what we personally believe instead of conforming to the world.” Pearson challenged her fellow graduates and those listening in the audience to keep their focus and attention on God and to strive to glorify Him in everything they do. “Don’t lose track of who you are in the Lord; keep Christ at the center of your mind no matter where life takes you,” Pearson said. Pearson also attended ACS since kindergarten. She will be attending Stockton University in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing.
Commencement keynote speaker Pastor Walter Nistorenko
Pastor Walter Nistorenko, lead pastor at Abundant Life Church in Seaville, delivered the commencement keynote address, and encouraged the graduates to discover and understand their identity and purpose in God. “Success in life is not about making money or achieving fame,” Nistorenko said. “When you discover the calling that God has for you — your God-given purpose — you will come alive and will be able to establish a legacy for you and your children.”
Senior Rebekah Kimmerley performed “My Wish,” accompanied by Mrs. Jane Zigner.
Other graduates who participated in the program were Chloe Vogel, who gave the Christian character address, and Rebekah Kimmerley, who sang an uplifting rendition of “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. Kimmerley has been a member of the High School Praise and Worship team that has led worship time during the weekly 6th-12th grade chapel. Vogel and Kimmerley will be attending Atlantic Cape Community College in the fall and plan to pursue careers in education.
CLICK HERE for a photo gallery of Commencement 2021 on the ACS website. Additional photos, taken by photographer John Loreaux, can be viewed and purchased at www.loreaux.zenfolio.com
11th grade students in Mrs. Ragland’s College and Careers class learned about the ins and outs of a career working at a financial institution from Justin Chubbs, a representative from the Northfield office of the Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union.
Eighteen seniors processed into the school’s gymnasium on June 4 to receive their diplomas from Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen and Board of Directors’ Chair Les Tomlinson and to thank their teachers and family members for their guidance and support.
