The Evesham Township Board of Education cited the accomplishments of several student-athletes at its meeting earlier this month and explained how schools have been celebrating Black History Month.
The following wrestlers were recognized for placing in the South Jersey Middle School Wrestling League Tournament:
Marlton Middle School
- – Zachary Zuno, second place
- – Christian Ressler
- – Anthony Butch
- – Trevor Brewer
- – Solomon Bluestein
- – Blaydin Landschoot, third place
- – Harper Booth
- – Leo Nnawuihe, fifth place
- Logan Tierney – sixth place
- Hayden Groves – eighth place
DeMasi Middle School
- – Cody Heberlig – first place; winner of Outstanding Wrestler award
- – Declan Kelly – first place, MVP winner
- – Gavin Brennan – third place
- – Christian Sutton – sixth place
- – Zaine Mitchell
- – Maurice Goodwin – eighth place
The board also recognized DeMasi wrestling coach Shawn O’Mara, South Jersey Middle School Wrestling League’s coach of the year.
“I never wrestled, but I always felt that wrestling took the most self-discipline and dedication,” school Superintendent Dr. Justin Smith observed. “It’s an everything sport, so I just hope you stay with it throughout high school and beyond.”
During his meeting report, Smith discussed how district schools have honored Black Americans during Black History Month.
” … Our school’s students and staff are recognizing, learning about and celebrating Black history in wonderful ways,” the superintendent noted. “Education is tremendously important to the health and future of our country and certainly here in Marlton, as we strive to become a more accepting, equitable, and … a community that provides opportunities for children of all backgrounds, languages and heritages.”
District activities for the month included a Black history poster contest at Rice Elementary; a spotlight on historic figures announced every morning at Van Zant and Beeler elementary schools; and an interactive bulletin board in the library at Marlton Middle, where some classes also explored the power of language through the voices of influential Black writers and leaders.
Among them was Amanda Gorman, an American poet; activist; and model who advocates for gender justice, racial equality and environmentalism. Her work centers on race, oppression, marginalization and feminism, as well as the African diaspora.
At Marlton Preschool Center, students did a project themed “kindness comes in all colors,” and at DeMasi Middle students selected quotes from famous Black Americans that had meaning for them, analyzed the quote, then explained why it was significant to them and how they could incorporate its message into their lives.
Marlton Elementary students read books connected with the month, while Jaggard Elementary students created character awards based on the values of famous African American figures.
The next board of education meeting will include the adoption of the 2026-’27 tentative budget. It is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, at Marlton Middle.
