Gloucester Township council celebrated Women’s History Month by recognizing the contributions of influential females in the commuity during a March 25 meeting.
Among them were Kelly McKenzie, principal of Timber Creek Regional High School, for her outstanding leadership and service. She was unable to attend the meeting, but her family was present.
Mayor David Mayer and council President Orlando Mercado proclaimed March Women’s History Month in the township, echoing the national observance’s theme of “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.”
Council emphasized the role of women in shaping communities, nurturing minds and inspiring future generations. McKenzie’s achievements were celebrated as a testament to the power of women in leadership positions, especially in the field of education. Her dedication to Timber Creek High, it was noted, has made a profound impact on students and staff alike.
Described as an inspirational leader, McKenzie has earned kudos from the school community for her positivity, commitment to education and involvement in extracurricular activities. She was presented at the meeting with a plaque, a citation from the Camden County Board of Commissioners and additional acknowledgments from the Congress and the state senate.
In her absence, McKenzie’s daughter, Macy, and her husband, Darnell, accepted her award. Macy highlighted the values her mother has instilled in her family and community by reading aloud Kelly’s story.
The meeting also spotlighted another remarkable woman in the community, Terry Fretz. She was honored for her extensive volunteer work in the Timber Creek School Association, Anna Mullen Middle School and Girl Scouts.
Fretz shared her journey of raising three daughters and being a role model who emphasizes the importance of women’s empowerment. She also candidly discussed challenges she’s faced, including her recent decision to undergo a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy due to high cancer risk.
“I truly believe there is a reason God gifted me with this,” she noted, “and now I’m going to spend the rest of my life letting him guide my steps.
A passionate advocate for her community, Fretz spoke about her work in building strong local networks with the mayor’s office, the police department, local businesses and schools. She also acknowledged the importance of family and friends who support her leadership.
“It takes a lot of Jesus, coffee, and carpools to make my world go around,” she said.
The meeting also saw public comments that brought attention to important community issues. Shaun C. Smithman, a resident of the SDK Milbridge Gardens apartment complex on Milbrook Court, expressed concerns about pedestrian safety on Kelly Drive Road. Smithman, a frequent walker, shared his experiences of witnessing cars with their headlights off – particularly during the evening – a potential hazard to pedestrians.
He recalled a tragic accident involving someone he knew, where a driver’s failure to use headlights contributed to a fatality. Smithman proposed dimming the lights along the road to help drivers see pedestrians more clearly and implementing measures that could prevent accidents, especially since the Kelly Drive Road area has seen an increase in housing developments and foot traffic..
As the meeting drew to a close, several council members expressed their appreciation for its honorees and the community’s contributions, including Tara Walters.
“Congratulations to all the women who make a difference,” she observed. “Your difference inspires someone else to continue doing great work, and I appreciate all the comments tonight.”
Council then provided an update on the Gloucester Township Scholarship Committee’s annual 5K race and walk on April 12 at Stars at Veterans Park. Funds raised go to scholarships for high-school seniors, whose recipients will be announced at the next council meeting on April 14.
