Three students from St. Joseph High School, Hammonton, their chaperone Frank Raso, Esq., and Patricia Munyan, assistant superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Camden, joined student representatives from each of the five Catholic dioceses in New Jersey for a 30 minute meeting with Governor Christopher Christie in Trenton on Thursday, February 4, 2010.
The visit occurred during “Catholic Schools Week,” an annual observance celebrating the benefits of Catholic education. During the visit, the students presented the Governor with a welcoming letter. The letter also expressed hope that parental choice in education will become a reality in New Jersey (see text of letter below).
The students from St. Joseph High School were Noel Vadino (Grade 12), Gabrielle Raso (Grade 11) and Aziz Ramos (Grade 12). For photos, see http://www.state.nj.us/governor/news/photos/2010/20100204.shtml
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February 4, 2010
Hon. Christopher Christie, Governor
State of New Jersey
125 West State Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08608
Dear Governor Christie:
The Catholic School students from the Diocese of Camden welcome you as the new leader of our State. We are grateful that you are ready, willing, and able to tackle the many challenges that this will entail. We promise you our prayerful support as you begin the very large job that faces you.
We are encouraged by the knowledge that Commissioner Schundler will be leading the Department of Education. We are optimistic that with your combined leadership, true parental choice for education will become a reality for many struggling families in New Jersey. This is good news not only for Catholic families, but for all citizens of New Jersey.
Again, we welcome you and we pray for you and for all who will be working with you to serve the citizens of the State of New Jersey.
With prayerful good wishes, we are
The Catholic School Students of the Diocese of Camden