Ocean City Primary School reading specialist Jamie Nicholl and her two sons, Reed and Leo, sit with their father/grandfather, Michael Callahan, during the "Pastries with Patriots" event. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City School District)
Students at the Ocean City Primary School, along with their families and a beloved veteran on the school staff, gathered to honor local heroes and celebrate veterans with heartfelt activities and treats at the annual “Pastries with Patriots” event on Nov. 13.
Michael Callahan, 78, a proud grandfather of OCPS students Reed and Leo and father of the school’s Wilson Reading System specialist Jamie Nicholl, served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Diana Juelg, 68, grandmother to Rip and Lincoln, served four years in the U.S. Navy and was one of the first females on a Navy tugboat in 1976.
Mark Simmerman, 39, father to second grader Oliver, was stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii as part of Navy Cryptologic Technician Communications.
Being in the presence of these veterans, along with many others, gave students a unique opportunity to learn about courage, sacrifice and resilience, and to hear firsthand stories that brought history to life.
“Pastries with Patriots” was organized by OCPS guidance counselor and veteran Joel Dougan, along with Principal Cathleen Smith and secretary Stacy McCarron. Its goal was to bring together students and staff to honor and express gratitude for veterans, highlighting their contributions to the freedoms enjoyed today.
“Our veterans deserve to be honored for all they have given us and honored the ways they have supported us in their service and sacrifice for our country,” Dougan said in a school district news release. “This event provides students with a unique opportunity to see true heroes up close – individuals who serve not for wealth or fame, but out of love for their country and a dedication to protect its citizens.”
Dougan, a 1998 Ocean City High School graduate, joined the U.S. Army after high school and later transferred to the New Jersey National Guard. He studied elementary education/special education at La Salle University, transferred to Stockton University and then graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science.
After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Dougan’s unit was activated and sent to Ground Zero, becoming responsible for guarding the bridges and tunnels leading into New York City. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, from 2003 to 2011, Dougan completed one tour of duty in Iraq, serving in the military police force while stationed in Baghdad from 2004-2005.
As students interacted with more than 20 veterans at the “Pastries With Patriots” event, they learned that heroes are not only those who are celebrated in movies or sports, school officials said.
Smith noted that the school’s food service team added “a special touch” by providing a spread of delicious pastries and refreshments that made the event feel warm and inviting for the veterans and everyone else in attendance.
“Pastries with Patriots not only brought the OCPS community together, but also served as an educational moment, highlighting for students the importance of sacrifice, service, and patriotism,” Smith said.
Ocean City School District Superintendent Christian Angelillo praised Dougan, McCarron, Smith and the rest of the OCPS team for creating a memorable morning that both honored veterans and taught students a valuable lesson on patriotism and gratitude.
“Our veterans have given so much to serve our country, and it’s a privilege to see the Ocean City school community come together to honor all they’ve done,” Angelillo said. “I’m proud of the efforts by Mr. Dougan, Dr. Smith, and Ms. McCarron, along with everyone at the primary school. They dedicated time in putting this together, showing our commitment to recognizing these brave individuals.”
For more information on the Ocean City School District and its initiatives, visit ocsdnj.org.
