In a world where managing the day to day operations of schools can be challenging, an approach to secure resources with a mindset for “out of the box” innovation is an essential part of district growth and expansion for 21st Century learning communities. With this in mind, the strength of alumni, community members, and local business partners may be an untapped gem that is easier to reach than you think. At the Shore Regional High School District in West Long Branch, New Jersey, we are fortunate to have a nucleus of alumni members and community partners to assist with supporting new ideas and programs for student success in the areas of academics, athletics, and co-curricular activities. The strength of a partnership philosophy with a service mindset is invaluable and modeled by so many of our former graduates and local partners, regardless of their smallest contribution or largest commitment, which often includes giving time, financial support, or resources applicable for the cause.

As a Superintendent, I am truly grateful for the strength of our alumni, local community businesses, and partners. Their unwavering dedication is immeasurable because their focus to assist and ability to give back to their alma mater and local school system with deep gratitude is often a direct result of their school experience which strongly contributed to their own success in their personal and professional lives. At Shore Regional, this support system of service and citizenship enhancing the foundation of our current and future school community is by far one of the most amazing things I have ever seen during my over 30 years working in education.

Under the leadership of several Shore Regional High School graduates, now in the role of active alumni foundation members, the district has also embarked on a annual program to honor successful graduates for their academic, professional, and athletic successes aligned to the criteria of a Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame and the Athletic Hall of Fame programs. In turn, these award recognitions and community events have the power to become cultivators for developing new community partnerships, creating meaningful internship and externship experiences, and for establishing deeper community connections where former students now visible as established professionals and leaders, have the ability to play an integral role in the success for future generations as they prepare to transition into post-secondary experiences and careers.