Holmdel Journal Announces Winners in Community Excellence Awards

The winners of the long-awaited 2010 Holmdel Journal Community Excellence Awards Program were announced March 7, 2011.

 The Holmdel Journal is a monthly color news and events publication in its 15th year. The event was held at the reception center at the PNC Bank Arts Center. 

The winners are: 

Student of The Year: Madeline Ching, known as "Maddy," is a senior who has earned Honors with Distinction each of her four years, among other commendations. She instituted "Trees for Tots" for hospitalized children. 

Business of the Year: Allen Consulting, a consulting business run by Sylvia Allen. Allen had become known for her charitable work with children from a school in Uganda, Africa. 

Educator of the Year: Marilyn Kohlbecker, the district's SAT coordinator for the Educational Testing Service, who has worked tirelessly for 30 years to prepare students for state tests.

Health Care Professional of the Year: Dr. Mitchel Friedman, of Newman Springs Dental Care, has used his talents to treat over 520 people with over $200,000 of donated care. The Holmdel resident supports the Parker Family Health Center, where he also volunteers. 

Public Servant of the Year: Eric Hinds, a financial advisor, travel soccer coach and township Committeeman, Hinds is also the co-founder of Hope for Children Foundation, which has raised $1 million for children in difficult circumstances. 

The finalists were selected from a pool of nominees by a panel of judges from the Colts Neck community.

A sister publication, the Colts Neck Journal, held a similar contest. Winners were announced earlier this month. The list is here.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Dearborn Market, President Frank Luccarelli's landmark farmstand on Route 35 has been a fixture in the community since 1950. Dearborn Market generously donates time and products to a number of fundraising causes.

Vonage, a high tech company headquartered in Holmdel with 1,600 employees. Vonage supports many charitable causes in the community, including the popular breast-cancer research fundraiser "Crack the Code" 5K race and 1-mile walk. 

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Josephine Blaha, a standout Holmdel High School science teacher whose enthusiasm and rigor is appreciated by administrators and students. 

Suzanne Michaud, a biology educator who has brought distinction to the district through top-ranking AP scores, and developed the Honors Advanced Research course. 

Mathew Weisfeld, a computer teacher at Holmdel High School who brings out the best in students through mentorship. He has overseen a project where students create websites for local businesses, including Bayonet Farm. 

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Maureen Dronne, a 19-year member volunteer with the First Aid Squad, CPR instructor and healthcare professional with Bayshore Community Medical Center. 

Dr. Joseph Ting, of Newman Springs Dental Care of Lincroft, a lifelong resident who volunteers for the First Aid Squad, Bayshore Hospital, and has provided charity dental care to underserved patients in Camden County and more. 

PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Steve Cittadino, aka "Pops"  a 40-year volunteer with the Pop Warner football and school wrestling teams, and supporter of many other youth programs in the township. 

Larry Fink, a Committeeman serving his fourth term on the governing body, and former mayor from 2003-2005. Fink is credited with bringing home $15 million in grants to preserve Open Space and farmland in Holmdel. 

Aletha Spang, also known as "Sede," is a visionary who has worked tirelessly to preserve Holmdel's open spaces and drinking water quality. She is a founder of Citizens for Informed Land Use and Earth Day. 

STUDENT OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Niriksha Kannan, a senior who represents the school at Board of Education meetings who brought forward the "Senior Option" to explore diverse educational oppotunities. 

Daniel Marino, a senior with exceptional soccer skills who helped lead the Varsity team to a championship, and who mentors younger kids through camps and school. 

Sara Samarasinghe, a senior who has published six books and shared her story as a motivational speaker. She is also class president.