At their February meeting, members of the Millville Woman’s Club (MWC) enjoyed a presentation by Rachel Dolhanczyk, curator of the Museum at Bayshore Center. Also present was Jessica York, the Museum’s executive director. Dolhanczyk shared the history of the AJ Meerwald schooner from the roaring 20s to the present. This schooner’s original job was to plant and harvest oysters in the Delaware Bay. During World War II, the AJ Meerwald was utilized by the Coast Guard as a fire boat and has since become New Jersey’s Official Tall Ship. The AJ Meerwald sets sail from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, but her home port is Bivalve. People enjoy the cruise and some even assist the crew. The Bayshore Center’s museum provides information about oyster farming as well as the history and ecology of the Bayshore. The Center offers many educational events.
Following Dolhanczyk’s presentation, there was a break to indulge in the smorgasbord of desserts organized by Janet Page, hostess, and her committee. Then Donna Pio and Barbara Westog, of the MWC Education Committee, introduced Shayde M. DeSail and Abriana M. Zeak, seniors from Millville High School (MHS) and asked them to talk about some of their activities and goals.
Abriana is a member of the Chem Club, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), Key Club, Student Council, and is secretary of National Honor Society. She is involved in track and field. Her studies include Anatomy 1 and 2, medical terminology, principles of nutrition, and AP Psychology and Statistics. She is also in AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Abriana plans are to attend a four-year college or university and major in psychology or neuroscience.
Shayde is a member of the National Honor Society, Leaders Club, Key Club, has been in AVID since 6th grade and has received academic varsity letters. She has also been a Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper. She has played varsity soccer and has been manager of the lacrosse, swim, wrestling, and baseball teams. Her studies include AP courses in English 3, physics, and U.S. History 2, as well as algebra-based 3, honors pre-calculus, sports/entertainment and accounting. Shayde’s community activities include Millville Soccer Association, Dymgirl Creations, Wheaton Arts Fine Craft Festival, Rieck Avenue Fall Frolic, Elementary Reading Nights, Red Cross Blood Drive, Family Reading Night, Haunted Halls, Trunk or Treat, Cookies with Santa and MHS events such as Honors Assembly, Scheduling Fair, Freshman Orientation, graduation, and Olympic Day. Shayde plans to attend a four-year college or university, possibly majoring in business management.
MWC wishes these young women much success as they pursue their goals.
