Much can be said of a person’s character when the offer themselves to their community in service. Putting both themself and their family in the public eye can be and often times is, very difficult. Human nature has changed. Instead of looking for the best qualities, we often seek out the worst, first. I’m writing this to attest to the great character of Susan Ernst (Mullin) and the qualities that I feel make her the best candidate vying for a position on the PRHS BOE. Amongst the statements made yesterday, by myself & fellow PRHS alumnus Michael McGovern, with regard to Sue’s announcement were: “She’s got the best experience,”; “She is stern yet very reasonable.”; “She is from one of the best generations of educators.” Our opining continued for some time and we both agree, the PRHS school district has but only one choice to make if they seek the best for their children & students…securing Susan Ernst as a member of their Board. The community has changed so much since I was a student at PRHS. The demographics, the eclectic mix of cultures, careers, ethnicities. When I was a student, you went to either Tuckerton, Little Egg Harbor, Eagleswood, or Bass River Elementary Schools, K-6. We all attended Pinelands and it began in the 7th grade, commenced at the 12th. The community dynamic was different, the needs were different. One thing that has been the constant from then to present times is Sue Ernst is still giving of herself to better the community. Some may refer to that as longevity, staying “power”. I call it commitment. I call it an unselfish act. Susan Ernst was Mrs. Mullin to me when I attended Pinelands. She was my first English teacher. 9th period, last hall, 2nd classroom on the left. Patty Gardner Manzoni, Tony Gilbert, Jeff Penna, Denise Helmka, John Kekatos & Frank Krukaukus are who sat around me. Mrs. Mullin was stunning, confident and had this great sense of herself, her abilities. She was firm yet had a really sharp sense of humor. I could follow her very easily. Both she and I probably would have never thought back then, nearing now 30 years later, she’d have had the impact on my life as she would have. I was fortunate to have been her student more than once. Somewhere between predicates, sentence structure, Dante & Salinger, her example felt into place for me. This was character, people…Sue has some of its best. 25 years after I graduated, July 2011, I’d attended the Class of 86’ reunion. I’d been there maybe 20 minutes and a very attractive, woman a few years to my senior approaches me. All she had to do was say my name; I knew it was my most beloved educator saying my name, yet again. I was able to sit, visit with her, Michael, his wife Chrissie and yet again Frank Krukaukus was to my left. We shared life for a while. Yet another impression Sue’s left on mine. I am but only one of very many of her students. I cannot cast a vote for her because I don’t reside there anymore. However I can cast a vote as to her character, the quality individual Susan is, her spirit for education and her commitment to your community. She has the ability to share her experience as a quality educator and as a member of the local community. That is a faceted advantage that the PRHS community can grow from. You need to seize that as an asset. Best wishes to all that are competing in this election. You all should be commended for stepping forth with great effort to serve your community! GO SUE!
Posted on: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 14:58:06 +0000