Congrats Class of 2018!
LAURA McLAUGHLIN
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Laura McLaughlin, the daughter of Frank and Lynn McLaughlin of Avalon, graduated from George Mason University in May and will be working on Capitol Hill. She received her bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in business. Laura is a graduate of Middle Township High School and Avalon Elementary School. At George Mason, Laura was inducted into Order of Omega Honor Society and served as recruitment chair for her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi. She also played intramural basketball and helped her team win a championship in her senior year. Although Laura will be living in Washington as she starts her career, she plans to come back to Avalon as much as possible to enjoy plenty of beach days!
LAUREN LEGLER
NEUMANN UNIVERSITY
Lauren Legler, of Stone Harbor, graduated from Neumann University in May with a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education. The daughter of Jennifer Legler, of Stone Harbor, and Timothy Legler, of Mullica Hill, Lauren attended Stone Harbor Elementary School and Middle Township High School. Lauren broke the 1,000-point milestone as a guard for the Neumann women’s basketball team and served as its captain for two seasons. Lauren will return to her summer job at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House and plans to substitute at local school districts while pursuing an elementary school position.
CODY STANFORD
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
Cody Stanford graduated from North Carolina State University in May with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. The son of Roger and Allison Stanford, of Swainton, Cody is beginning his career with DeBlasio & Associates Consulting Engineers & Planners in Wildwood this summer. Cody attended Stone Harbor Elementary School and Middle Township High School. He was a four-year starter on the North Carolina State club lacrosse team. Any free time Cody has this summer will be spent enjoying the beach and boating in Stone Harbor.
JENNIFER NEY
NEUMANN UNIVERSITY
Jennifer Ney, an Avalon native, graduated from Neumann University in May with a bachelor’s degree in biology clinical laboratory science. She has accepted a position at Cooper University Health Care as a medical technologist. Jennifer is the daughter of James Ney, of Ocean City, and Deborah Davis Ney, of Cape May Court House. She attended Avalon Elementary school and graduated from Middle Township High School in 2014. As a student at Neumann, Jennifer was involved with P.A.C.T. (Promoting Awareness of the College Transition) and Take Back the Night, which hosts events to promote awareness for sexual assault on college campuses. This summer, she hopes to hit the beach with her friends and family and attend some concerts before beginning her career. She also plans to continue her education to pursue a master’s degree.
DOROTHY ‘TRICIA’ STUMP
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
Dorothy “Tricia” Stump, the daughter of William and Patricia Stump, of Stone Harbor, graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in kinesiology. She plans to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy this fall at Stockton University. Tricia attended Stone Harbor Elementary School and Middle Township High School. At UVA, she was a member of the women’s club sailing team that won the Inter-collegiate Sailing Association championship three years in a row. She also volunteered with Special Olympics and played intramural soccer. Tricia will return to her summer job as a lifeguard with the Stone Harbor Beach Patrol and plans to attend a few concerts before school begins again in the fall.
WILLIAM JOSEPH METZLER
STOCKTON UNIVERSITY
William Joseph Metzler, of Avalon, graduated from Stockton University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. William was a Provost Scholarship recipient, a dean’s list honor student, and a member of the Stockton University Computer Society. The son of Gregg and Irene Metzler, he attended Avalon Elementary School and Wildwood Catholic High School. William has taken a position as the network administrator for a technology firm in North Jersey. He is looking forward to life after college, including enjoying the beach and the nightlife on the island, and working with Jewelry Studio, his family’s business in Stone Harbor.
ZACHARY GORECKE
RUTGERS LAW SCHOOL
Zachary Gorecke graduated from Rutgers Law School on May 17. After taking the bar exam in July, he will begin a clerkship with Presiding Family Law Judge Harold Johnson in Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties. Zach, the son of Eric and Julia Gorecke, of Avalon, attended Holy Spirit High School and received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Zach held a job at the Avalon Free Public Library throughout his undergraduate career and returned to the position each summer during law school. A Dean’s List student throughout his law-school career, Zach started at Widener University Delaware Law School before transferring to Rutgers after his first year. At Widener, he was recognized with a Certificate of Achievement in Torts and in Property II. After transferring, he joined the Rutgers Journal of Law and Religion as a staff editor before being appointed lead articles editor. He also received three scholarships during his last year at Rutgers: the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Scholarship, the Rutgers Law South Jersey Alumni Scholarship and the Deborah Michael Richards Memorial Scholarship.
