kh #116 05/22/08

FREEHOLDERS RECOGNIZE MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN ISSUE

TOMS RIVER – Proclaiming May 25 as National Missing and Exploited Children’s Day in Ocean County, the Board of Freeholders recognized the day by honoring fifth grade winners of a safety contest and encouraging residents to educate and raise awareness to help keep children safe.

“We want to thank the Ocean County Commission on Missing and Exploited Children for the work they do each and every day, including holding this contest. We are so proud of the contest winners and all those who participated,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “It is vital that all children are educated in understanding the many ways to stay safe, especially on the Internet.”

The Ocean County Commission on Missing and Exploited Children held a contest to promote awareness among students about how to handle dangerous situations on the Internet called “Email to My Friend For Safety”.

The contest was open to all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade schools in Ocean County. Judging was based on the writer’s ability to clearly describe a safety issue and how to stay safe. The contest winners were: 1st place, Amanda Vella; 2nd place, Norman Switzer; 3rd place, Idalis Bergery, all from Berkeley Township Elementary School.

The winners and their families were invited to the May 21 Freeholder board meeting. Vicari along with Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as Director of Law and Public Safety presented certificates to the winners. The Missing and Exploited Children’s Commission awarded savings bonds to the winners as well.

“We recognize that there is a continuing problem of not only missing and exploited children in the United States but neglected and abused children as well,” said Freeholder John P. Kelly. “Thousands of victims are children who live in our communities, here in New Jersey.”

The Ocean County Board of Freeholders has proclaimed May 25 as National Missing and Exploited Children’s Day in Ocean County, urging all residents to acknowledge the serious problem of missing, abused and neglected children.

“We ask our residents to unite in keeping our community safe and providing our children with a secure future, out of harm’s way,” noted Vicari. “Joining together and working as a team is a great way to ensure safety for all children.”


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