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Lake Riviera Principal Named BMAC Volunteer Of The Year
By Keith Hagarty
Citing her selfless dedication to the community, the Brick Municipal Alliance Committee (BMAC) recently named Lake Riviera Middle School Principal Susan McNamara as the BMAC Volunteer of the Year.
McNamara, who is also a member of Preferred Behavioral Health of New Jersey, Inc., was praised by township officials for her continued charitable spirit.
"She's an outstanding woman who inspires all the students of Lake Riviera to volunteer for the Relay For Life, and also volunteer in other aspects of their life," said Councilwoman Kathy Russell. "She's just an outstanding individual, and nobody else that could've been selected could've been more outstanding than Susan McNamara."
Comprised of a committee of volunteers from throughout the community, the BMAC coordinators and staff members work together to plan and implement drug, alcohol and delinquency prevention programs throughout the township. The committee is funded in part by the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
Having had a daughter attend Lake Riviera, Carrie Johnston was pleased to see McNamara honored.
"I can't think of a more deserving person than Mrs. McNamara," said Johnston. "She always puts the kids first."
McNamara's work with the annual Relay For Life charity event, which boasts over 3.5 million participants, has an even deeper meaning for Johnston, whose mother died from the disease two years ago.
"Anyone who gives of themselves to get the word out about fighting cancer and lending a helping hand to the survivors and their families can't be applauded enough," she said. "We need more people in our daily life like (McNamara), more people who think of others first."
Some of the township-wide programs coordinated by BMAC include Parent/Teen Resiliency Training, New Jersey Peer to Peer, an anti-smoking program, REBEL2, community seminars, Young Artist Development Program, KiteFest, Global Youth Service Day and numerous workshops and seminars.
Word of McNamara being named BMAC Volunteer of the Year was a pleasant surprise to resident Martin Toefield.
"BMAC has done a lot of good for Brick for many, many years," said Toefield. "I'm 71 years old now, and I've seen a lot in this town, but with 10 grandkids here, it does make me feel good to know we have administrators who really [care] about these kids and want to make a difference in their lives."
Russell said all the volunteers who contribute to BMAC should be commended for their efforts.
"I congratulate her (McNamara) and all the rest of the people who were awarded at that evening," said Russell.
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