ATLANTIC CITY – Jenkinson’s Aquarium, in Point Pleasant Beach, recently received the fourth annual School/Business Partnership award from the Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS). The award was presented during a luncheon sponsored by the New Jersey Council of County Vocational Technical Schools in the Sheraton Convention Center Hotel, here. Annually one business partner from each county is recognized for its support of career and technical education in New Jersey.

The Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES), a full-time high school division of OCVTS, has had a close working relational with the aquarium since its inception as a shared-time program several years ago.

“From the very beginning Jenkinson’s Aquarium has been a valued partner to us. They always provide technical backup for tanks and aquatic life projects,” said OCVTS Superintendent William P. Hoey Jr.
“Director Cindy Claus and her staff graciously include our students in their educational programs and guest lecture series at no cost to the academy,” he added.

Peg Roma, vice principal of MATES, said the academy shares educational information with the aquarium and also sends students there as volunteers and to serve externships as upperclassmen. The aquarium hosted the academy’s first graduation program last June

“Our relationship is truly a symbolic one,” said Ms. Roma.
“Our staff and students and the aquarium staff work with other groups to make Ocean County and environmentally-enlightened area,” she concluded.

In addition to the council award, Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari presented a certificate of recognition to the aquarium on behalf of the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Vicari serves as liaison to OCVTS.