Over 20 veterans attended the celebration held on Nov. 13 at Ocean City Primary School
OCPS reading specialist Jamie Nicholl and her two sons Reed and Leo sit with their father/grandfather Michael Callahan during the Pastries with Patriots event
Ocean City, NJ – Dozens of students at Ocean City Primary School (OCPS), along with their families and a beloved staff veteran, gathered to honor local heroes and celebrate veterans with heartfelt activities and treats at the annual “Pastries with Patriots” event.
Michael Callahan, 78, a proud grandfather of OCPS students Reed and Leo and father of the school’s Wilson Reading System specialist Jamie Nicholl, served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Diana Juelg, 68, grandmother to Rip and Lincoln, served four years in the U.S. Navy and was one of the first females on a Navy tugboat in 1976. Mark Simmerman, 39, father to second grader Oliver, was stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii as part of Navy Cryptologic Technician Communications.
Peyton Ginn (PK) and her grandfather Donald Braun, military veteran.
Being in the presence of these veterans, along with many others, gave students a unique opportunity to learn about courage, sacrifice and resilience, and to hear firsthand stories that brought history to life.
Pastries with Patriots was organized by OCPS guidance counselor and veteran Joel Dougan, along with principal Dr. Cathleen Smith and secretary Stacy McCarron. Its goal was to bring together students and staff to honor and express gratitude for veterans, highlighting their contributions to the freedoms enjoyed today.
“Our veterans deserve to be honored for all they have given us and honored the ways they have supported us in their service and sacrifice for our country,” said Dougan. “This event provides students with a unique opportunity to see true heroes up close - individuals who serve not for wealth or fame but out of love for their country and a dedication to protect its citizens.”
Dougan, a 1998 Ocean City High School graduate, joined the U.S. Army after high school and later transferred to the New Jersey National Guard. Dougan studied elementary education/special education at La Salle University, transferred to Richard Stockton College and then graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, his unit was activated and sent to Ground Zero, becoming responsible for guarding the bridges and tunnels leading into New York City. During Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011), Dougan completed one tour of duty in Iraq, serving in the military police force while stationed in Baghdad from 2004-2005.
“Pastries with Patriots not only brought the OCPS community together, but also served as an educational moment, highlighting for students the importance of sacrifice, service, and patriotism,” said Dr. Smith. “The school’s food service team added a special touch, providing a spread of delicious pastries and refreshments that made the event feel warm and inviting for the veterans and all in attendance.”
First grader Saoirse LeMaire and her grandfather Robert LeMaire, military veteran as well as Training and Technology Specialist for Ocean City School District
As students interacted with over 20 veteran attendees, they learned that heroes are not only those who are celebrated in movies or sports. Heroes are also people around us who work quietly and courageously to protect the values many community members hold dear. Dougan, along with McCarron, Smith, and the rest of the OCPS team, succeeded in creating a memorable morning that both honored veterans and taught students an invaluable lesson on patriotism and gratitude.
“Our veterans have given so much to serve our county, and it’s a privilege to see the Ocean City school community come together to honor all they’ve done,” said Ocean City School District Superintendent Dr. Christian Angelillo. “I’m proud of the efforts by Mr. Dougan, Dr. Smith, and Ms. McCarron, along with everyone at the Primary School. They dedicated time in putting this together, showing our commitment to recognizing these brave individuals.”