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Holmdel honors student video contest winner and recognizes police cadets and school resource officers
Summary
The board recognized Holmdel student Keoni Behete for winning first place in a state video contest and acknowledged the partnership with the Holmdel Police Department, honoring class 3 officers, the school resource officer and student cadets.
The Holmdel Township School District recognized eighth grader Keoni Behete for winning first place in the Litter Free New Jersey video contest and publicly acknowledged the district's partnership with the Holmdel Police Department, including class 3 officers, the school resource officer and the student police cadet program.
"When we see a student doing that, it's really gratifying for us, and we're super proud of you," Superintendent Dr. Cascone said as the board presented a certificate and a district pin to Behete.
The board also honored police cadets and presented special recognition to school resource officer Mike Nolan and patrolman Quaglia, both of whom district leaders said have close, constructive relationships with students. Dr. Cascone described the district's partnership with the police as "exceptional," and noted that a security consultant had recommended the collaboration during a recent security review.
Board members publicly thanked the Holmdel Township Committee and singled out committee member Preveduto for assisting with funding Class 3 special law enforcement officers for the district. A district official said the township has provided support for the program for about two years.
Several cadets and officers were invited to the front of the meeting and board members and administrators praised them for volunteering and building relationships with students. One cadet, Lucian, said he joined because his brother participated and because he wanted to get to know officers "on more of a personal level." The district also acknowledged the LEADS program that Officer Nolan teaches to fifth graders.
Why this matters: the recognitions illustrate the district's emphasis on student civic engagement and its formal relationship with local public-safety partners. Board members framed the partnership as contributing to everyday school safety and relationship-building between students and law enforcement.
