Clark Board of Ed. Honors Winter Sports Stars

The Clark Board of Education honored winter athletes at the final meeting of the Board of Education year Tuesday night. Members of the Arthur L. Johnson High School wrestling, swimming, indoor track, and bowling were recognized for their accomplishments, as well as the undefeated Carl H. Kumpf Middle School girls basketball team.

The Board honors school sports teams three times a year at their Showcase of Success. Athletic Director Gus Kalikas doled out the praises, awarding certificates and kind words to each of the student athletes.

“What an amazing winter season we had this year,” Kalikas said. “All the student athletes are very deserving of all accolades they have and continue to receive.” Kalikas went on to thank the Board of Education for their continuous, unconditional support for school athletics.

Carl H. Kumpf Middle School’s Girls Basketball team was the first to be honored. The young ladies accomplished a feat impressive at any level—a perfect season. The girls, lead by Head Coach Rick Hoos and Lindsay Malloy, finished their year with an unblemished 11-0 record.

a middle and long distance runner at Johnson, saw many successes during her final indoor track season. The senior almost carried the program to a state title single-handedly, taking first in the 800, 1600, and 3200 at the Group 1 Central New Jersey Sectional State Championship. Vagie looks to tear up the track again this spring.

Johnson wrestler boasted a season record of 28-8, and a career record of 96-32. Most impressively, the skilled grappler

Kalikas said the Johnson bowling team came into their third season with “a target on their backs; everyone knew Johnson bowling were the ones to look out for.” The team met that challenge head on and achieved the state triple-crown, becoming Watchung Conference Champions, Union County Champions, and Group 2 Section 2 State Champions.

Senior swimmer who could not attend the meeting due to a prior commitment, nabbed county titles in both the Women’s 100 Back Stroke and Women’s 100 Butterfly. T where she will receive a scholarship, next year. Board member Thomas Lewis said that Levine had a, “terrific career,” and called her, “a better person than swimmer.”

After the students filtered out of the council chambers, the Board resumed business as usual. Following the approval of several agenda items, Superintendent Kenneth Knops reminded the Board that school elections will be held on Wednesday, April 27th between 2 and 9 p.m. In addition to voting on the which includes an increase of 5/6 of one percent, residents will also have the opportunity to vote for the Board of Education candidate of their choice. Voting will take place at the Clark Municipal Building, Frank K. Henley School, Valley Road School, Carl H. Kumpf Middle School and the Clark Firehouse.

To close the final meeting of the year, Knops thanked the Board members for their diligence and dedication. In particular, he thanked Jill Curran, who will end her two year tenure as Board President, for her work.