Politics & Government

Gov. Christie Visits Kendall Park Catholic School

St. Augustine of Canterbury saw the Governor accept an invitation made by a fifth-grader late last year.

During a town hall at the Monmouth Junction Firehouse late last year, Gov. Chris Christie received a request from a young local student who attends St. Augustine of Canterbury School.  The student, fifth-grader Samantha Grey, asked Christie if he would visit her school in Kendall Park.  A few months later, Christie made good on his promise by paying a visit to the school, to answer questions from students and to speak about the value of a Catholic education.

“During the one hundredth anniversary of the Religious Teachers Filippini coming to America, it was a privilege to have Gov. Christie visit our school, which added to their celebration," said Father Bob Lyman. "Gov. Christie is very much familiar with the Religious Teachers Filippini since his daughter attends their school at Villa Walsh in Morristown.  The Governor reminded all the students of the sacrifices their parents are making to send them to this Catholic school and affirmed Catholic education."

The visit, which was closed to the media, saw the entire school community in grades K-8 warmly greet the Governor with welcome signs, applause and cheers of joy, said principal Sister Mary Louise Shulas.

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"I was very excited because I never had the experience of having a governor come and visit my own school," Shulas said.  "It was an honor and a privilege for him to come in and be our guest.  He addressed the children beautifully and answered questions on a level that the students were able to understand and appreciate.  He spoke about the value of receiving an excellent Catholic education and the importance of having respect for one another by reaching out and performing services that help other people."

Father Bob opened the Governor's visit with a welcome and prayer. Christie then spoke to the children about valuing their Catholic education and learning attitudes of respect and kindness, Shulas said.  Before the meeting began, the children were asked what should be on their agenda for the day.

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"I don't know," Samantha said.  "We don't need any agenda, we have the Governor visiting us. " 

Shulas called the visit a wonderful memory in the history of the school and the lives of the students.

"The children came away from this with the knowledge that the Governor does care about students and their education in New Jersey," Shulas said.  "That was his clear message to them.  He confirmed the importance of the value of education, and in our case, a Catholic education.  He made them feel as though they're a vital part of New jersey by taking the time out of his schedule to visit them at their own school on their invitation.  Each child felt really important and valued."


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