Dec. 11, 2024-- The DART Prevention Coalition, part of RWJBarnabas Health, works with Ocean County communities to prevent and reduce substance use. The coalition annually recognizes Towns of Excellence, communities that implement comprehensive prevention strategies across all four priorities in partnership with local government, schools, and law enforcement.

"Each year we take a look at all of our amazing communities within Ocean County to see what incredible work they’ve done over the last year," said DART Senior Prevention Manager Amy Piacente-Desch. "And each year, there is always one outstanding community that has brought together their schools, youth, community leaders, local government, and law enforcement to work on the different areas of substance use prevention. To honor this community for their incredible work, we award a town of excellence."

In 2024, that excellent town is Toms River, New Jersey, which was recognized during a ceremony held Dec. 6.

But what, specifically, earned Toms River the 2024 Town of Excellence distinction? It was many things, actually.

Toms River youth actively participated in Ocean County’s YTAG (Youth Tobacco Action Group), and the district increased its Mentorship Speaker Series to be in all of its intermediate schools. The town has four active YPCs (Youth Prevention Coalitions), and created a Youth Empower Workgroup led by youth.

Of particular note was that the town implemented a community Kindness Campaign promoted within the schools, businesses, library, and community. Indeed, the 2024-2025 Kindness Campaign was set into motion by a dedicated group of people representing various facets of Toms River. Representatives from RWJBarnabas Health's Communities that Care (CTC) coalition, teachers, administrators, and-- of course-- students have all played a significant role in an effort that was always intended to be community-focused.

Additionally, both public and private schools in Toms River implemented YMHFA (Youth Mental Health First Aid) and tMHFA (teen Mental Health First Aid). In fact, High School North's Jennifer Huey received the 2024 Mental Health Awareness Training School Ambassador Award.

A science teacher at HSN, Huey has worked tirelessly to partner with RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery to have nearly 90 staff trained in Mental Health First Aid across all three of the district’s high schools. During the 2024-2025 school year, Huey and Assistant Superintendent Cara DiMeo coordinated with staff from RWJBH to have every 10th-grade student in the district trained in a six-class course– teen Mental Health First Aid– through which nearly 1,200 sophomores learned the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and an action plan to help a friend.

"Ms. Huey exemplifies what it means to be an educator with a heart and passion for her students," said DART Prevention and Training Institute Assistant Director Roberta Rapisardi. "Her work goes above and beyond to coordinate this program has led to its overall success, and we believe Ms. Huey is a great asset to the team at Toms River North, and a champion for mental health awareness in our community."

Huey wasn't the only one to walk away with an individual award. High School East student Dante Kanterezhi-gatto was given the inaugural, county-wide Anthony V. Pierro Recognition of Student Excellence Award, bestowed upon a young person who embodies authenticity and leadership. Dante helped launch the town-wide Kindness Campaign within the schools and on social media.

"Dante is the heart and soul of the Toms River CTC Kindness Campaign," said Ocean County Youth Services Commission's Shelby Voorhees, who presented the award. "When Dante started working on the Kindness Campaign, it was not just another club or project; he made it his mission because he believes that big change happens with a little kindness first."

Even the individual recognitions signified what a group effort it has been to spread kindness, reduce stigma, and improve a community's well-being. 

"To be part of a community where everyone is invested in each other is truly special," said Assistant Superintendent Patrick Thomas, who was in attendance at the awards ceremony. "Toms River is excellent because of the people who live and work here, and who work alongside one another to make life better."