Tuskegee Airman Honored in Township's Black History Month Celebration

Monday night's Black History Month Celebration not only recognized 14 people who are making a difference in Gloucester Township, but also served as occasion to honor a man who helped save the world from the tyranical advances of mad men during World War II.

John Pritchett, a 92-year-old Pennsauken resident who was a Tuskegee Airman, was honored by Gloucester Township officials and New Jersey Sen. Fred Madden during Monday's Township Council meeting.

"I just want to thank you, Sgt. Pritchett, one last time for your service and for being the person you are," said Joyce Ellis, who co-hosted the ceremony with fellow Black History Month Celebration evaluating committee member Phyllis Guisti. "We love you and hope that you have many more years."

Madden presented Pritchett, who was a sergeant with the 301st Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group—a squadron most recently immortalized in the film Red Tails—with a proclamation from the state Assembly and Senate.

He described Pritchett as a perfect example of "the ageless heart of a United States veteran."

"Because, you see, as he stood here at the mic, approaching the age of 93, he offered his hand to try to help the community and do whatever he could, to be there in support of everything that you do," Madden said. "I believe that's how you've led your life. I believe that's the ideals that put you on a train (to Tuskegee, AL, as a 21-year-old).

"Sir, I'm absolutely honored to stand here with you. You are an American hero."

In addition to Pritchett, the 2012 Black History Month Celebration also honored 14 individuals who help to make Gloucester Township a better place.

While the night's honorees ranged from a middle school student to a World War II hero, it was a high school student who perhaps best summed up why all 15 people were recognized Monday night.

"Every day, I wake up and say, 'Yeah, I have a good life, but how can I make others' lives better?'" Triton High School senior Adrian Adams said.

Adams intends to major in political science at Howard University or Seton Hall University.

In addition to Adams, who carries a 3.4 grade-point average (GPA), plays basketball, runs track and volunteers with Boys' and Girls' Club, the following individuals were honored on Monday:

Dr. Michael DeShields - The Medical Director of the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, DeShields' private practice, Recovery Care Medical Associates, is located on the Black Horse Pike, in Blackwood. He treats addicted individuals. "He cares about people that many people don't," Council President Glen Bianchini said.

Destiny Garey - A senior at Triton, Garey was a first-team All-Olympic Conference performer in field hockey for the Mustangs in 2011, and was inducted into the school's National Honor Society as a junior. She has volunteered her time working with special-needs students.

Verna Karim - After accepting a position as a Black Horse Pike Regional School District substitute teacher six years ago, Karim instantly became a popular choice to hold down the fort while regular teachers were out of their classrooms. So much so, in fact, that she was hired for a full-time position at Timber Creek when one opened. Karim now mentors the school's "at-risk" students.

Mikhel Harrison - A senior at Highland High School, Harrison carries a 3.4 GPA, is a member of all of the school's music groups—he plays a long list of instruments—and track team, and helps organize the school's "Battle of the Bands" fundraisers (this year's begins at 6 p.m. tonight in the Highland auditorium). Harrison advised younger kids to "get involved and stay involved in the community, and it will keep you out of trouble."

Chelsie Hopkins - A member of Highland's National Honor Society, Hopkins, a senior, plans to attend Fairleigh Dickinson University in the fall. She was a cheerleader and is a member of the school's track team, and has been active with both Girls Scouts and Solid Rock Worship Center.

Lucinda Ackah-Toffee - A native of Canada, Ackah-Toffee transferred to Highland this school year, and has achieved honor-roll grades. She has joined the school's peer mediation program, basketball team and French Club.

Abiodun Fakolujo - A senior at Triton, Fakolujo has earned a full scholarship to the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where the 2011 South Jersey All-Group 4 selection will continue her soccer career. She carries a 4.0 GPA and is vice president of the school's National Honor Society.

Ron Tinsley - Tinsley is a head coach with the Gloucester Township Lions football program, among other teams. Whether it's been football, basketball, soccer or hockey, Tinsley has been coaching township children for nearly 20 years now.

Benjamin Coates - A retired engineer who came to New Jersey by way of the Carolinas for work purposes, Coates is now director of the Living Word Bible Fellowship food pantry, which is based on Church Street in Blackwood. Council Vice President Orlando Mercado nominated and presented Coates, describing him as "a man that has gone above and beyond in serving his community."

Dr. Melvin Pierson - A dentist with a practice on Sicklerville Road in Winslow Township's Sicklerville section, Pierson is an assistant coach with the Gloucester Township Stallions football program and a Gloucester Township Patch blogger. He is a past president of the New Jersey Academy of General Dentistry and serves as a "spokesdentist" for the Academy of General Dentistry.

Tenazia Custis - At just 14 years old, Custis was the youngest of the honorees Monday night. An eighth-grade student at Charles W. Lewis Middle School, Custis maintains an "A" average, is a member of student government, and aided the school's coat and canned-good drives.

Ashley Hudson - A Timber Creek High School senior, Hudson carries a 4.16 GPA, which makes her the 23rd ranked student in the 354-student Class of 2012. She is a member of the school's National Honor Society's executive board and performed as a drummer with the Chargers' award-winning marching band and drum line.

Sonimi Halliday - A Timber Creek senior, Halliday was an All-South Jersey boys' soccer selection in 2011. The president of the school's student government, Halliday, who carries a 3.8 GPA, has earned a scholarship to Rider University. Timber Creek principal Mae Robinson paid Holliday perhaps the biggest compliment an administrator can give a student: "Sonimi makes it cool to be the smart kid," she said.