New Long Branch Student Center Opens

LONG BRANCH - Despite the soggy conditions outside, the spirits of faculty, students and the residents in attendance were not dampened during the grand opening of the new Long Branch Student Career Center on Tuesday morning.

The center is located across from the old Long Branch High School, at 422 Westwood Ave., in a building formerly used by the school and Monmouth University for administrative work. The building will now serve as an apparel and supply store for students. 

"This is the first store run totally by students," Long Branch School District Superintendent Joseph Ferraina said.

Business course, special education and Workforce Investment Act students will work together to run the center. Dr. Laurie Cancalosi, Transition Facilitator for Long Branch Public Schools will oversee the center and students working at the center.

Dr. Cancalosi said the business students will handle ordering and inventory, and the special education students will help wash, dry, iron and fold uniforms which are donated to the center for students who need financial assistance. She said these pre-used uniforms are already available through the school, but that the center will give a more "central location" for them.

The WIA students are all seniors at Long Branch High School who will at the center after school and be paid to do so according to Dr. Cancalosi. She said they will assist customers and check them out after they have selected their merchandise. These students are allowed to work 10 hours per week.

Ferraina said the main items sold at the center will be uniforms, but that other school supplies such as paper, pens and notebooks will also be available. 

Ferraina said he was proud to see the center open and to see the students' involvement.

"You (the students) are the founding members of this awesome adventure," he said.

The center will be open from Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the hours will be extended during the summer and holiday shopping seasons.