Media center named for educator

MANALAPAN - The library at the ClarkMills School, Gordons Corner Road, was recently dedicated to the memory of a former principal who served the Manalapan Englishtown Regional School District.

The Charles H. Boehm Jr. Media Center was formally dedicated to the late educator in a ceremony held at the school.

According to ClarkMills School Principal Stephanie Kraft, Boehm was hired by the Manalapan-Englishtown district in 1966. After teaching in the district he settled in and became a fixture as the principal at Clark Mills.

Boehm worked for the school district for 36 years.

Kraft called Boehm "a visionary in primary education" and said "his love of literature and teaching children to read was an inspiration."

Kraft said some of Boehm's most treasured moments as an educator were when he could take time out from the duties of his day as principal and sit down to read with a child.

Boehm died in May.

Manalapan-Englishtown Board of Education member James Mumolie knew Boehm well and considered him a friend. Mumolie spoke at the media center dedication ceremony.

Mumolie shared his thoughts about Boehm with a reporter. He said Boehm, who was "60-ish" when he died, was a consummate educator who stood out among his peers due to his ability to connect with students and staff members.

"Charlie's great gift to everyone was that not only did he create many memories for students throughout the years, but for staff members as well," he said.

Mumolie recounted how Boehm held reading sessions in which he would dress as the Cat-in-the-Hat or other characters from children's literature.

"All of us will remember Charlie and his stories. He was there for the families of this school district the same as he was for his own family," Mumolie said.