Mr. Anthony Angelow

Why do you want to sit on the Board? What is motivating you to run for this position?

In my life and career I have experienced great success. This comment is not meant to be pretentious, but is actually a reflection of the Hammonton Public School system and the education I received there. After finishing my PhD, this year, I decided it was time to give back to the community that prepared and supported me in all of my professional endeavors. I am already a member of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society, the Hammonton Cancer Foundation, and the Music Ministry at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Parish. I was looking for a way to make the greatest impact on the Hammonton community. The decision was easy. I want to make sure Hammonton’s students have the same opportunities, I was given, to be successful. Being a member of the Board of Education would mean I have the ability to positively influence and shape the future of Hammonton’s students. After all, you are the future!

How well do you feel like you know the town and the school community? In other words, have you lived here long? Did you attend school here, or do you have children in the community?

I was born and raised in Hammonton. I have been a lifelong resident and while my career had the potential to take my anywhere in the country – I decided to come home. I am proud to be a Hammontonian and part of such a fertile community. All of my K-12 education occurred in the Hammonton Public School system. With my connections to the community and memberships in community-focused organizations, I feel that I understand Hammonton very well. Over the last few months, or so, I really did my homework to make sure I understand the Hammonton Public School system of today. I have looked at policies, outcomes, attended board meetings, and spoke with current and retired Hammonton faculty. While I do not, personally, have children – I have many nieces and nephews who are students and I learn from them as well. Based on all of this, I believe I have a good handle on the school community, yet I am always open and willing to learn more about Hammonton Public Schools and the students.

What qualities and expertise do you have to offer in this role?

I bring some unique experiences to this role that other candidates and board members cannot offer. I am a Nurse Practitioner by profession. In addition to caring for the acute and chronically ill, I have dedicated my career to educating and mentoring future nursing professionals. I have also had the unique opportunity to travel around the country providing continuing education to nurses and acting as a consultant on educational initiatives to improve the quality of nursing education. One of the greatest joys of my professional career is fostering the next generation of nursing professionals. It is now time to bring those skills back home. As a Nurse Practitioner, my primary goal is to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of Hammonton’s students. I understand, from a unique perspective, the medical, social, psychological, and behavioral issues students are facing today. I will fight hard to make sure we have the resources to support students facing these challenges and keep students safe and healthy. I have spent a career in higher education and understand the current challenges and the future direction of higher education. This helps me to truly understand what Hammonton’s students need to be successful and competitive in their adult lives. I also understand, every student is not interested in a college-bound career. Based on my experiences in the medical profession, I am uniquely aware of opportunities for students who may choose other types of career paths and can help them to be successful. Finally, I have two advanced degrees focused on education. This helps me to understand curriculum building, educational issues, and evaluating outcomes. This will assist me in making sure our academic curriculum is preparing students well for the future.

As far as my personal qualities, I focus on transparency, high ethical standards, and honesty. In fact, nurses have been voted for the last 16 years as the most trusted profession based on ethics and honesty. I love being a nurse, and I make sure I translate those qualities to my personal and professional life. On the board, this will make me an independent thinker who will evaluate every decision carefully, ethically, morally, and fiscally to ensure the decisions we make are the best decisions for Hammonton’s students.

What is the Hammonton school district doing right for its students? Are there areas that may be in need of improvement?

After attending the last board meeting, it is clear that Hammonton is achieving remarkable academic outcomes. In most cases, we are surpassing county and state-based averages. That is absolutely amazing. This speaks to the hard work that the administration and faculty put in every day to ensure their students are successful. More importantly, it speaks to the dedication, drive, and hard work of the student body. Hammonton would not be experiencing such success if it wasn’t for you!

I believe, in every aspect of life, we always have room for improvement. I actually like to refer to these as opportunities for growth. I want to bring initiatives to educate students on careers in the medical profession and eventually expand this to other professions. Students deserve to learn about all of the possible opportunities that are out there so they have the ability to choose a career that they will not only be successful in, but also love. “If you love what you do, you will not work a day in your life.” There are numerous opportunities out there for the college and trade school-bound student. I also want to ensure our curriculum continues to grow and evolve based on best practices. Our outcomes in Hammonton are remarkable, and we need to ensure the students of Hammonton continue to experience these outcomes. Heading to college is more expensive and competitive than it has ever been in the history of higher education. We need to continue to build programs in the arts, the sciences, and athletics that help our students stand out from the competition and allow them to pursue scholarship opportunities. I am here to fight for what Hammonton students deserve!

Are you open to the ideas and suggestions that students of Hammonton High School may bring to Board of Education meetings? If so, do you believe student involvement will improve our education system and environment?

Absolutely! I want your voice to be heard! In my career as a university professor and administrator, I always solicit feedback from my students. I involve them in decisions about courses and coursework. I welcome their ideas and viewpoints. I ask about their ideas before making decisions. In my opinion, I am there to serve my students and a key part of improving our educational system, is to have students engage in their education. Even in my clinical practice as a Nurse Practitioner, I never make decisions about a patient’s care without asking for their input and feelings about the situation. I will wholeheartedly do this for you as well. I will be on the board, for you! I encourage you to bring ideas and suggestions to the board meetings. To meet with board members and discuss your concerns. You, more than anything, are the most important asset Hammonton and the public school system has. Please, always feel free to reach out to me and discuss your ideas, provide feedback, and give your suggestions. Your voice needs to be heard and the only way we can continue to grow and improve our education in Hammonton is with your support and ideas. I promise to listen to everything you have to say with an open mind and fight for what you feel is important.

In your opinion, what are the most important skills a student should possess in order to be successful when they graduate high school?

The most important skill any student should possess as they graduate high school is knowledge. Of course, what you learn in school is important, but I am referring to knowledge beyond the books. You need to be prepared to make decisions about your future. You need to be prepared to think with an open mind. You need to be prepared stand up for what you believe is right. You need to fully understand the options that out there for you and find something that you love to do for the rest of your life. You need to recognize the sky is the limit and no one can put any limitation on you, except yourself. Believe in yourself, believe in your abilities, and be passionate for what you want. You create your future and knowledge is power!

Tell us about something in your life that fostered a passion for schools and education.

My passion for education runs deep. From my high school guidance counselor to faculty members in my bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree programs, I have always found at least one person who inspired and mentored me to achieve more and be successful. My mother, was probably the biggest influence in my life. She always made me believe that I could achieve whatever it is I wanted to. I want to be able to be that person who inspires and mentors the next generation while having a positive influence on their life. In my opinion, one of the best ways to mentor and inspire the next generation is through education. This is what led me to become a nurse and then a university professor. I always try to lead by example and my hope is that my example will inspire the next generation. Being in education and running for the School Board is just a natural fit. I have the ability to positively influence my students and the students of Hammonton.

What question should we have asked but didn’t?

I have been truly impressed that the students of Hammonton are interested in the candidates running for the School Board. This shows how engaged they are in their education and in the decisions being made about their future. The questions you formulated are inspiring. As I said before, knowledge is power. I would also ask: 1) what do you plan to achieve as a board member? and 2) how will you make decisions if you are elected to the board? These are questions that will help you have a better knowledge about the candidates. Like I said, the questions you asked are amazing. Make sure, once the election is over, you are engaged and proactive. Hold the board members accountable for what they say they will do and how they say they will represent you on the board. Remember, your voice is important!