Manuel Gonzalez Jr., Manny is a 2008 graduate of Wildwood Catholic High School, he will be attending Broward Community College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Pictured above in the first and second pictures are Julia Hankerson, (Woodbine Wellness Center), President of GWCC on the left, Manny in the center and Chris Hayes (Sturdy Bank) GWCC Treasurer on the right. Manny's parents Manuel Gonzalez Sr. and Josephine "Tita" Gonzalez are in the third picture. The presentation of a $500.00 check was made at the July meeting of The Greater Woodbine Chamber Of Commerce.
An excerpt from his essay "What Woodbine Means to Me" is below:
"---Woodbine has its own unique personality. It is a small town in which everyone knows each other well. I guess you can say that we are like a big family."
"---Woodbine is a town with so many different cultures. It also has a variety of unique businesses for shopping (especially antiques), and there are enough small businesses that can provide for your everyday needs."
"----The history of Woodbine itself is amazing. If you get the opportunity to visit the Sam Azeez Museum, you will be fascinated by how much this small community has contributed to this country."
"----This town has helped me through all the goals that I have set for myself, and achievements that I have received this far. I have many great friends and family that live here."
"---After I finish college in Florida, I hope to return to Woodbine someday. Hopefully, when I become successful and have a great job, Woodbine will be a great place to start my own family. Woodbine is a great town and it will always be close to my heart. I am proud to say that I am from Woodbine, New Jersey."