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of the top performing high schools in the entire nation. This report analyzed academic and enrollment data from more than 21,000 public high schools in the United States to find the very best high schools. Gloucester City High School received a bronze commendation for their outstanding services to the children and community. They were only one of four high schools recognized in Camden County, and one of 41 high schools throughout the entire state to receive the recognition.

Cheer to Howard Clark Chairman of the Gloucester City Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) and staff for putting together an advertisement plan to spotlight businesses in the City of Gloucester. This is the second year for the program. With numerous grants and careful planning, the UEZ, along with Mayor and Council, has dedicated thousands of dollars to enhance the business community both aesthetically and developmentally.

CHEER-Many communities throughout the state of New Jersey have adopted ordinances that forbid the practice of “Pay to Play”. Those in Camden County include: Berlin, Cherry Hill, Clementon, Collingswood, Gibbsboro, Haddon Twp., Haddon Hts., Lawnside, Pine Hill, Stratford, Waterford, and Winslow. "Pay to play" is a term used to describe the act of accepting (or furnishing) campaign contributions for the purpose of facilitating privileged access to public bidding procedures, certain government functions, etc.

JEER to any community that doesn’t forbid "pay to play" practices. Each year candidates throughout the state campaign on promises to end this behind closed door tactic. But as we all know once they get into office many a politician seem to easily forget the pledges that got them elected in the first place.

CHEER-To all the firemen involved in fighting the 5-alarm fire early Sunday morning at the former Amspec Chemical Plant on Water Street, Gloucester City. We would especially like to thank the volunteers that were there in force. For years these men and women have sacrifice their time and their lives (in some cases) because they love their neighbors and their community. The volunteers don't do it for the pay that is for sure. Too often we take them (the volunteers) for granted. Kudos to all and Thank You!

JEER-President Obama approved a 2% salary increase for all federal employees effective January 1, 2010.  Members of the executive, legislative and judicial branch also received automatic pay increase in January as well.  But senior citizens, who are now paying more for prescription drugs and health insurance, did not receive any social security increase this year nor will they receive any for the next three years.

CHEER-Gloucester Catholic’s Girls Basketball Coach Lisa Gedaka earned her 400^th career win in January as the Rams beat Pennsville 77-34. Her overall record for the 21 years as head coach is 400 wins, 130 losses.

CHEER-Charles Murtaugh retired as chief of the Westville Fire Department on January 1. Murtaugh a volunteer since age 19, held the title of Chief for years. He will continue to volunteer his services as a firefighter.

CHEER-The Obama health care plan came to a screeching halt following the surprise election of Republican Scott Brown to the Senate on January 21. Changes are needed in health care but not to the extreme that was being rushed through the legislature by the Democrat majority. Hopefully now both Democrat and Republican politicians will start paying attention to the people that elected them to office. If not the message is clear; voters will find someone who will.

Most recently CNB has asked the superintendent for a copy of the current student enrollment figures. We are still waiting.