BY CHRISTINE VARNO
Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — Charles "Chuck" B. Ferrara Jr. is the first recipient of the Central Jersey Award of Merit given by the Directors of Athletics Association of New Jersey Inc.
Ferrara, 48, the athletic director at Long Branch High School, will receive the award at the association’s 44th annual banquet in Atlantic City on March 24.
The award, created by the association this year, is given to noteworthy athletic directors in the four main regions of the state, North I, North II, Southern and Central.
He was selected based on his continued high level of professionalism within the Long Branch school district and community, according to Alan W. Carr, president of the athletic directors association.
"Chuck is a perfect example of the high standards we are looking for," Carr said. "Chuck is a tough, no-nonsense athletic director who gets things done."
He was the assistant athletic director at Cranford High School for seven years and the director of athletics at Fort Lee High School for two years before he moved from Newark to Belmar and began at Long Branch High School.
Ferrara was hired in 1990 as the district director of athletics, physical education, health and intramurals for grades K-12.
The association is comprised of 460 schools and more than 360 members throughout the state. The Athletic Director of the Year Award has been given for the past 43 years.
This year the association added new awards.
"We have such a tremendous amount of talented people within our organization and felt we should start honoring others for their outstanding contributions," Carr said.
The Sectional Award of Merit is awarded to a person who demonstrates the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field of interscholastic athletic administration.
The process in choosing the candidates for the award included a thorough evaluation of the candidates, educational background, experience and professional contributions, as well as a comprehensive written examination.
"Anyone who has any dealings with Chuck knows how dedicated he is to physical education and our athletic programs," Long Branch Superintendent of Schools Joseph M. Ferraina said. "He is a very passionate professional who is very deserving of the award."
William Lundy from Toms River received the award for the Southern section, Michael George from Whippany for the North II section, and Joseph Ascolese from Wayne for the North I section.
"It feels great receiving the award," Ferrara said. "It is just nice to be recognized by your peers."
He also has been recognized as a Certified Athletic Administrator by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association earlier this month.