The year round residents of the island communities are facing the reality of change.  Fewer families with children live on the barrier islands, a fact that is reflected in the school enrollment numbers.  Talks of consolidation within the districts have taken a more serious tone- it’s a very emotional subject.

The locals are shocked by the just announced June closing of Wildwood Catholic High School– the only Catholic high school in Cape May County.  Class size is down 50% from just 10 years ago, and they no longer have the financial ability to remain open.

The business person in me understands – especially after facing the past few years of a tough real estate market.  The income/debt ratio must make sense, and you have to be prepared to make difficult decisions.

But our schools are part of our identity and history.  It’s very hard to see that fade away.  Wildwood Catholic is a tradition for generations of area families.   It’s where I met my husband, and then years later, watched our sons compete at sporting events.  The good and bad experiences shaped our lives, and hopefully, made us better people along the way.