Photo Credit: TRSTV
Toms River South’s multi-decade champion is once again honored for his near 6 decade commitment to this school and passion for his community. On the 28th of August P. David Correll was honored by students and alumni with a Pep Rally at Detwiler Stadium. And on September 28th, Correll was presented with a Proclamation by the Toms River Township Council.
Mr. Correll came to Toms River South (then Toms River High School) in 1964 from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Correll worked as a history teacher and slowly became involved in spirit activities at our school, becoming the “Student Activities Advisor”. A quick student favorite, Correll, adapted much of his own high school experience and original ideas to fit our school. This effort led to the famous Toms River South clout of spirit, pride, and passion that supersedes much of the other High Schools around the country.
Through the years, South has been given a great opportunity to unite behind one man’s mission. Correll retired in 2007 from teaching, but stayed on till this past year as an advisor. During that period, D1S was the center of his operations and was the home of his morning announcements and school mascot teams.
The Pep Rally was held with proud fans sporting maroon and white and with friends and family of Mr. Correll present. The Mascots and Cheerleading Squad led the crowd in famous South cheers. The “Marching Indians”, known for their powerful performances and show stopping formations, put on a fitting show for the crowd, playing fan favorites, and of course, our school song: “Old Indian Tom”.
Coming out to speak to the crowd, Mr. Correll himself expressed his gratitude for all the support and love he has received from the community around him.
His son, TRHSS Gym Teacher, David Correll, wanted to share his thoughts recently;
“The Pep Rally was surreal, you know, it is amazing all the outpouring of love that was bestowed upon my father, and that just goes to show you how special of a man he was, not only here at Toms River South, but really in the Toms River community.”
“Not only that, the outpouring of love that they had for my mother, I guess in supporting my father over all those many years of him giving his self to Toms River High School South, as well as the Toms River community.”
The rally was designed to be filled with all types of activities and people that Mr. Correl would enjoy.
“He loved Pep Rallies, so that’s why you had to have a Pep Rally in order to honor him”, his son told us.
People from his past were there including former flag squad member Michelle Lewis and Jen and Caroline Richey who all spoke of their memories with Correll.
In September, with family present, Mr. Correll, accepted honors from the Toms River Township Council. The Proclamation, passed unanimously, included sentiments of gratefulness for his contribution to Toms River for so many years.
At the end of the rally, supporters lined up to greet and talk to the Corrells, expressing years-old kind sentiments and happy memories.
Photo Credit: Noah Hilsdorf
“The council meeting was fantastic. It was nice, like I said, not only to see that Toms River High School South appreciates all his accomplishments, but people in the Toms River community [do too]” Mr. Correll said.
As well, the document listed a litany of traditions at South that can be attributed to Correll:
- Spirit Week
- Senior Spirit Week
- The 4 Mascots (Indian, Indian Princess, Spirit, and Super Maroon)
- Senior Awards Night
- Worked with the Marching Band
- Was a Track Team Coach
- Worked with Student Council
- And many more things
“He did so much stuff, I mean, I think he put himself in every avenue there is to be put in in this school. I don’t think he missed a beat, you know, when it comes to any type of activity…You name it, he did it”
It has been said many times, but Toms River South’s students and extended family all have kind stories to share about Mr. Correll and all tell them with a smile and all want to thank him for what he did to make going to school everyday something special and enjoyable.
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