Leo Schoffer is the Chief Arthur Brown Foundation citizen of the year

Last Updated on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 06:27 pm Written by SUZANNE MARINO Tuesday, December 11, 2012 09:10 am

Assemblyman Chris Brown, left, of Ventnor and Assemblyman John Amodeo, right, of Margate present the citizen of the year award to Leo Schoffer of Margate at the Chief Arthur Brown Memorial Scholarship Foundation banquet Wednesday, Nov. 28 at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point.

SOMERS POINT—Several hundred friends and supporters turned out at the 20th annual Chief Arthur Brown Memorial Scholarship Foundation banquet held Wednesday Nov. 28 at Greate Bay Country Club. The scholarship foundation was established in 1992 to honor former Atlantic City beach patrol chief, Arthur Brown and carry on his legacy of public service.

The foundation has awarded more than $200,000 in financial aid to over 150 college-bound high school students and noteworthy residents who have dedicated their lives to the service of others.

A highlight of the evening was for Assemblyman Chris Brown, the co-founder of the scholarship foundation and the son of Chief Arthur Brown to name Leo Schoffer of Margate, the Outstanding Citizen of the Year in recognition for his dedication to his community.

“Leo is a great guy,” said Chris Brown Friday, Dec. 7. “He has dedicated his life to supporting our community through education. He not only gives his time and energy; but, he also gives generous financial donations. He does all of this very quietly, not looking for attention, simply because he believes it is the right thing to do. He is a true mench, in every sense of the word and I was happy he allowed the scholarship foundation to honor him.”

Schoffer is involved in his hometown of Margate with many different volunteer efforts. Margate Mayor Mike Becker said, “Leo Schoffer is honestly a great person. He is devoted to the City of Margate. He was chairman of our long term planning committee and is currently chairing the committee looking into consolidating services with our neighbors. He is well respected by all that work with him and gives freely of his time.”

Margate Commissioner Brenda Taube said of Schoffer; “I'm happy to hear but not surprised in the least that Leo is being honored, he is a good man and I have a lot of respect for him both professionally and philanthropically.  Leo has been volunteering his time to lead our Downbeach community in shared services discussions, bringing together our local and state officials.  This initiative is an important one and thanks to Leo, it has the "legs" it deserves.  Congratulations to Leo on this well deserved honor.”

The foundations awarded twelve $1,000 scholarships and they were presented to students from around the area who are heading off to college next year. Each of the scholarship recipients are students who excel in the classroom and who have shown a commitment to their community as well.

The 2012 Chief Arthur Brown Scholarship winners are;

• Brian P. Khoury of Linwood
• Edward H. Kertz of Egg Harbor City 
• Jessica L. Sochocky of Ventnor
• Alexander L. Bui of Egg Harbor Township
• Robert Lowe of Atlantic City 
• Benjamin P. Ojserkis of Linwood
• Jenna M. Gray of Somers Point   
• Kathleen M. Adams of Linwood
• Michael J.  McMenamin of Longport
• John R. Schall of Margate
• Ryan C. McFadden of Northfield 
• Darnell Quince of Atlantic City