South Jersey School Gives Special Recognition to Honor Former Student

Located on Route 9 South in the Ocean View section of Dennis Township, Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School has become a popular education option for parents over the past decade with other schools in the region closing permanently.

This preschool through eighth grade accredited school annually selects one boy and one girl to receive the "Spirit Award". The two eighth graders are honored each year at the Awards and Sports Banquet for their excellent character in and out of the classroom.

But at this year's Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School Banquet, the school debuted the "Connor James Laverty Spirit Award", named in honor of their recently passed away alumni. The Ocean City High School star athlete passed away at 25 years old after a six-month battle with a rare condition called HLH. Laverty received a diagnosis of lymphoma in 2023.

Who is Conor Laverty and why is Bishop McHugh honoring him?

After graduating from Bishop McHugh in 2012, Conor Laverty followed his brother, Ryan, to Ocean City High School. Conor became a basketball star and scored 1,000 points during his time on the Red Raiders Basketball Team.

Following his Ocean City High School Graduation, Conor Laverty attended Widener University and became a 1,000-point scorer at the collegiate level too.

He was pursuing his dream to become a Head Basketball Coach and recently worked as an Assistant Coach at Seton Hill University.

Along with the "Connor James Laverty Spirit Award", Bishop McHugh Regional is supporting the Laverty Family's establishment of the Connor Laverty Memorial Foundation.

The foundation will raise money to further research into the treatment of lymphoma and HLH. Also, the Connor Laverty Memorial Foundation will award scholarships to students who embody the character and spirit that Conor showcased in his life.

Speaking of honoring people from Cape May County, some locals say that should be what happens with the Ocean View Rest Stop on the Garden State Parkway.  Even local politicians have stated the Rest Stop shouldn't be named after Bruce Willis.  Here are some ideas for others who could be recognized instead: