Around 1,000 people turned out for the ceremony, during which school district officials dedicated plaques and an athletic center to the former superintendent
ROBBINSVILLE - The football field outside Robbinsville High School was packed Saturday morning. Football players and cheerleaders and parents crowded the grass while other community members flooded the bleachers, undeterred by the intense heat.
It was all for one man - Dr. Steven Mayer, the late superintendent for the school district. Five months after Mayer's death, the district spent Saturday morning remembering Mayer. They also dedicated the high school's athletic center and several plaques to be hung in each Robbinsville school in memory of the beloved superintendent.
Mayer, a superintendent for seven years, was killed by a car while he was jogging in April. A 17-year-old Robbinsville student who called police shortly after the crash was charged with death by auto for the incident.
Investigation ongoing in death of superintendent
On Saturday, the focus was not on Mayer's death, but his life.
"We're gathered here for one single word: Love," Robbinsville Schools Acting Superintendent Dr. Kathie Foster said to the crowd of over 1000 community members.
"He was a believer. He believed in the town, the community and the district," Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried added, remembering how Mayer would walk through the halls of the schools, able to recognize everyone. "He knew everyone's story."
For Mayer's son, Ryan Mayer, the ceremony and the dedication to his late father was fitting.
"It's nice to have a dad who was so involved," he said, adding that he hopes it helps the community heal and reminds them to take advantage of every day.
Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman