Congratulations Class of 2026
COLLEGE GRADUATES
GRACE GEHMAN
STOCKTON UNIVERSITY
Grace Gehman, the daughter of Chuck and Lisa Gehman of Sea Isle City, graduated from Stockton University with a bachelor’s degree in health science. Grace achieved the dean’s list each semester and is a member of the honor society. This summer Grace will return to her job on the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol. She will then pursue a career in medical imaging.
BRETT HERITAGE
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
Brett Heritage, the son of Jamie and Brian Heritage of Sea Isle City, graduated from the College of Charleston with a bachelor of science degree in exercise science. He plans to pursue further education for occupational therapy. A lifelong resident of Sea Isle City, Brett is a graduate of Ocean City High School. During his four years in Charleston, Brett was treasurer of Alpha Epsilon Delta, a pre-medical honors society for pre-dentists, doctors and other healthcare professionals. Additionally, he participated in swim and surf club for his first two years in college. He was inducted into the international psychology honor society, Psi Chi, and another general honors society, Phi Eta Sigma. This summer, Brett hopes to do some traveling in Europe or elsewhere and is excited for this next chapter in life applying everything he has learned in college to everyday life and future jobs.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
CLARE CAPONE
OCEAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL
Clare Capone of Sea Isle City will graduate from Ocean City High School this June. The daughter of KevIn and Melissa Capone, Clare will attend Monmouth University to study health sciences with a focus on nursing. During her time at OCHS, Clare was a member of the softball team. This summer, she will work and enjoy time hanging out with her friends and going to the beach.
MARISSA JONES
HOLY SPIRIT HIGH SCHOOL
Marissa Jones, the daughter of Terese Jones-Anders and Tim Anders of Linwood, will graduate from Holy Spirit High School in June. She will study to become a commercial pilot through the American Airlines Cadet Academy Program. An honor student, Marissa participated in tennis, lacrosse, and cheerleading at Holy Spirit. The granddaughter of year-round resident Annamarie Germanio, Marissa grew up enjoying Sea Isle as her second home and visiting the beach year-round – as a toddler, she’d collect seashells in the off-season. Her mother is a member of the BuySeaIsle Team at RE/MAX at the Sea. Marissa’s summer plans include working at Mike’s Seafood and traveling to Italy and Greece with her family to celebrate graduating.
WILLIAM KUTSCHERA
OCEAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL
William Matthias Kutschera, son of Anthony J. Kutschera Jr. and Tara Crowell of Sea Isle City, is graduating from Ocean City High School. He will attend Stockton University and study mathematics, with a focus on actuarial science. While an Ocean City Red Raider, Will participated in wrestling, junior varsity football, math club, photography, and club volleyball. He is also an active member of the St. Joseph Church. He is looking forward to studying abroad while at Stockton University and continuing to participate in civic and community engagement opportunities. This summer, you may spot Will keeping Sea Isle’s beaches safe as a lifeguard with the beach patrol. He also plans to attend a few concerts and spend time with his friends.
PEYTON LARICKS
OCEAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL
Peyton Elizabeth Laricks, daughter of Dustin and Debra Laricks of Sea Isle City, will graduate cum laude from Ocean City High School. She will attend Fairfield University this fall, where she plans to study nursing with the goal of becoming a NICU or pediatric nurse in a children’s hospital. During her four years at OCHS, Peyton was an active member of varsity tennis and track, National Honor Society, Key Club, and the Athletic Leadership Club. She earned distinguished honors every marking period from grades 9-12. Peyton is also an active member of St. Joseph Church and is proud to be a fourth-generation member of the Sea Isle City community. This summer, she will return to her job at Mary Anne’s Pastry Shoppe, spend time at the beach, volunteer at tennis camps, and enjoy time with friends. She will also participate in the Peyton’s Promise fundraiser on June 6, a 5K run and 2-mile walk on the Promenade held in her honor and dedicated to the fight against congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).
AVA RYAN
OCEAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL
Ava Ryan, of Sea Isle City, the daughter of Mike and Laurie Ryan, is graduating cum laude from Ocean City High School. She plans to attend Penn State University this fall. Throughout her four years at OCHS, Ava was on the crew team, was a student ambassador, a member of National Honor Society and participated in other clubs such as Key Club and SADD. She served as the Class of 2026 vice president. This summer, Ava will attend ROTC boot camp for three weeks in Michigan and work at her summer job.
