JCAA Sportsperson-of-the Year Dinner Recap
Saturday November 11

The Fish Hawks Saltwater Anglers Club proudly nominates Dr. Paul Schell for the 2023 Sportsperson of the Year Award. Dr. Schell's dedication and contributions to both the club and the community make him an exceptional candidate.

Dr. Schell serves as a vital member of our club's leadership, acting as a Board of Director and overseeing key initiatives. He manages the Rod and Reel Raffle, serves as an alternate Club Secretary for the Board of Directors Meetings, and co-chairs our annual Indoor Flea Market. His commitment to the club's success has been unwavering for many years.

Moreover, Dr. Schell's selfless service extends beyond the club. He has been a devoted member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 74 for over two decades, dedicating over 18 years to volunteering for Coast Guard boat safety inspections.

Dr. Schell's remarkable career as a Navy Commander and later as a Gynecologist in South Jersey spans a total of 49 years. His dedication to healing reflects his deep commitment to both country and community.

"In addition to his military and medical service, Dr. Schell actively participates in outreach programs involving the military. Notably, he plays a vital role in the Youth Seminar, teaching veteran's children fishing techniques. He's also involved with ""Ma Deuce Deuce"" (Ma22), an advocacy organization raising awareness about the veteran suicide epidemic by organizing fishing outings for veterans, particularly handicapped ones."

Beyond these contributions, Dr. Schell played a pivotal role in founding the Pebble Beach Homeowner Association and has faithfully served on its Board of Directors for over two decades.

His dedication to community service also shines through his involvement with the St. Vincent De Paul food pantry at St. Mary's church in Barnegat. Dr. Schell's countless hours of volunteer work exemplify his commitment to helping those in need and supporting his church family. He also participates in the Right to Life Ministry, assists in establishing a local Catholic Pregnancy Center, and volunteers for the Addiction Ministry, aiding those battling drug, alcohol, and gambling addictions.

Furthermore, Dr. Schell's spiritual commitment is evident through his regular attendance at the Adoration Chapel in Barnegat, where he spends hours with God every Sunday evening.

In addition to his humanitarian efforts, Dr. Schell is an accomplished and highly skilled fisherman who competes in various tournaments. He consistently participates in fishing tournaments, showcasing his expertise in catching a variety of saltwater species, from Fluke to Stripers. Dr. Schell is known as the go-to person for fishing advice within the Fish Hawks Membership. He also enjoys crabbing and clamming in the backwaters of Barnegat Bay.

In summary, Dr. Paul Schell's outstanding contributions to the Fish Hawks Saltwater Anglers Club, his extensive military and medical service, dedication to community outreach, and exceptional fishing skills make him an exemplary candidate for the 2023 Sportsperson of the Year Award. His selflessness and commitment to various causes embody the true spirit of a community leader and sportsman.

The Forked River Tuna Club proudly nominates both Paul and Joyce Lenzo for the Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s prestigious Youth Education Award.

To begin, Paul has been an avid hunter and fisherman for most of his life. During his younger days, he enjoyed playing a variety of sports. He swam for the Snyder High School team for 4 years, a period of time when the team won county and state championships. He played four years of basketball at Jersey City State College, during which time he helped coach a CYO team which played nationally. Many of the players he coached went onto have successful college and professional careers. Paul and Joyce would meet each other while both attended Jersey City State.

During her youth, Joyce was quite a singer and dancer, performing at New York World’s Fair and Carnegie Hall as a professional Scottish Highland dancer. Joyce’s love of the arts led her to organizing productions at church, including producing backdrops, costumes, and musical events. This is where she began to incorporate children into the productions. Joyce began teaching Sunday school at 17 years old. This devotion set her on a course to become an elementary school teacher for a career that lasted 35 years. Joyce was awarded recognition as Teacher of the Year. Her students were always encouraged to follow their own paths. Joyce included field trips to many places in New Jersey always expanding the children’s horizons and learning about the natural environment. Joyce is active in her Presbyterian church, and has held many positions over the years, such as an elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, and superintendent, as well as overseeing the youth choir, pageants, and as a senior choir member.

Once married, Paul and Joyce lived on West Point Island, as both taught in our local Toms River schools. Paul started a girls and boys swim team at Toms River South High School and both teams were very successful. He also coached intermediate school basketball. He would aways encourage youths to get out and enjoy nature. Eventually Paul and Joyce moved to Forked River where they have lived for the last 50 years. Initially, Paul joined the Fish Hawks and later joined the Forked River Tuna Club. Joyce joined the Ladies club of the FRTC. Paul often went to the local high schools to encourage the development of their fishing teams. He also organized surf fishing competitions and other tournaments. Joyce was a founding member of a tuna club tournament which is now known as the “Ladies’ Catch of the Day Fishing Tournament. This tournament includes a special Mermaid category for girls 12 and under. Paul and Joyce began organizing other events at the tuna club such as how to hook’em and cook’em seminars, comedy nights, wine tasting, and the Crab Fest. The fishing tournaments, which have been successful for 30 years, along with the various other fundraising functions, have raised over $80,000. This money has been used to fund scholarships for Ocean County High School seniors. In fact, this year, the FRTC awarded four $2,000. scholarships to students of MATES (Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science). This academic school accepts high achieving students from every sending district in Ocean County. MATES students often go on to attend some of the most prestigious academies and universities in our country. It is hoped that one day, some of these students will be in a position to help us with fishery and environmental issues.

This special couple and their family also donate to local food banks and other organizations. Paul and Joyce are blessed with each other as well as their three wonderful children and their families including three beautiful grandchildren.