You know him as CAMPER, the unstoppable Grammy-winning songwriter and producer, denizen of the Billboard Hot 100 whose credits include albums by H.E.R., Kanye, Drake, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Brandy, John Legend, Jill Scott and on and on. To us Falcons, he was DJ, who continually stunned Oakcrest audiences with his playing and singing. His inspiring story, from Mays Landing to Hollywood, began at age 6 when he started classical piano training. With over 100 million records sold, and his highly anticipated “greatest hits” called CAMPILATION about to drop, OHS is proud to be a forever part of “The CAMP!”    

A native of Sweetwater, NJ, where he still lives today, William followed in the footsteps of his parents, learning the value of volunteering as a wrestling and football coach, fireman and then as a long-time, elected school board member for GEHRHSD and Mullica Township. He currently volunteers for the USO at the Philadelphia Airport. A year after graduating from Oakcrest, William started his career with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 211 in Atlantic City, currently Local 351, Folsom. He cites his proudest OHS accomplishment as convincing his wife Hope('84) to date him. It led to their 35-year marriage, and sons Billy (‘10) and Brandon, and soon to be grandson Theo.  

When the Class of 2000 voted Amy "most likely to succeed," they should have added "quickest." She was only 24-years-old when she was elected Mayor of Hamilton Township, only the third woman ever. Amy's pioneering didn’t stop there as she went on to become the first woman elected Chair of Atlantic County’s Board of Freeholders. Currently, she also serves as an Assistant Vice President of Business Operations for Lincoln Financial Group in Philadelphia. Amy was immensely involved in her time at the Oak, from StuCo Pres to NHS, from Drum Major to Marty in Grease. Amy founded both the Activity Carnival and Powder Puff football, events that have become institutions for our students. The winner of the Brian Petty Courage Award, she is proud to be the daughter of former Absegami Principal Dr. Jeri-Lynn Vernon('75), and Bill Gatto ('72), retired union Laborer, Local 172, who passed away this year, as well as sister to Billy (‘08). 

David Tobias taught at Oakcrest for 47 of the school’s first 50 years, including an unrivaled 46-year run as the school’s band director. During his tenure, the band performed for four sitting U.S. Presidents (Johnson to Reagan), played international stages and events, from the Kentucky Derby to the Indy 500. Despite glamorous beginnings as a performer in Ice Capades and as a Steel Pier high-diver, David cites his time serving his “student-family” at Oakcrest as his “greatest blessing.” In 2011, when he retired, over 160 alumni returned to the school to see him off, joining him on-stage for one last run of “On Broadway.”    

Amy liked to say that her favorite past-time was “people.” Nowhere was this more evident than in her 28-year tenure at the Oak, where she taught English and drama, directing and choreographing shows, and enhancing our theater program. She won Teacher of the Year, twice. Known by so many as “the voice of Oakcrest” because of her encouraging morning announcements, Amy cherished her relationship with her students and peers. She was forever entertaining us with her trademark sparkle, sense of humor and storytelling.