After Robbinsville superintendent killed by teen’s car, his memory lives on

Before leaving the house for school each morning, Robbinsville Superintendent Steve Mayer gave his son a special piece of advice: "Make someone's day today."

Three months after a Robbinsville High School Student fatally crashed into Mayer as he jogged near the district's high school,, plans have been set in motion to have those inspirational words engraved on plaques at the entrances of all three Robbinsville schools.

A 17-year-old student, who authorities say was driving while talking on her cellphone, struck Mayer as he was taking a morning jog in April, killing him. The student, who has not been named, has been charged with second-degree death by auto and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death.

On Sept. 10, Robbinsville School District and Robbinsville Township will host a dedication ceremony in which they will rename the RHS Athletic Complex after the former superintendent and announce plans to embed the initials “SJM” onto the new field turf.

The school district is also striving toward making Mayer's dreams a reality. With the help of the township, the school district will embark on a fundraising campaign to help build a new field house on the grounds of the athletic complex.

“It is truly an honor to work closely with the school district and have the blessing of the Mayer family regarding this moving and appropriate dedication,’’ Mayor Dave Fried said in a statement. “We agree wholeheartedly with the decision to dedicate the athletic complex. The high school campus is a most fitting place for this remarkable tribute, and the Township is here to assist in any way it can.”

After his death, the community sent in suggestions to the school district on how to preserve the memory of Mayer.

School Board President Matthew T. O’Grady said in the press release that the dedication suggestions were overwhelming and humbling.

“There were certainly a host of thoughtful and very interesting ideas about how best to honor Steve’s legacy,’’ Mr. O’Grady said in the release. “I think it is safe to say we were all blown away by the outpouring of love and support.”

Robbinsville Township will donate $14,000 in proceeds from the sale of “Robbinsville Strong” tee-shirts and wristbands to the Robbinsville Education Foundation (REF) to lend to the fundraising effort.

"The success of the project depends on the township, school district, and the entire community pulling together to make Steve's dream a reality," Sharon DeVito, treasurer of the Robbinsville Education Foundation, told New Jersey 101.5. "REF is overwhelmed by the townships generous donation to kick off the project."

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