​

First Lady Tamar LaSure-Owens has dedicated her life to the service of others, “for even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a certificate in African American Studies from Stockton University and a Master of Science in General Administration from Central Michigan University. In 2015, Tamar became the recipient of the New Jersey Governor’s Award for Arts Advocacy. She was recognized for her conscientious work, dedication, extraordinary talent, demonstrated excellence and exceptional contributions to arts education to Pleasantville School District and its community.  In 2017, she also implemented a ballet program for first and second graders at Leeds Avenue School.  Additionally, LaSure-Owens, a proud member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Incorporated (NSPDK), Delta Lambda Chapter; serves as a Planning Board Member of the New Jersey Education Association’s (NJEA) Patriots Alliance for military veterans, active member of the NJEA Amistad Stakeholders Group, active member of the Hispanic Association of Atlantic County (HAAC) and Assistant Secretary to the Pleasantville/Mainland National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  Tamar’s military service has made her a phenomenal leader inspiring Leeds Avenue School’s students and staff to optimal efforts for Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day.  Tamar, a veteran of the New Jersey Army National Guard, has been awarded two Army Commendation Medals and two Army Achievement Medals. Tamar’s endless efforts include artist-in-education residencies sponsored by Writers Theatre of New Jersey offering interdisciplinary and cross-curriculum themed-based grants for Leeds Avenue School’s students and staff.  For the 2017-2018 school year, LaSure-Owens was the National Life Group “Life Changer of the Year” Nominee. She was recently awarded Leeds Avenue School’s “Teacher of the Year” for the 2019-2020 school year.  Since 2017, Tamar has voluntarily attended Amistad Summer Institute Training at Rowan University in addition to facilitating and implementing school-wide Amistad, Holocaust and Hispanic Heritage curriculums at Leeds Avenue Elementary School.  Due to her commendable efforts, seventy-eight staff members including teachers, administrators and support staff have received New Jersey Legislative Commendations from Senator Chris Brown for implementing the Amistad curriculum into English Language Arts and Social Studies curricula. In closing, Tamar credits her continued successful advocacy on providing quality instruction in Amistad, Holocaust and Hispanic Heritage curriculums and robust sequential standards in arts education to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; “for by Him were all things created, that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities or powers; all things were created by Him, and for Him (Colossians 1:16).