Jeff Van Drew: “When Joe Dietterick was told by his guidance counselor that he should join the Vineland High School crew team, the…”

“When Joe Dietterick was told by his guidance counselor that he should join the Vineland High School crew team, the Fighting Clan, he wasn't interested at first. But Joe, a 16- year-old with cerebral palsy, isn't one to back down from a challenge. All he needed was one practice on the lake, pushing his boat through the water with his doubles partner, Jason Wheeler, to immediately fall in love with rowing. Joe and Jason went on to become Vineland High School's first adaptive boat to row in the Atlantic County rowing championships, and they also went on to compete in the Stotesbury Cup Regatta. Joe's perseverance and willingness to challenge himself is an inspiration to his teammates; to his coach, Paul Myers; and to all who gave him the Most Courageous award at their team's award banquet. Joe says that the comradery and friendship that he has found with his teammates is what means the most to him. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Dietterick for being an important part of our community. He is an inspiration and he is a hero. ____________________”