Nathaniel “Nate” McCrone, a graduating senior at Middle Township High School, received the $5,000 Daniel Lockwood Memorial Scholarship during the school’s Senior Awards Ceremony on June 9, 2026, at the Middle Township Performing Arts Center.
Sylvia Lockwood presented the award in memory of her late husband, former Middle Township Mayor Dan Lockwood, who passed away in June 2025. The scholarship was established to continue the legacy created through Dan’s twenty-five years of dedicated public service. The award supports a high school senior who has demonstrated leadership, a commitment to community and is moving down a path towards a career in public service and good government.
“As we considered this year’s applicants, the Scholarship Committee felt Nathaniel McCrone best personified the qualities that folks most respected in Dan,” Sylvia Lockwood said. “Dan was the kind of person who rolled up his sleeves and got involved. He never asked others to take on a challenge that he would not face himself. I’m proud to say that Dan carried himself with a level of unwavering integrity that is rare, particularly in public life. In Nate McCrone we see this same willingness to lead by example and to serve because he feels called to do his part. These are the young leaders worthy of our investment and confidence.”
McCrone has compiled an outstanding record of achievement and service. He currently serves as President of both the Wranglers 4-H Horse and Livestock Club and the Teen Ambassadors 4-H Club. He was named Cape May County 4-H Senior Equestrian of the Year and later New Jersey State 4-H Equestrian of the Year. A five-time qualifier for the NJ 4-H State Public Presentations Contest, he was also selected as a delegate to the national Citizenship Washington Focus conference in Washington, D.C., in 2025, where he represented New Jersey youth.
At Middle Township High School, McCrone earned Varsity Letters in wrestling (serving as team captain), track and field, and was Drum Major of the Marching Band. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Key Club. He also serves on the Safety Team at Lighthouse Church, responsible for the well-being of staff and parishioners during services and events.
This fall, McCrone will attend Rowan University to major in Law and Justice Studies, with plans to attend law school and pursue a career focused on public service, community advocacy, and justice.
The Daniel Lockwood Memorial Scholarship is funded through contributions raised by the Daniel Lockwood Memorial Scholarship Committee and is administered by the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation. The scholarship recognizes students committed to public service and careers in fields such as law, government, political science, or public policy.
In partnership with the CMC Education Foundation, the Lockwood Scholarship Committee hopes to expand scholarship opportunities to graduating seniors from all Cape May County high schools. A fundraiser in support of this effort is planned for fall 2026 in partnership with the Cape May County Chamber Education Fund.
“The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation is honored to be the repository for the Dan Lockwood Memorial Scholarship. Dan grew up in Lower Township. He and his wife Sylvia raised their family in Middle Township. Dan went on to serve as the Mayor of Middle Township and Director of the Cape May County Department of Facilities and Services,” said Michael Donohue, CMCC Education Foundation President. “Dan’s untimely passing inspired Sylivia and a group of Dan’s close friends to create the scholarship in his memory. This annual scholarship will be presented to college-bound Seniors who have shown their dedication to hard work and a commitment to serve their communities, as exemplified by Dan throughout his public life. We are confident that these honorees will all carry forward Dan Lockwood’s amazing work ethic and dedication to family and public service.”
Donations to the Daniel Lockwood Memorial Scholarship may be made online via PayPal at PayPal.Me/cmcedufoundation or by check payable to the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation and mailed to:
Daniel Lockwood Memorial Scholarship
c/o Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation
P.O. Box 74
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
For more information about the scholarship and how to contribute - Contact the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation at (609) 465-7181 or visit www.capemaycountychamber.com
