Educators: Continued From Page 1

come together as a community tonight to celebrate these talented educators because May is Teacher Appreciation Month.” At the May 11 Board of Education meeting, the following Governor’s Educator of the Year recipients were recognized:

Herbertsville Early Childhood Development Center

• Teacher of the Year - Brianne Nauerz

• Educational Services Professional - Joan Fitzpatrick-Schreier

Warren H. Wolf Early Childhood Development Center

• Teacher of the Year - Jaime Forsyth

• Educational Services Professional - Janet

Bixenman

Drum Point Elementary School

• Teacher of the Year - Sharon Mazza

• Educational Services Professional -

Amanda Laughlin

Emma Havens Young Elementary School

• Teacher of the Year - Danielle Mattia

• Educational Services Professional - Joy

Beggs

Lanes Mill Elementary School

• Teacher of the Year - Karen Faherty

• Educational Services Professional- Bernadette Pearce

Midstreams Elementary School

• Teacher of the Year - Karen Nobel

• Educational Services Professional - Catherine Labella

Osbornville Elementary School

• Teacher of the Year - Beatriz Cruz

• Educational Services Professional - Dr. Kristen Dornacker

Veterans Memorial Elementary School

• Teacher of the Year - Sarah Ragozzino

• Educational Services Professional - Kevin

Keenan

Lake Riviera Middle School

• Teacher of the Year - Jaclyn Potochar

• Educational Services Professional - Me- gan Reid

Veterans Memorial Middle School

• Teacher of the Year - Christopher James

• Educational Services Professional - Katelyn Wos

Brick Township High School

• Teacher of the Year - Charles Pazmino

• Educational Services Professional - Faith

Stapp

Brick Memorial High School

• Teacher of the Year - Barbara Stansbury

• Educational Services Professional - Michele Pierce

In addition, Barbara Stansbury was named District Teacher of the Year.

“The committee reviews professional biography, teaching philosophy, message, and educational leadership. This is a really challenging task - all of our teachers are so deserving,” Anderson said. “Looking through the lens of our district vision of student centered, teacher led, this year’s district teacher of the year is universally recognized by the entire school community as a leader.”

“She is encouraging and positive in her approach and truly cares about each individual student.” BMHS Principal Jonathan

Barresi said.

One parent remarked, “I have never met anyone so positive, and I know that she will be the teacher my children remember for the rest of their lives.”

In her speech, Stansbury said, “school was something that never came easy to me, and I believe that this knowledge has left me with a different perspective, one of intense empathy of the hundreds of students who have passed through room 203.”

Stansbury confessed that she failed kindergarten and grew up a shy kid. She ultimately hated school as a kid, until her

1st grade teacher showed Stansbury her potential by choosing her to participate in the spelling bee. Stansbury said this gave her confidence that she carried through middle and high school.

Stansbury went on the explain the impact her senior year English teacher made on her, stating that she learned to love herself and this is where she discovered she wanted to be just like her.

“I am forever grateful for the Brick Township School system, which has provided me the spark and guidance that I no doubt desperately needed,” Stansbury said.