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Honors Society Program.

Concerning his administrative philosophy, he says, “mine is grounded in the belief that every student can achieve academic excellence through high-quality teaching, learning and community involvement.

As a leader, I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive working environment that fosters growth, development and achievement,” while hoping to provide opportunities by utilizing data-driven approaches and pushing forth a “commitment to excellence” feeling at Brookdale.

Foster has been recognized as a highly-effective English-Language teacher while receiving the Governor’s Educator Award, served a grade level Team Leader and is a graduate of the Florham Park District’s Leadership Training Academy.

He prides himself on having established meaningful and lasting partnerships with students, parents, fellow educators and other stakeholders. These partnerships continue to empower students and create an inclusive learning environment, he sees, where parents feel welcomed and part of the classroom community.

Originally from North Arlington, NJ, Foster attended Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, NJ, he attended Caldwell University, graduating in 2012 with a B.A. in English Education. He started teaching English at Ridgedale

May 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Vanessa Young, Founder Of The Thirsty Radish Inspiring a creative approach to life in and out of the kitchen Vanessa will provide a power point presentation on family, food and traditions. Vanessa is the founder/owner of the Thirsty Radish with a motto food + love + creativity. Vanessa is a writer, recipe developer, poet, and educator focused on the intersection of food and culture who teaches classes for adults and children. Vanes- sa has contributed to At Home New Jersey, Chronogram, Juked, Prick of the Spindle, The Monarch Review, Ginosko Literary Review, Black Heart Magazine, and many additional publications.

Middle School in Florham Park in 2013. He’s worn many hats, serving as an administrator in charge and Dean of Students at the Middle School.

The ride continues for Foster as he assumed his biggest career role yet. The well-seasoned academic turned administrator seems ready and will continue listening and observing this month before school lets out. If you asked him 10 years ago if he thought he’d be where he is, he’d say probably not.

“I didn’t think I wanted to be a principal then, but I always look for ways to help,” he ended. Maybe he found the ultimate job to do just that for the benefit of so many at Brooklake Elementary.

A well-rounded life. A creative life. This is Thirsty Radish. By: Vanessa Young

For more information about the FDU bobblehead, call the National Bobblehead Museum at 1-800-414-1482 or email info@bobblehead.com

May Programs

The Florham Park Senior Citizen Club always welcomes new members who are Florham Park residents and 62 years old and older, membership is $15.00 per year. Plan to come to a meeting and join us at our social time at 10:45 with coffee and provided.

The address for the Flor- ham Park Community Center is 111 Ridgedale Avenue, 200 yards behind the Florham Park Town Hall. Note the Florham Park Community Center is also called the Recreation Center (large brown building). Need additional information g-mail: tdisa0d@gmail.com

BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER

AREA - Two eighth graders and two high school seniors from the local area were recently recognized by the Morris County School Board Association for either overcoming challenges or being an inspiration to others.

Senior Kim Phuc Nguyen of Hanover Park High School;

Senior Michael Grogan of Whippany Park High School; Piya (PJ) Kenney of East Hanover Middle School; and Huli Zavala of Memorial Junior School were among 40 students throughout the Morris County school district selected to receive this year’s Unsung Hero Award. In its second year, the 2023 Unsung Heroes Student Recognition Ceremony was held Wednesday, March 29, at the County College of Morris in Randolph.

The purpose for the inaugural program is to honor “the students who make your district a better place because they are a part of it,” as stated on the cover of the program. Kenney, an eighth grader from East Hanover, was selected by East Hanover Middle School

Principal Stacie Costello.

“P.J. has overcome many educational and societal obstacles to emerge as one of our most accomplished students,” writes Costello in her nomination letter. “P.J.’s successes exemplify the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. Arriving in America as a young, adopted child, P.J. quickly mastered the English language and has overcome his identified learning disabilities. He has continually demonstrated his collaborative nature, his willingness to work diligently, and his commitment to academics. As a result, P.J. is a perennial member of the honor roll and has been identified as a role model by both his teachers and his peers.”

Another eighth grader, Zavala of Cedar Knolls was nominated by Michael Anderson,