By vincent todaro
Staff Writer
EAST BRUNSWICK — The Board of Education last week honored 11 staff members who have each been with the school district exactly 25 years.
At its Dec. 12 meeting, the board gave plaques and gifts to those celebrating their 25th anniversary in the district this school year, and also honored staff members who had perfect attendance in the 2001-02 school year.
"It is nights like tonight that we particularly enjoy because we get a chance to recognize our staff," said Superintendent of Schools Jamie Savedoff upon introducing the staff members, not all of whom were teachers.
He said the workers should be proud of their 25 years, because they represent the "dedication and quality of people" working in the district.
The following staff members were given the Service Award:
Kenneth Adriance, a technology teacher at Churchill Junior High School; Kathleen Ambrosy, a social studies teacher at East Brunswick High School; Toni Apoldo, a fourth-grade teacher at Central School; Laurie Levitt, a special education teacher at Hammerskjold Middle School; and special education teacher Donald Mandy.
Also, Kevin McEvoy, a social studies teacher at East Brunswick High School; Marilyn Nauta, a reading specialist at Churchill Junior High School; Frank Noppenberger, a supervisor of athletics and physical education; Myra Schechterman, a special education teacher; Patricia Whipkey, a language arts teacher at Hammerskjold; and Michael Zielinski, a special education teacher at Churchill Junior High School.
In all, 19 staff members achieved perfect attendance last year.
"Working in a school, you are subject to every germ possible," Savedoff said.
He said the fact that the employees were able to go through the entire school year without missing even one day "shows incredible dedication." Many of them, he noted, came to work on days when they didn’t feel completely well, and thus their will "shows their commitment to our children."
The superintendent said there were many other workers who missed only a day or two of school.
The following employees were honored for having perfect attendance last year:
Margaret Anderson, Jeff Bravman, Louis Brown, Nancy Brunnengraber, James Burke, Ann Harvey, Nancy Holman, Carol Lisiecki, Karen Manetta, Brenda Martino, Elizabeth Muller, Frank Noppenberger, Dana Rosen, Danielle Ruggiero, Matthew Rutkowski, Tom Seel, Ignacia Silva, Les Szukics, and Richard Whalen.
"We know, those of us who have spent many years in this district, that the quality of this district exists because of the people who come here to do the work," said Cathy Schwartz, president of the East Brunswick Education Association.
"Congratulations, and we’re glad you’re a part of us," she said.