By Frank Mustac, Special Writer
Six “teachers of the year” in the Hopewell Valley Regional School District were honored by the school board on Monday with high praise and floral bouquets.
The honorees, each from a different school in the district, are:
— Elizabeth Machado from Bear Tavern Elementary;
— Claudia Scotti from Hopewell Elementary;
— Ilene Astemborski from Stony Brook Elementary;
— Deborah Schlette from Toll Gate Grammar;
— Kristine Burns from Timberlane Middle School, and
— Jeffrey Parkinson from Central High School.
The six were nominated by their peers, parents and students, said Anthony Suozzo, the school district human resources director.
Written praise collected from members of the school community was read during Monday’s meeting. After shaking hands with board members, Superintendent of School Thomas Smith and other administration staff, each teacher was presented with a certificate and a bouquet of colorful flowers.
David Friedrich, the principal at Hopewell Elementary, talked about Mrs. Scotti, who started teaching at the school in 1992.
“Mrs. Scotti is exceptional. She made each of my children feel extraordinary,” Mr. Friedrich said, reading a comment submitted by a parent.
Steven Wilfing, the principal at Stony Brook Elementary, read comments describing Mrs. Astemborski, including these: “Ilene is the most dedicated educator I have met in Hopewell,” and “her compassion for teaching is contagious and inspiring.”
Bear Tavern Elementary Principal Christopher Turnbull said Mrs. Machado’s “gentle humor and genuine care are hallmark to her unique mode of teaching,” and “her classroom feels like a family.”
Since Toll Gate Grammar School Principal Tana Smith could not attend Monday’s meeting, Mr. Suozzo read comments describing Mrs. Schlette, saying: “Her creativity, passion and determination are some of the qualities that make her shine.”
Comments complimenting teacher Mrs. Burns at Timberlane Middle School were delivered by Principal Rosetta Treece, who read: “She is a light in Timberlane,” and Mrs. Burns “possesses a combination of traits that not only make her exceptional at her job, but benefits the school as a whole.”
High School Principal Michael Daher recounted some of the comments praising Mr. Parkinson. The principal read: “I was so inspired by his intensive yet approachable teaching style,” and “His energy and enthusiasm for learning is infectious.”
All six teachers have also been recognized as N.J. Governor’s Educator of the Year recipients.
The honorees will be further feted at the annual Above and Beyond gala on May 6, held by the Hopewell Valley Education Foundation.
