Staff members in the Upper Freehold Regional School District gathered before the end of the 2013-14 school year to honor their fellow educators at the district’s recognition reception at Allentown High School.
Superintendent of Schools Dick Fitzpatrick said, “Today is a special day. We come together and say the most important words we learned as children: Thank you.”
Joan Snook, a teacher at Allentown High School, presented a Monmouth County Teacher Recognition Award to another teacher from the school, Cheryl Chambliss, who has worked there for 14 years.
Chambliss was a student-teacher from The College of New Jersey’s master’s program when she arrived at Allentown in 1997.
When there was an opening three years later, Chambliss was encouraged to take it and did, after working at a school in Roselle Park. A conversation Snook had with Chambliss on Chambliss’ first day of school influenced the rest of her career.
“Cheryl said, ‘I’m trained in graphic arts and photography. Do you think you can find an activity that I could advise to use my talents?’ ” Snook said. “I said, ‘Maybe the literary magazine.’ ”
As the conversation continued, Chambliss expressed a love of a challenge and asked if they could design a rigorous course where her students’ scores could be published every year.
Her interests were varied, and she expressed an interest in getting recommended for summer educational opportunities and revising her curriculum to add book titles each year, according to Snook.
“Cheryl brings pride to herself, the English department and the school every day,” Snook said. “She is a role model for students and teachers. She has been, as Shakespeare would have described, ‘the very button on the cap.’ Congratulations, Cheryl. We are all very proud of you.”
Stefanie Negro, principal of Stone Bridge Middle School, presented a Teacher of the Year award to Lauren Carlton, a social studies teacher at the school. Carlton’s own life was touched by an educator who inspired her to pursue a teaching career. He had a passion for teaching children and would meet with students outside of class to carry on discussions that fueled their thinking.
“She is the kind of educator and teacher that her teacher would be proud of,” Negro said. “Thank you for instilling the students with the desire to learn.”
Kelly Huggins, principal of the Newell Elementary School, said the Teacher of the Year at her school is Karin Barrett, who teaches third grade.
Barrett began working at the Newell school five years ago and will be moving to Florida. Initially, Barrett was a reading specialist, but she was moved to a position teaching second grade. Most recently, she started to teach third grade.
“She inspires and motivates students at our school to be all they can be,” Huggins said. “Her rigorous approach is impressive. It is not just about reading and writing and math. A lot of elementary school is about a social, emotional piece. Teaching children is her calling and passion.”
To usher in the next group of award recipients — support staff employees — Meghan Wolff, music director at Allentown High School, had the band Half and Half perform “Elijah Rock,” one of the musicians’ favorite songs.
Fitzpatrick said Monmouth County officials made a decision to recognize support staff employees in 2013-14. Al Djonovic, custodial foreman at large, was honored, Fitzpatrick said.
“He is evident everywhere,” the superintendent said. “He tours all three buildings every day and is dedicated to the mission that kids must come to a clean building.”
Next, Huggins recognized Peg Hulit, an instructional assistant at the Newell school. Hulit started working in the district in 2008 and has held many positions. Most recently, Hulit works with preschool classes.
“There is no downtime from beginning to end,” Huggins said. “One teacher said Peg is a strong role model who leads by example. She is always upbeat, a lifelong learner and always willing to attend workshops to better her craft. We thank her for outstanding service.”
Mike Kays, Stone Bridge Middle School vice principal, recognized Maureen Schibilia, a special needs paraprofessional who works in the life science program.
“She works diligently in a place where an obscure task is a significant victory,” Kays said. “She is committed and dedicated. … Her traits make it evident that she has established a strong bond with her students.”
Constance DeNicola Embley, the principal of Allentown High School, presented a Support Staff of the Year award to Lori Feibus, the school’s attendance officer and substitute caller.
“I am honored to talk about Lori,” Embley said.
Feibus is a certified teacher who serves as the co-adviser to the robotics team and also provides home instruction. Although her daughters were once in the band, they graduated years ago, but Feibus came and stayed, Embley said.
“She organizes all of the band events,” the principal said, “Everything Lori does, she does well. It is truly an honor to recognize her.” — Maureen Daye