By Matthew Sockol
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – Administrators in the Freehold Township K-8 School District have named the district’s teachers of the year.
At the Early Childhood Learning Center, where pupils in pre-kindergarten are educated, the Teacher of the Year is Cathy Richards, a special education teacher who has taught in the district since 1995.
“Cathy has the gift of giving our youngest learners care, compassion, enthusiasm for learning and individually guided growth and development,” Principal Rebecca Montgomery said. “Nothing is more exciting than watching youngsters develop language while in Ms. Cathy’s class. And when students come to preschool non-verbal and leave chatting away with friends and family thanks to Ms. Cathy, there is no greater gift than communication.”
At the C. Richard Applegate School, where pupils in kindergarten through fifth grade are educated, the Teacher of the Year is Jennah Rihacek, a kindergarten teacher who has taught at the school for five years.
“Mrs. Rihacek’s talent and dedication to her students provides them with a solid foundation for lifelong learning,” Principal Brad Millaway said. “Her passion, humor and high expectations allow her to challenge her students to achieve at the highest levels while at the same time maintaining the joyful, supportive and nurturing atmosphere of a kindergarten classroom. Her dedication to her students and her craft have made her a beloved teacher in the Applegate school community.”
At the Joseph J. Catena School, where pupils in kindergarten through fifth grade are educated, the Teacher of the Year is Christine Layne, a third grade teacher of pupils who have been identified as gifted and talented. Layne has taught at the school for four years.
“Mrs. Layne is an excellent choice as our Teacher of the Year,” Principal Jeffrey Huguenin said. “She is an outstanding person, a great colleague and an inspirational teacher to her students. Mrs. Layne sets high standards for herself professionally and strives to improve each year.
“She is always willing to share with her team members and routinely offers her partnership to them as an opportunity to grow together,” Huguenin said. “Lastly, Mrs. Layne has an unwavering dedication to her students. She views their success as her responsibility and works tirelessly to make sure their needs are met, all while having fun.”
At the Laura Donovan School, where pupils in kindergarten through fifth grade are educated, the Teacher of the Year is Jessica Pagenkopf, a fourth grade teacher who has taught at the school for 11 years.
“Mrs. Pagenkopf works tirelessly to reach every student to bring out the best version of themselves,” Principal Jennifer Benbrook said. “She brings a wealth of tools, techniques and years of experience to design the learning path that is best for each child. She brightens up a room with passion, humor and intelligence that both students and colleagues appreciate. She is most deserving of this award.”
At the Marshall W. Errickson School, where pupils in kindergarten through fifth grade are educated, the Teacher of the Year is Katie Jahoda, a first grade teacher who has taught at the school for seven years.
“We are excited for Katie to receive this honor,” Principal Cathy Areman said. “She is everything you would want in a teacher. She is smart, kind and reflective. She wants the best for her students and works hard to make sure her lessons are tailored to meet the varied needs of her students.”
At the West Freehold School, where pupils in kindergarten through fifth grade are educated, the Teacher of the Year is Michael Dilworth, a second grade teacher who has taught at the school for three years.
“Mr. Dilworth is an outstanding member of the West Freehold School staff and a deserving recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award,” Principal Edward Aldarelli said.
At the Barkalow Middle School, where pupils in grades six through eight are educated, the Teacher of the Year is Carol Ewig, a seventh grade language arts teacher who has taught at the school for 18 years.
“Mrs. Ewig certainly is deserving of such an award,” Principal John Soviero said. “Like superstars who make others around them great in sports, Mrs. Ewig is a superstar in that she makes her students great writers by elevating them to their highest level of achievement. She raises the bar for her students and they respond. She establishes high expectations and students meet those expectations.”
At the Eisenhower Middle School, where pupils in grades six through eight are educated, the Teacher of the Year is Maureen Minter, a seventh grade special education teacher who has taught at the school since 2003.
“Ms. Minter is an amazing educator, mentor and coach,” Principal Dianne Brethauer said. “She has an excellent rapport with each of her students, helping each of them to develop the confidence, stamina and grit needed to be successful every day.”