NORTH BRUNSWICK — Two staff members at North Brunswick Township High School have been named Hometown Heroes.
Joel Chesler and Beth Passner received a certificate of recognition during the United Way of Central Jersey Volunteer Services Advisory Committee’s dinner, held May 30 at Middlesex County College in Edison.
Chesler has been a social studies teacher at the school for 23 years. His father, sister, great-aunt and uncle were all in the education profession, and since he was always interested in history, becoming a social studies teacher seemed a natural fit.
With an undergraduate degree from American University in Washington, D.C., and two master’s degrees from Rutgers University in secondary education and education administration, Chesler now teaches U.S. History I, a college prep course, and Advanced Placement Government & Politics at the high school.
Chesler said it is rewarding when “students get it,” and he most enjoys hearing about students’ successes after they graduate, what he calls “the finished product.”
Chesler also has been involved with the Alchemist Theatre Company for 22 years, took over the annual Rock-a-Thon rocking chair marathon 23 years ago, has been an assistant varsity girls’ softball coach for 23 years, and is the announcer for football games and pep rallies.
He has also been a class adviser, PUSH advisor, assistant swim coach, part of the PEP Club, and Student Government Organization adviser in the past.
“I found the more I did after school, the more I was able to know about my students, and it made me a better teacher,” he said. “I get to know students on a different level outside of the classroom.”
He said that it is “very nice” to be recognized as a Hometown Hero, though recognition is not the impetus for getting involved.
Passner received the award on behalf of the Key Club, a community service organization at the school that is composed of more than 230 students.
The volunteers play with children at the Children’s Specialized Hospital, tutor Judd Elementary School students, clean up around town and at certain beaches, and help out at township events such as the Senior Citizen Prom and the North Brunswick Humane Association Cat Adoption event.
“They are really integral in helping out the community,” Passner said of the Key Club members. “They give so much time back to the community.”
In her seventh year at the high school, Passner teaches World History and Dimensions of Prejudice, Genocide and the Holocaust. Drawing on her own Jewish background, she brought the Adopt-a- Survivor program to the school, having students interview Holocaust survivors to tell their stories so that no one can deny the horrible tragedy.
“It really is great,” Passner said of the Hometown Hero award. “It makes me feel good not only about the future of our community, but the kids’ futures as well. These kids will do well. … These kids are taking the time. They’re not thinking about college [applications], they’re not thinking, ‘What do I get out of this?’ They’re not thinking, ‘What can this do for me?’ ”