"Some of the people are retired, some are honored teachers, some are volunteers," said Robert Craig, assistant superintendent of schools. "What they do often goes unnoticed, and is often taken for granted. This is sad. But this is also the reason why we honor them once a year, to show that they are not isolated and that we deeply appreciate what they do for our schools. We need to tell them that they are valuable and applaud their ability and their skill. They put their hearts into the schools and they go well beyond what is expected of them."
The ceremony, held on April 17, gave recognition to distinguished accomplishments in the school district over the past year, recognized last year's teachers of the year, acknowledged the retirements of key people in various schools, and named the 2007 Caring and Sharing Volunteer Award winners.
Teachers of the year
The teachers of the year for 2007 were Maryanne Parks of Henry E. Harris School, Judith Kawalek of Phillip G. Vroom School, Jacqueline J. Repetti of Dr. Walter F. Robinson School, Matthew Prevot of Mary J. Donohoe School, Barbara Tunnell of Lincoln Community School, Diane Golden of Horace Mann School, Mary K. Moore of Midtown Community School, Carole Provaire of Washington Community School, Maura B. Franconeri of Woodrow Wilson School, Francine Dunne of John M. Bailey School, Jennifer A. Circkirillo-Popowski of Public School No. 14, and Patricia McFadden of Bayonne High School.
Milestones honored
Special honors were given to key people in the community who achieved significant milestones over the last year.
"Special honors go to people who have given their time and talent to make the Bayonne schools better and the students would have lost great opportunities if these people were not involved," Craig said.
Three people noted this year achieved recognition within and outside the Bayonne community, including Marguerite Baber, who was awarded the Rosalyn Carter Caregiving Award this year; Dr. Patricia Berezny, who received the 2006 Fellowship in Inclusive Education Award; and Patricia Longo, who was inducted into the Hudson County Hall of Fame.
This year, Horace Mann School became a N.J. Benchmark School for its high scores in state testing. Honored were Principal Charles Costello and teacher Denise Sangee.
Sharers, carers paid tribute
A relatively new feature of the annual event is the honoring of volunteers who Schools Superintendent Dr. Patricia McGeehan said provided vital services to the school district. This award, called the Caring and Sharing Volunteer Award, singles out a significant individual from each school for honors.
"These are the people who every year show that they care," McGeehan said. "They made a difference in the schools. They provide a valuable service and are involved with their schools on a volunteer basis."
This year's winners of the Caring and Sharing Volunteer Awards are Mercedes Walsh of Henry E. Harris School, Eve Perez of Phillip G. Vroom School, Christine Williams of Dr. Walter F. Robinson School, Joann Harringan of Mary J. Donohoe School, Melissa McKittrick of Lincoln Community School, Debbie Baran of Horace Mann School, Rose Marie Bruno of Midtown Community School, Marie Amormino of Washington Community School, Kathleen Luce of Woodrow Wilson School, Patricia Napier of John M. Bailey School, Rita Shapskinsky of Public School No. 14, and Ray Arszulowicz of Bayonne High School.
Remembering retirees
Perhaps the saddest chore of the evening was to pay tribute to those teachers and administrators who have retired over the last school year.
Retirees included Anna Panayioutou of Henry E. Harris School, Janina Butrym of Phillip G. Vroom School, Charles Sangee of Dr. Walter F. Robinson School, Gerald DeMartino of Lincoln Community School, Barbara Fahley, Denise Henry and Barbara Morano of Horace Mann School, Elyse Deutsch and Paul Lojewski of Midtown Community School, Mary Louise LaScala of John M. Bailey School, Janice Bonner of Public School No. 14, and Christine Arszulowicz, Ray Arszulowicz, Marion Cooney, John Leitgeb, Dorothy Oliver, Rosemary Parlavecchio, Mary Ann Panepinto, Stanley Posluszny, Joseph Schaffner and Edward Sweeney of Bayonne High School.
Perhaps the one of the most recognizable voices in the Bayonne School District, but the least known by sight, is that of Helen Fitch, who is retiring from the Central Office after 21 years. She was the voice people heard when they called in sick.
Also retiring is longtime Principal Frances Doyle, James Jackson from Industrial Arts, Anthony Carr from the Child Study Team, and Donna Kennedy, who worked as a school bus driver for 27 years.
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