The Livingston Public Schools Board of Education recognized the district’s Governor’s Educators of the Year award winners at its Tuesday, May 14, meeting. The New Jersey Department of Education presents these awards to honor hardworking teachers and educational service professionals for their dedication. The winners were nominated by students, parents, and faculty members who witnessed their work firsthand.
Principal Lisa Barreto honored Wendy Weiner as the Burnet Hill Governor’s Educator of the Year. Weiner has been educating Bobcats at Burnet Hill for 23 years. She has also spearheaded the elementary school’s pajama project, which collected over 430 pairs of pajamas for those in need this past year. Barreto described her teaching approach as “relatable, caring, and truly makes an impact in students’ lives.”
Michelle Cebula, the principal at Collins School, honored Victoria Kenney as the elementary school’s Governor’s Educator of the Year. Cebula described Kenney’s influence as having extended far beyond the classroom, as her strong family connection enriches her teaching.
“Her kindness and thoughtfulness know no bounds, and I’m convinced along with everyone else that you don’t have a mean bone in your body,” Cebula said.
Daniel Garcia, the principal of Harrison Elementary, acknowledged Joanna Horwitz as the recipient of the elementary school’s Governor’s Educator of the Year award. “She understands the importance of infusing joy and enthusiasm in each lesson,” Garcia said before he acknowledged Mrs. Horwitz’family in the audience.
“Thank you for sharing her with us during those long challenging days that educators so often face,” he said.
Justin Grossman was presented as Hillside Elementary’s Governor’s Educator of theYear by principal Carlos Gramata. Grossman also serves as an advisor of the school’s student council and is on both the district’s long range facilities planning committee and professional development committee.
“He sees the unique value in each student and tailors his approach to their individual needs, so his students are incredibly lucky to have him,” Gramata said. “He is not just an exceptional educator, he is a true advocate for his students.”
Mt. Pleasant Elementary’s Governor’s Educator of the Year, Dana Wallock, was introduced by principal Lorena Dolan.
“Her proactive approach to teaching is evident in her willingness to take initiative. Whether it’s planning innovative lessons, differentiating homework, spearheading schoolwide initiatives, or lending a helping hand whenever needed, Dana’s dedication knows no bounds,” said Dolan. “In honoring Mrs. Wallock tonight, we not only recognize her achievements, but also recognize the profound influence she has had on shaping the future for our students.”
Principal Justin Toomey presented Guilia Malucci as the Riker Hill Elementary Governor’s Educator of the Year. Toomey acknowledged her beginnings as a Hillside student.
“She possesses a remarkable ability to understand and cater to the individual needs of each child,” said Toomey. “She goes above and beyond for her students, earning not only their love, but their respect.” Mt. Pleasant Middle School principal Bronawyn O’Leary awarded science teacher Katy Quillen as the middle school’s Governor’s Educator of the Year.
“She has dedicated her 26 year career to science education and never fails to grow and develop with the ever-changing landscape of science education,” O’Leary said. “Her classroom is a dynamic space where curiosity thrives and knowledge is arrived at through sense making.”
Principal Shawn Kelly acknowledged Robin Altomare as the recipient of the Heritage Middle School’s Governor’s Educator of the Year award. Altomare, who is retiring at the end of the current school year, was described as a constant professional and advocate for students.
“She has taught literally every content area in the eight years I’ve been here,” said Kelly. “She has served as a mentor to many of our young teachers at HMS in both an official and unofficial capacity.”
Math teacher Kelly Rocco was presented as Livingston High School’s 2024 Governor’s Educator of the Year by principal Danielle Rosenzweig.
“Since coming to LHS, she’s grown within her own practice and has become a reflective educator who gives back to her students, having taught all levels of classes,” Rosenzweig said. “Her passion for teaching is evident when you walk into her room as her classes are lively, engaging, and student centered.” Ms. Rocco played a crucial role in the development of the high school’s new AP pre-calculus class, and served as a class advisor, activity organizer, chaperone, and a member of various committees. “She is a Lancer through and through.”
Assistant superintendent for equity, inclusion, intervention, and inspiration Lisa Capone-Steiger presented the Educational Services Professional of theYear award to Jacqueline Byrne, a school counselor at Burnet Hill.
“When we think of generous people, we often think of people who give gifts or share money with people, and while I know Jackie is generous in that way, she is also generous in the way most people are not. Jackie is generous with her time,” Capone-Steiger said. “Jackie is generous with her time in ways that remind us all how important a good friend, a good colleague, and a good school counselor really are in our lives.”
Rosenzweig later returned to the microphone to award Lloyd Hamilton as Custodian Support Personnel of the Year.
“As the head night custodian, he often must coordinate setups and breakdowns of special events taking place throughout the school and honor unique requests the teachers may have for any given day. He’s often seen helping at athletic events as well, in addition to overseeing the overall cleanliness of our facilities.”
The Technology Support Personnel of the Year award was presented by the district’s Director of Technology Teresa Rehman to audio-visual and IT support technician Daniel Kapuscinski.
“Dan’s initiative and problem solving skills enables him to quickly grasp complex technical concepts and procedures of the TV studio and he has consistently sought to help better the educational environment in that area,” Rehman said.
Barreto returned to present the final two staff awards. Office Staff Support Personnel of theYear was given to Percival Robinson, head playground aide at Burnet Hill. He was previously a lunch aid at Hillside from 2015-2023, and also works at the town’s YMCA.
“He is always willing to lend a helping hand with whatever tasks are needed,” she said. “He has a great report with our staff and our students alike.”
Instructional Aide Support Personnel of the Year was presented to Hemantha Ramanayake, a teacher’s assistant at Burnet Hill.
“Her colleagues describe her as a quiet hero and someone who works diligently with her students, supporting their needs,” she said. “Her students know they are cared for each day, and I’m very thankful to have Hemantha as part of the Burnet Hill family.”
Superintendent of Schools Matthew Block also announced the scholar athlete award winners. The Super Essex Conference Best Teammate Award went to LHS student athlete Kodey Freeman. Isabella Dilanni and Luke Petryna won the UNICO Brian Piccolo SportsmanshipAwards. Taylor Dannis and Jake Hershkin both received Essex County Scholar Athlete Awards. Jake Ferrans, the Board’s student representative, was awarded the NJSIAA Scholar Athlete of the Year award.
