Clark Public Schools honors teachers, support staff in annual educator awards

Mister Grande, a district official, opened Monday’s meeting of the Clark Public Schools Board of Education by calling it “one of our most exciting nights of the school year” to recognize staff and students honored across the district. The board spotlighted recipients of the Governor’s Educators of the Year nominations and several district awards.

Missus Olivera, principal of Arthur L. Johnson High School, introduced Joy Donaldson as the school’s educator of the year, citing more than two decades in the English department and her work launching the school’s AP Capstone program. "Any student who has had her as a teacher leaves the class with an abundance of knowledge," Olivera said.

Olivera also presented Carla Wagner as Arthur L. Johnson’s Educational Services Professional of the Year, describing Wagner’s role as media specialist, testing coordinator and liaison to the Clark Public Library. The presenter said Wagner “creates and presents educational information for students” and has overseen transitions for AP testing logistics.

At Kumpf Middle School, Lauren Fernandez was named educator of the year for her work teaching sixth-grade mathematics and for championing arts integration. Michelle Berto, an occupational therapist serving district schools, was named Kumpf’s Educational Services Professional of the Year.

Henley School honored special education teacher Kayla Rodriguez and educational professional Christine Gilbert. Valley Road School named Chris Regaseo teacher of the year and Maria Da Silva its educational support person of the year. The Clark Preschool Annex recognized Erin Vanderwater as Preschool Teacher of the Year.

The board also presented the Dan Jay Administrative Assistant of the Year award to Geraldine Bonacorso for her work supporting district athletics; the award was conferred by the DAA NJ organization in mid-March, the presenter said.

Mister Delmonico and staff recognized middle school Science Olympiad teams that advanced to the state finals, listing teams and medal placements and thanking volunteer coaches. Mister Grande closed the showcase by asking honorees to remain for a group photo.

The awards portion of the meeting consisted of presentations and recognitions; no formal board action was recorded during the showcase.