Vineland board honors dozens of support staff and highlights vocational partnership with Sodexo

The Vineland Board of Education honored support staff from multiple schools across the district and recognized a long-term vocational partnership with Sodexo that supports special-education transition programs.

Superintendent Yano and the board’s president invited recipients to the front of the room and read citations for paraprofessionals, secretaries, maintenance staff, security guards and food-service workers. Recipients included Grace Ortiz (paraprofessional), Doris Edwards (paraprofessional), Mary Storey (security), Maria Panzio (secretary), David Beltran (maintenance), Angela McLaughlin (secretary), Darlene Castellini (secretary) and others representing elementary, middle and high schools.

Terry Godlewski, executive director for student services, highlighted the district’s partnership with Prakash/Paresh Patel and the Sodexo food-service team, which helped create on-campus vocational opportunities such as a school-based cafe and the Together Cafe at Rowan College South Jersey’s Cumberland campus. "They are truly educational partners because the end result is always focused on our children," Godlewski said.

Student workers who participate in the program spoke briefly about their experience. Christian Maldonado, a student who works at the Together Cafe, said he enjoys the job and the opportunity to learn real‑world skills: "Working there makes my heart very happy. I love my job." The board applauded the recipients, and photos were taken of all honorees.

The recognition covered dozens of employees and included announcements of retirements and recent promotions. The board thanked staff and administrators and noted upcoming district events.