North Brunswick honors retiring staff and crowns Lynnwood sixth-grader in Rutgers social-studies contest

The North Brunswick Township Board of Education honored staff retirees and presented a regional social-studies award at its regular public meeting on May 22.

Hank Bitton, executive director of the New Jersey Council for Social Studies at Rutgers University, presented the Central New Jersey first-place middle-school social-studies award to Lynnwood sixth-grader Cia ("Sia") Dixit and praised her volunteer work with the nonprofit Rising Tomorrow. "When a student recognizes a need in the local community and does something about it, that is the mark of success," Bitton said. Dixit told the board she was grateful for the nomination and thanked her teacher, Miss Tracy, and her family.

The board also used the meeting to recognize a slate of retirees across the district. Mrs. Kita opened the retiree segment and highlighted that this year’s retirees represent a combined 437 years and eight months of service to the district. Administrators and principals introduced retiring staff by school and described their careers: Linda Ludwig and Anna Doomst (John Adams), Susan Stern (elementary-director roles), Phyllis Bonaduce (31 years, instrumental music), Betty Ball (lunch and playground aide), Carol Rossman and Rebecca Zdenekis (Judd Elementary), Eddie Chikuns (plant manager, Livingston Park) and Ed Kowalski (Linwood assistant principal), among others.

Anne Kingsley, John Adams principal, noted the retirees’ contributions to curriculum, student support and school traditions. "You have made a positive impact in our community," Kingsley said of the retirees. Superintendent Troka thanked the honorees and said plaques will be delivered shortly due to shipping delays.

The recognitions concluded without formal board action; the meeting proceeded to the rest of the evening’s business.