Bordentown Regional honors teachers, service professionals at recognition night

The Bordentown Regional School District took time at its board meeting to recognize educators and service professionals across the district.

Students, board members and administrators honored Ellen Kirk as the district’s Governor’s Educator of the Year for Bordentown Regional High School, praising more than 30 years of work in vocal music and for building programs centered on inclusion, belonging and student confidence. Kirk was noted as entering her final year before retirement and scheduled a final concert the next evening at 7:30 p.m.

The board also recognized Robert Zack as the Governor’s educational service professional of the year and a slate of teachers and service professionals from the district’s middle, intermediate and elementary schools, including Leona Stanton and Jennifer Gordon among others. The presentations emphasized long service, mentorship, and contributions to program and student success.

Student representative Aiva Mantina gave a student report earlier in the meeting noting district events and accomplishments: 350 prom tickets sold, recent testing (NJSLA, science, AP), retakes for class-of-2027 senior portraits planned for fall, Student Council’s donation of $2,500 to the NJ state charity, and upcoming student activities.

Speakers framed the evening as a celebration of educators’ contributions to student growth, school culture and community connection. The board paused for a short intermission to allow teachers to take photos on stage and to allow Dr. Edward Forster (interim superintendent) to accept remarks about his return to service and the decision to name a row of theater seats in his honor.

The board then moved on to the meeting’s business agenda.