Parsippany-Troy Hills School District honors dozens of teachers, staff and retirees

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District honored dozens of employees at a district recognition program that highlighted 25-year service milestones, retirements and school-level "Teacher of the Year" awards.

At the event the presenter opened by thanking educators for long service and named a first group of 25-year honorees including Kendra Calabria, Beth Dello, Laura Fitzgerald and Siobhan Hanigan. The presenter also paid tribute to staff retiring after long careers, notably Janine Napoli, described as the "heartbeat of the building," and Dan Yaros, a longtime student assistance counselor and coach.

School leaders from across the district introduced their local honorees. Sebastian Powell, identified in the transcript as principal of East Lake Elementary School, announced East Lake’s teacher of the year, Sherie Matisac, and recognized retirees and 25-year staff from that school. Brian Staples (who introduced himself) recognized Littleton honorees and retirees and announced that Littleton’s teacher of the year is Roanei Fernando. Marlene Tumi, who identified herself as principal of Mount Taber School, announced Mount Taber’s teacher of the year, Tara Mcott, and recognized additional retirees.

Central Middle School and Parsippany Hills High School also presented awards and retiree recognitions. Central announced Susan ("Sue") Cal as the school’s teacher of the year and highlighted several staff reaching 25 years, while Parsippany Hills High School named Christine Wilson its teacher of the year and recognized long-serving employees and retirees.

Other schools that presented awardees and retirees during the program included Brooklyn Middle School (teacher of the year: Antonia Hernandez), Rockaway Middle School (teacher of the year: Terresa Tori), Troy Hill School (teacher of the year: Irene Dorakis), Northvale, Lake Hayawa and Nwood Elementary, each naming local teachers of the year and multiple long-service honorees. Custodial staff Roberto Castilia and Basil Nadia were singled out for years of essential work at Brooklyn Middle School and across the district.

The program was primarily celebratory and did not include policy debate, motions or votes. Organizers closed by thanking honorees, wishing retirees well and inviting the school community to join in the recognitions.