Edison board honors student teams and food-service director at June meeting

The Edison Township Board of Education opened its June meeting by recognizing several student and staff achievements, including a student-founded nonprofit that supports children with cancer, a world-champion middle-school team and a longtime food-service director.

John P. Stevens principal Dr. Kim introduced Sanvi Bhat and teammate Shreya Reddy and described their student-founded nonprofit, We Are With You, which the principal said advocates for and supports children with cancer. "This amazing nonprofit that they've started ... we just wanted to recognize their work," Dr. Kim said.

The board also celebrated Woodrow Wilson Middle School's Odyssey of the Mind team, which Dr. Kim said won first place at the world finals in Iowa. Board members named team members — including Ayush Kucheria, Dimahi Samant, Ahaan Yadav, Arya Patel, Prashant Hebar and Jagannath Dot — and invited them to the dais for certificates and photos.

Rhea Ray was recognized for completing an Eagle Scout service project at James Madison Primary School, and the board presented a certificate in appreciation for her volunteer work.

The meeting concluded the recognition segment by honoring Armida Caldwell, who the board announced had been named Director of the Year by the New Jersey School Nutrition Association. According to the board, Caldwell oversees food service that serves approximately 17,000 students across 20 schools. Dr. Rella, speaking at the dais, called Caldwell "the heart and soul" of the district's nutrition program and praised her three decades of service.

The recognitions were followed by photographs and applause before the meeting moved into the superintendent's report and regular agenda items.