Three teachers from the Weehawken School District were recognized for their outstanding contribution to education in the township this past Tuesday.
Pamela Murgo from Webster School, Mary Ann Cheplic from Roosevelt School, and Laura Sciortino from Weehawken High School gathered with their principals, Superintendent Kevin McLellan, and Board of Education President Richard Barsa in the superintendent’s office to receive the honor.
“These teachers exemplify what great education is in the Weehawken school district,” said McLellan. “I’m so proud to have them as part of our faculty.”
Mayor Richard Turner and members of the Town Council were also on hand to share their congratulations with the teachers.
It’s ‘elementary’
Webster School Principal Anthony Colasurdo said that a committee made up of administrators and parents helps select one teacher at his school each year. Colasurdo said that the winning teachers show expertise both in and out of the classroom.
“The criterion varies sometimes,” said Colasurdo. “You’re looking for someone that goes above and beyond.”
Colasurdo said that it’s hard to pick every year with so many good teachers in the school, but this year it was Pamela Murgo that stood out.
Murgo, who has been teaching for 33 years, previously taught first and third grade and now teaches kindergarten.
Colasurdo said that Murgo has a “lifetime of experience” and the ideal personality for teaching on the elementary level with a patient, nurturing, and caring nature.
“I love teaching and living in Weehawken.” – Mary Ann Cheplic
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In the ‘middle’
Weehawken resident and fifth-grade teacher Mary Ann Cheplic has taught in the Weehawken School District for 25 years, and before that taught in Union City.
“I love teaching and living in Weehawken,” said Cheplic. “You get to see the kids grow up.”
Cheplic said that it was an honor to be recognized, but the award was especially inspirational because it came at a time when life was difficult. She said that both her mother and mother-in-law recently passed away.
“This honor sustained me through the grief,” said Cheplic, adding that it was nice to see the notice in the bulletin every day at school. “It really warmed my heart to be recognized after all this time.”
Cheplic, whose children and grandchildren are also products of the Weehawken school system, is beginning to see the children of previous students in her class.
Although she is “of retirement age,” she said after all she has lost this year, she cannot imagine losing this important part of her life too.
“This is who I am,” said Cheplic. “And this is who I will remain.”
She said that receiving the award was like adrenaline to keep pushing forward.
“It is a joy to spend the day with children,” said Cheplic. “I have learned as much from them as I hope they have learned from me.”
Roosevelt School Principal Al Orecchio said that he was happy to give the honor to Cheplic for all that she does for the students throughout the year.
“You can see the kids standing in line waiting for her after school,” said Orecchio. “And she doesn’t leave until everyone is helped.”
The principal added that Cheplic has been very helpful to him during his first year at the school and is a role model for new teachers.
‘High’ marks
Laura Sciortino began teaching at Weehawken High School in 1999 and currently teaches the students web design, desktop publishing, and basic technology.
In addition to her work as a technology teacher, Sciortino helps run the Peer Leadership program (along with fellow teacher Ed Monahan).
Despite all of the extra hours she puts in for WHS, Sciortino said she never expected this type of award.
“It’s very humbling,” she said. “I love my job and do it to the best of my ability. Knowing that my principal chose me was an honor.”
WHS Principal Peter Olivieri said that the high school has a lot of great teachers, but Sciortino stood out because of all the extra nights and weekends she has put in with the kids in the peer program.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.