In celebration of Teachers’ Appreciation Day on May 5, the Weehawken school system honored three exemplary teachers with “Teacher of the Year” awards. The recipients were Weehawken High School eighth grade language arts teacher Susan Smulders, Theodore Roosevelt School fourth grade teacher Sarah Boshell, and Webster School speech teacher Lorraine Bellini.
“The teachers awarded today exemplify the great educators and outstanding faculty we have in the school system,” said Schools Superintendent Kevin McLellan. “They are dedicated professionals in their respective buildings and superb educators in every way. They know how to educate the entire child.”
The teachers were given commemorative plaques that will hang in their respective schools for the entire year.
Deserving of accolades
“It’s a real honor to be recognized,” said eighth grade teacher Susan Smulders last week. “Especially since I’m retiring and this was my last opportunity to receive the award.”
At the ceremony, Smulders found out that she was actually Sarah Boshell’s fifth grade teacher. “You never told me that before,” Smulders said to Boshell. Although Smulders may not have remembered Boshell, she said “I’m sure you were a great student.” And judging by the award she probably was.
Lorraine Bellini has been an educator for 25 years. The speech teacher said that she was “quite surprised, honored, and very appreciative.” The Webster School website even gave her achievement a front page spot on their website.
“The high test scores reflect [our teachers’] hard work. We’re honored and really proud of them all.” – Richard Barsa
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A new chapter
Smulders said that she will miss being a teacher, but is looking forward to a new chapter in her life.
“Retiring is a new experience for me and something I’m really looking forward to,” Smulders said. “I’m planning my trips already.”
Although Smulders is leaving, she will leave a lasting legacy on the school.
“Of course we’re all going to miss Susan – the faculty, the students, everyone,” said Board of Education President Richard Barsa. “Teachers are all well deserving of awards, but these teachers really exemplify the staff we have here in Weehawken. The high test scores reflect their hard work. We’re honored and really proud of them all.”
Sean Allocca can be reached at current@hudsonreporter.com