Brick Teacher Honored By 10th District Assemblymen, Senator

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township teacher Gary Paxton has been honored by 10th District legislators with the 18th Annual Excellence in Education Award.

Paxton, a teacher at Lake Riviera Middle School, received the award from Sen. Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Dave Wolfe and Greg McGuckin in a ceremony at the school. Paxtom teaches STEM classes to sixth- through eighth-graders.

"He has dedicated many personal hours to advance the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program at Lake Riviera Middle School along with serving as the leader for the Kettle Creek Crusaders, a weekly environmental club for all students,” Wolfe said.

"He excels in classroom management and supports his students learning in an enthusiastic and creative environment," Holzapfel said.

Paxton, a Brick resident, is a graduate of Thomas Edison State College and has a master's degree from New Jersey City University. He started his career at Lake Riviera in 2006 is praised by school district officials for an innovative teaching strategy has created a positive environment for all middle school learners.

In addition to his positive impact in the classroom, Paxton has written applications for and has been awarded grants to advance the STEM program, including one which he used to teach students about the power of solar energy.

“Mr. Paxton stands as a symbol of excellence in teaching and is a model for those who teach or desire to make a difference in our children's present and future,” McGuckin said.

The 10th District Legislators present the “Excellence in Education Award” annually to the elementary, middle school or high school teacher within the legislative district who best exemplifies commitment and dedication to classroom teaching.

Dennis Filippone, acting superintendent of the Brick Township School District; Assemblyman Dave Wolfe, and Lake Riviera Middle School Principal Alyce Anderson with STEM teacher Gary Paxton, who received the 10th District Excellence In Education award. Photo provided by 10th District Legislative Office