West Essex Names Teachers of the Year

West Essex High School Art Teacher Eileen Dormer was named the Teacher of the Year or the Governor's Teacher Recognition Award Recipient for West Essex High School for the 2012-13 school year.

West Essex Middle School Science Teacher Paula Arbaji was named the the Teacher of the Year or the Governor's Teacher Recognition Award Recipient for West Essex Middle School for the 2012-13 school year.

 Ms. Arbadji and Ms. Dormer, along with eight other middle school teachers and six other high school teachers, were nominated  by their peers and then a committee of administrators, parents and previous teacher winners selected the winner for the 2012-13 school year, which was announced at the May 6 faculty meeting. The announcements were followed by a reception in the High School Cafeteria.

"It is a wonderful experience to receive the Governor's Award, and to represent what all of the dedicated teachers do here at West Essex, every day," Mrs. Dormer said. "I was especially thrilled to be surprised by the appearance of my family at the presentation. All honors are meant to be shared!"

West Essex High School Principal Gary Suda and West Essex Superintendent of Schools Barbara Longo congratulated Mrs. Dormer for receiving the award. Mr. Suda commended Mrs. Dormer for her dedication to her students and the arts. He noted that she is always bringing beauty to the hallways of the high school and even outside on the high school sidewalks.

 "Our Governor's Award Recognition winner can be described as both inspiring and dedicated...her passion for art and teaching influences and enhances most hallways in the high school," Mr. Suda said. At the end of the school year, when she clears the walls and displays of student art work, she places a sign on the wall that reads, "This is what the world looks like without art."

He noted that she is known for her hard work with the Memory Project, AP Art History Murals and Dress in Denim. The other West Essex High School Governor's Teacher Recognition Nominees are:
 
Megan Celentano
Olivia Macaluso
Amanda Proccacino
Nancy Randazza-Ford

Beth Vaknin

Raquel Williams

 I am truly humbled to have been chosen as Teacher of the Year," Ms. Arbadji said afterwards. "I feel that I am in the company of so many wonderful, hardworking and creative teachers here at West Essex Middle School. It is quite an honor to receive this award."

West Essex Middle School Principal David Montgomery and West Essex Superintendent of Schools Barbara Longo congratulated Mrs. Arbadji for receiving the award. Mr. Montgomery commended Mrs. Arbaji for "single handedly putting together the Student of the Month program and keeping it flowing so we never miss a beat." He also noted that Mrs. Abadji is always "full of energy." 

The other West Essex Middle School Governor's Teacher Recognition Nominees are:
 
Seton Ahearn

Louis Ferrara

Natalie Franzi

Maria Grizzetti

Thomas Kemper

Jenna Maus-Colucci

Kari Nash

Michelle Raiken