16 Outstanding Montclair Teachers Honored With Judy Weston Awards

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A group of 16 outstanding educators in Montclair were recently named as winners of the 2024 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching.

The annual awards – which honor the late Judy Weston, a longtime Montclair resident and champion of public education – shine a well-deserved spotlight on some standout teachers in the local public school district.

Winners were chosen by an independent committee of community leaders and education professionals. The honor comes with a $2,000 award.

This year included the launch of a new category, the Peer Inspiration Award, which is based on teacher nominations and given to a teacher who has served as an inspiration to their colleagues. The inaugural winner of the award is Susan Bleecker, a special education teacher at Watchung Elementary School.

The 15 other Weston Award winners include:

• Jacqui Antinoro, Edgemont Montessori Elementary School
• Dr. Ellen Cahill, Bradford Elementary School
• Alison Campbell, Northeast Elementary School
• Jessica Dehn, Charles H. Bullock Elementary School
• Susan Eckert, Montclair High School
• Christopher Golinski, Hillside Elementary School
• Brienne Kvetkus, Montclair High School
• Nina Lorusso, Renaissance at Rand Middle School
• Taylor Mandel, Buzz Aldrin Middle School
• Troy Mullins, Nishuane Elementary School
• Anna Panchekha, Montclair High School
• Diane Tehranian, Renaissance at Rand Middle School
• Eric Weintraub, Watchung Elementary School
• Eleni Zapantis, Glenfield Middle School
• Alexander Araton, Charles H. Bullock Elementary School (Special Education Award).

Josh Weston, who established the awards alongside Judy Weston in 1991, said she was passionate about recognizing and celebrating the talented teachers in Montclair.

There is no shortage of those in town, Montclair Superintendent Jonathan Ponds said.

“Our Montclair teachers are part of a legacy of educators who are committed to supporting our students, understanding their diverse cultures, and creating a high-achieving environment,” Ponds said, congratulating this year’s winners.

“These educators are lighting the way for Montclair kids,” agreed Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, executive director of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence, which administers the awards.

The community is welcome to attend a recognition ceremony on Monday, June 10. Many of the 2023 Weston Award recipients will play a role in the event. RSVP here to attend.

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