Most Inspirational Essex County Teachers, Students Of 2020

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — It’s been a tough school year in Essex County. But there are plenty of stories that took place in 2020 that can offer a ray of sunshine in a dark time.

Catch up with the accomplishments of these awesome students and teachers in Essex County below. (Click the headlines to read articles)

It All Adds Up For Essex County's Teacher Of The Year

A math teacher who "fell in love with the classroom" earned a nod from state officials as the 2020-2021 teacher of the year in Essex County.

Essex County's School Superintendent Of Year Is From Belleville

Richard Tomko of the Belleville Public School District earned the 2020-2021 Essex County Superintendent of the Year award.

Teen Loses Belleville Election, But Says 'Best Days Still Ahead'

Frank Velez: "To the hundreds of residents, friends and neighbors who took a chance on me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

This Is What West Orange's Youth BLM Movement Looks Like

A Black Lives Matter protest in West Orange drew a diverse crowd of supporters. "I'm not Black, but I will fight for you," a sign read.

Inspired By His Mom, West Orange Teen Earns Spot At West Point

WOHS Student Jonathan Roberson: "To me, it's more than the rank. This is something that's going to impact the rest of my life."

Transgender Woman Will Lead Gender Studies Program At Rutgers

Rutgers University: Catherine Fitzpatrick may be the first openly transgender woman in the U.S. to lead a women's and gender studies program.

Black Students At Caldwell Prep School Demand Change – And Get It

Here's a small taste of what it's like to be a Black student at Mount Saint Dominic Academy in Caldwell, dozens of female alumni say.

Legacy of Kindness: West Orange Principal Retires After 37 Years

Kelly Elementary School Principal Joanne Pollara may be retiring after 37 years in education, but her legacy will remain for generations.

Ramy Wins Golden Globe; 'Allahu Akbar,' Rutgers Student Says

Ramy Youssef, who grew up in Rutherford, gave a proud nod to his identity as an Arab Muslim when he accepted his award.

Montclair Teen 'Too Small For Football' Rushes For 1,200 Yards

When a Montclair High School student was told he was "too small" to play the sport he loved, he used it as fuel to chase his gridiron dreams.

9 Of Livingston Teacher's Former Students Are Now His Co-Workers

A photo captured an inspiring moment at Livingston High School. "They all came – I was so honored," Guy Rabner said.

Montclair Teachers, Staff Earn 'Educator Of Year' Honors

"We celebrate their ability to inspire our incredible young people," Interim Superintendent Nathan Parker said.

Essex County Student Earns Math Award, Snags '200 Pi Dollars'

Rohan Jha won a prize of "200 Pi Dollars." See what that comes out to in U.S. currency here.

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