Hundreds Gather for Naming of Cheryl Miller-Porter Student Center

Generations of students past and present who have been touched by the leadership of Cheryl Miller-Porter packed into auditorium Wednesday night for the renaming of the student center in her honor.

Miller-Porter, who has served as a teacher and coach in the district for four decades, received a ceremony as beautifully choreographed as one of her own Terpsichorean dance recitals.

The night was filled with words of thanks from all members of the community – from educational leaders and town officials to former colleagues and longtime friends. And when words weren’t enough, Teaneck youth expressed their gratitude to Miller-Porter through music and dance.  

When the speakers and performances concluded, the crowd went upstairs to witness the unveiling of the "Cheryl Miller-Porter Student Center" plaque on one wall and her framed portrait on another wall.

Teaneck resident Claudette White said despite have double knee surgery and needing the use of a cane to walk around, she wouldn’t have missed the dedication ceremony for anything.

“I really appreciated all that Cheryl has given to my two children,” said White, whose daughter Keisha, age 30, was a Terpsichorean and flag twirler and whose other daughter Nefertiti, age 21, was in track. “Because of what she has given to my children and to me, I wanted to at least give back to her and respect her and show her my appreciation by attending here this evening.”

DECADES OF SERVICE TO TEANECK’S YOUTH

Miller-Porter said she was touched with the honor of having the activity center named after her because she said she’s already been given so many accolades for her many years of service to the high school.

She taught physical education at THS for 37 years before retiring from teaching in 2008. She continues to coach girl’s track and serves as co-director of the high school’s flag twirlers. She also still leads the Teaneck Terpsichoreans, which is a dance club she started 40 years ago.

Miller-Porter comes from a family of educators. Her father was a physical educator and a coach. Her mother was a teacher. Her uncle was a superintendent. And a couple of her siblings are educators. 

From their influence, she said she learned the importance of giving back to the community. And that’s why, she said, it’s imperative that she push the students and nurture their talents.

“I love the kids, and I love showing them that there are other avenues, because beyond the playing field and beyond the performances, there’s the game of life,” said Miller-Porter prior to Wednesday’s ceremony. “Grades are the most important thing for me before students can be involved in activities. And, I look at their heart, I look at their character and I try to develop and mold them as people first.”

DEDICATION CEREMONY

At the start of the night, Teaneck Board of Education Trustee Henry Pruitt said he was glad that Miller-Porter could be there in person for the type of event that usually happens after a person passes away.

“It is rare indeed that we’re able to provide this kind of honor to a person who is alive and well and able to feel the love of our community,” Pruitt said.

Shelley Worrell, PTO president for and executive manager for the THS Terpsichoreans, led the event.

“As we all know, most individuals usually have streets, bridges, buildings, student centers and the like named after them once they have left this earth,” Worrell said. “Or, if the person is fortunate enough to donate a lot of money to an institution, such as a hospital, they might have a hospital wing named after them. Cheryl has not donated any money to any cause, but what she has done, is donate 40-plus years to the youth of Teaneck. For this Cheryl, we will be eternally grateful to you.”

Many speakers graced the auditorium’s stage, including THS principal Angela Davis, PTO Council Co-President Patricia Butler, Superintendent Barbara Pinsak and BoE President Ardie Walser.

Deputy Mayor Adam Gussen read from a proclamation from the Township Council that extended congratulations to Miller-Porter.

“I also have the distinct pleasure of being an athlete for Coach Miller for five seasons in track and field,” Gussen said. “I had the wonderful opportunity of having years of my life molded by your efforts and by your character. Thank you very much for everything you’ve done for Teaneck.”

When the night’s festivities shifted upstairs to the student center, BoE Vice President Gervonn Rice and BoE Trustee Clara Williams offered their congratulations to Miller-Porter. The crowd appeared especially excited when former THS Principal James De Laney addressed the crowd.

“I find that as you grow older, you do tend to forget some things. Sometimes it’s a name, sometimes it’s an address, sometimes it’s a phone number, but the two things that I’ll never forget – one is Teaneck High School and the other is Cheryl Miller,” De Laney said. “Everything that you have said about Cheryl and everything that she has done has made my heart so warm because I couldn’t have asked for anything better than a trusted teacher and leader like Cheryl.”

When the night concluded, Miller-Porter took the microphone one last time to acknowledge her many students, friends and colleagues in the audience.

“It’s just a wonderful occasion that people don’t get to experience,” she said. “I give flowers while people are alive. And this is given to me before my demise, and I appreciate it with all of my heart, and I thank all of you.”

WELL-WISHES TO CHERYL MILLER-PORTER

The following quotations were gathered both prior to Wednesday’s event, as well as during the actually ceremony. Organizers said anyone who’d like to send a message to Miller-Porter can send an email to cmpstudentcenter@gmail.com. Messages will be collected over the next couple weeks and then presented to Miller-Porter in a book as a keepsake.

• Barbara Pinsak, Superintendent of Teaneck Public Schools: “I am extremely pleased that our Board has recognized the accomplishments of a teacher who has meant so much to our students and families. Ms. Miller-Porter’s work is extraordinary for both product and endurance. That we are able to dedicate a vital space in Teaneck High School in her honor illustrates, for me, the district’s belief that ‘good teachers matter and great teachers are beyond price.’”
• Ardie Walser, Teaneck Board of Education president: “She has touched the lives of so many young people – especially young women – and she has gotten young men to become more interested in dance. She’s one of our local heroes, and she has committed so much of her life to promoting, encouraging and challenging our youth.”
• Treva Spencer-Dupree, fundraiser coordinator and publicist for the Teaneck Terpsichoreans: “I emphatically support the decision of the BoE members in honoring a woman who exudes leadership, virtue, integrity and an overall belief in our youth. I am thankful to ‘Miller’ for believing in me and so many of my peers and being instrumental in our development. It is a beautiful opportunity to honor the countless hours and selfless love that she has given to the Teaneck community. This is symbolic of excellence and achievement.”
• Angela Davis, THS Principal: “Cheryl, it is my honor to know you and a general privilege to be able to speak to and about you on this most important evening in your life. On behalf of the high school administration, thank you Cheryl Miller-Porter for 40 year of service, of generosity and of care.”
• Patricia Butler, PTO Council Co-President: “With Ms. Miller, it’s never ever been about her, ever. It’s always been about the children. … From her creation of the Modern Dance Troupe, commonly known as the Teaneck Terpsichoreans, to her track team and the brilliant flag twirlers – all are examples of her belief in our youth and her commitment and dedication to their success both in school and in life. … And it was my honor to introduce this initiative to name the student center for you because I love you so much.”
• Elise Bourne-Busby, principal Bryant School: “Cheryl Miller-Porter, you are Teaneck’s Oprah! With your name engraved on this center, you will live forever. You have fulfilled your calling.”