Maureen Kelly Named ESP of the Year

Maureen Kelly was recently named one of five ESPs (Educational Support Professionals) of the year in a contest sponsored by the radio station WDHA 105.5 FM. Ms. Kelly was nominated by one of her colleagues, special education teacher Andrew Tronzano. In his nomination letter, Mr. Tronzano, who has been working alongside Ms. Kelly for four years, said that she “is a tireless worker who impacts everyone's lives she comes into contact with … going above and beyond everyday in the classroom.” However, he did not stop there, but went on to explain the myriad of key roles that Ms. Kelly plays at Watchung Hills. For example, she is a field hockey coach, she runs the All School Council (ASC), the Interact Club (a service learning club) and the Peer Leadership Club. As the ASC advisor, part of her job is to build unity within the school, organizing spirit weeks throughout the year, homecoming, and many other events to bring the school community together. Over the years she has spearheaded many events to help raise money for worthy causes, once presenting a check for over $25,000 to the Children's Tumor Fund.

Maureen Kelly is actively involved with WHRHS students, both in and outside the classroom. Recently she had the inspiration to organize a trip to Ellis Island (see pictures) for two classes of special education students who are currently involved in a cross-disciplinary unit on immigration. Mr.Tronzano’s English class and Mr. Dealaman’s history class were very excited to make this field trip. Most of the students had never visited Ellis Island and so they got a chance to experience firsthand what immigrants from Europe lived through. After the trip, the students wrote about their experience in their English journals and raved enthusiastically about how much they had enjoyed the day and their impressions of the museum, complete with travelers’ suitcases and the huge registry room with the names of all those who have passed through Ellis Island on their way to becoming American citizens.

The Watchung Hills Regional Education Association is proud to include ESPs, who play a vital role in the life of the school, among its membership. We congratulate Maureen Kelly on being named an ESP of the year and we thank her for her hard work and dedication to the school and its students.