3 Teachers, 1 Custodian Honored By Westfield High School

WESTFIELD, NJ — Three teachers and one custodian have been honored by the Westfield High School community with awards of excellence. The announcement made this year on May 11 by Principal Derrick Nelson, Ed.D., results from nominations made by students, staff and parents at the school.

• Molly Dennis, a science teacher at Westfield High School since 2002, is the recipient of the Distinguished Teacher of the Year award, established to annually recognize a teacher who, through both excellence in teaching and a demonstrated commitment to intellectual pursuits beyond the classroom, serves as a model and inspiration to the high school community to strive towards excellence. Nominations on her behalf described her ability to impact her students in her role as a teacher and also as a person. She was credited with bringing energy into the classroom, providing innovative studying techniques, and consistently offering help to students during her free time.
• Daniel Devlin is the recipient of the Above and Beyond Award, which was established to recognize a teacher or counselor who has made a difference in the life of a struggling child either socially, emotionally or academically. A Drama teacher at Westfield High School since 2006, he was commended by his theater students for making each one feel special and cared for, particularly after the tragedy the school experienced this year after the sudden death of a fellow student. He is considered both a mentor and a friend, cultivating a love of theatre and imparting meaningful messages to the students he inspires.
• John Brzozowski, WHS-PTSO Outstanding Teacher of the Year, has been a choral music teacher at Westfield High School for 11 years and also serves as the Music Director for the spring musicals. The PTSO award annually recognizes a teacher who is encouraging and motivating, is a good role model and shows respect for co-workers, students and parents. Brzozowski was described as a wonderful teacher who instills confidence, culture and camaraderie and gives unconditional support for his students in and out of the classroom. He also was commended for creating the Student Leadership committee to encourage students in the choir to become leaders and decision makers.
• Kevin Womack, a custodian at Westfield High School, was honored with the Robert and Linda Foose Memorial Award, named for a former principal and teacher. Womack, who is completing his first year as a dedicated custodian at Westfield High School, is recognized for the unwavering support he provides. He received words of appreciation by the theater department for staying late to enable the technical crew to complete its work and for demonstrating ongoing kindness and cooperation.

The awardees will be honored by the Westfield Board of Education at a public meeting on Tuesday, June 13, at 7 p.m. in Room 105 at 302 Elm Street.

(Photo provided: Westfield High School awards were presented to (from left) Daniel Devlin (Above and Beyond Award), Kevin Womack (Robert and Linda Foose Memorial Award for Excellence), Molly Dennis (Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award), and John Brzozowski (WHS-PTSO Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award).)

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