West Orange Teachers, Wrestler Honored At Board Meeting

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The March 18 West Orange Board of Education meeting recognized this year's Governor's Award Education recipients, swore in Dr. Dia Bryant as the newest board member, and honored West Orange High School alumna Sandy Guerrero as a national wrestling champion.

The meeting opened with the swearing in of Dr. Dia Bryant as the board's newest member. Bryant replaced Jennifer Tunnicliffe, who resigned in January. A search for her replacement ensued and Dr. Bryant was selected from a field of qualified applicants. She will serve through December 2024, and can choose to run for her own term in November.

Superintendent Hayden Moore greeted the administrators, faculty, family, and friends that had come to celebrate the recipients of the Governor's Awards in Education. According to the website:

"The Governor's Educator of the Year Program highlights educational innovation, student achievement, exemplary teaching, and important services outside the classroom environment that lead to student success. This celebratory program recognizes our state’s best teachers and educational services professionals who will be recognized at the Union County Office of Education.

Honorees are exceptionally skilled and dedicated licensed classroom teachers (PK to grade 12 in a public or charter school) where teaching is the primary responsibility, rather than administrative or supervisory responsibilities or educational services professionals (ESP) who are listed as one of the eligible enrollment areas. Among several eligibility criteria, they must also be experts in the field who inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; actively collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create a strong culture of respect and success; demonstrate leadership and innovation in educational activities; and have the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues."

Principals from each West Orange school recognized their Educator of the Year and Educational Services Professional.

WRESTLING CHAMP

Following the educator presentations, West Orange Class of 2021 Sandy Guerrero was honored by Athletic Director Stephan Zichella and wresting coach Jeff Mazurek for her historic achievement in becoming the national women's wrestling champion. Guerrero is the senior captain of the number nine ranked New Jersey City University (NJCU) Wrestling program, and took the title at the National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championship on March 9. Not only is Guerrero the first and only state wrestling champion at West Orange High School, she is the first national champion in women's wrestling at NJCU and the first in the history of New Jersey.

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