RIH Board Recognizes Retirees, Governor's Award Recipients

The Board of Education at Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School honored 10 valued educators who are retiring this year at the organization’s monthly meeting on Monday night.

The Board also acknowledged two teachers’ exemplary performances by presenting them with the Governor’s Teacher Award. Family and friends of the retirees and award recipients gathered to show their support.

“It is one thing to teach for a while,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. C. Lauren Schoen said. “It’s another thing to be recognized for it.”

The retirees include Elsa Anzano, Barbara Laidman, Barbara Cooper, Deborah Procopio, Dianne Fiorilla, Hank Reese, Andrea Gold, Lila Timpson, Evlynn Jarzabek and Robert Van Saders, some of who have worked in the district for more than 30 years, in teaching a range of subjects, from English and math to art and physical education.

Anzano, who was with the district for more than 10 years in the Physical Education and Health department and in education since 1971, said she isn’t happy to be retiring because the district has something special.

“I feel terrible about retiring,” Anzano said. “I’m going to miss the students, the teachers and the atmosphere.”

Debra Martin and Susan Loccke were awarded the Governor’s Award, which honors teachers for their outstanding performance in advancing student achievement and the quality of public schools. The award, which is entirely separate from Teacher of the Year, is given to only one teacher in each school every year.

Martin, who teaches classes in the family and consumer science classes, has worked at Indian Hills for 19 years and in education for 32.

“Whenever I’d walk into the classroom randomly, there was always a smile and a welcoming feeling,” Schoen said about Martin. “If this was the case when I walked in every now and then, imagine how the students must feel to be in a classroom like that every single day.”

Loccke, who has taught English for four years at Ramapo High School, was excited to receive the prestigious award early in her time at RHS.

“I was thrilled,” Loccke said. “This is the closest thing to celebrity a teacher can get.”

Schoen said that young, talented teachers like Lockke always grow into even better ones as they continue to teach.

Hank Reese, who was Physical Education and Health and Art Subject Supervisor of the district for 39 years, said that the district is a good support system for new teachers that they should take advantage of.

“My advice to new teachers is to listen to everyone, look and ask for support,” Reese said. “Even with these hard economic times, there will always be a great opportunity for education. These students need it. They may not understand the need for discipline and structure at the time, but they will as they mature.”

In all of her years teaching, Anzano acknowledged the one thing that she needed to continue in her profession: passion.

“I’d tell a new teacher to keep the passion,” she said. “You’ll be the best you can be if you continue to have your love and passion for teaching.”