A standing-room-only crowd of colleagues, parents, and
students attended the May 14 Board of Education meeting to help honor
Manchester’s 2003 Teachers of the Year: Mrs. Suzanne DiFiore (High School),
Mrs. Gina Foss (Ridgeway), Mrs. Diane Pedroza (Middle School), Ms. Megan
Gilvary (Regional Day), Mrs. Nikki Mazur (Whiting), and Mrs. Barbara Bastian (MTES).
"These teachers have been recognized by their colleagues
based on their performance and how they have served the children of
Manchester," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. William DeFeo. Each
teacher was then introduced by their building principal and presented with a
certificate and gift from the Board. They will each also get the coveted
"Teacher of the Year" reserved parking space at their school for the
coming year.
Mrs. Suzanne DiFiore
Manchester Township High School
Principal
David Walling said that one of Mrs. Suzanne DiFiore’s greatest qualities as
a business teacher is her willingness to adapt, modify and change how she
teaches to keep up with technology. Mrs. DiFiore was one of the original
faculty members of the high school in 1976. Mr. Walling said she was
instrumental in getting the business department off to a great start and
continues to improve the quality of instruction in and out of her department
by sharing her expertise with colleagues. "She is recognized not only by
the high school staff but throughout the county as a leader in the
field," said Mr. Walling. Mrs. DiFiore said that being an educator is
more than just teaching, it also involves being a coach, a parent, a
counselor, a friend, and a shoulder to cry on or lean on. "It’s not a
job – it’s a reward," she said, thanking her family and colleagues.
Mrs. Diane Pedroza
Manchester Township Middle School
Principal
Tom Baxter said that although Mrs. Diane Pedroza has been at the Middle School
only three years, she has become the "go-to person" for the Language
Arts Department. "She made an impact right away," he said. "She
is a major reason why our language arts scores are up." In addition to
her teaching duties, Mrs. Pedroza is involved in the Summer Enrichment
program, Assessment Committee, and runs the Zero Period Morning Program. Mr.
Baxter said she will also be the Language Arts Subject Leader next year. Mrs.
Pedroza said that she never imagined that after only three years she would
feel so comfortable at the middle school and so close to her colleagues.
"I found a school with the same vision and educational philosophy I
value," she said. She thanked her family and colleagues and, to her
students, she said, "You make what I love doing rewarding."
Mrs. Gina Foss
Ridgeway Elementary School
Mrs.
Janette Lada, Principal, called Mrs. Gina Foss a dedicated professional who
has a passion for teaching. Mrs. Foss has been a first grade teacher at
Ridgeway for 11 years. Making a reference to the "American Idol" TV
show, Mrs. Lada said, "All too often our heroes or idols are famous
people that entertain us or look good. The truly dedicated professionals
rarely get the recognition they deserve…but I want to let Gina know that my
vote doesn’t go to Clay or Ruben, the real ‘American Idol’ at Ridgeway
is Mrs. Gina Foss." Mrs. Foss thanked her colleagues and her family. She
said her career was influenced by her grandfather, a professor, who always
told her ‘school is fun, fun, fun,’ and her mother, Ridgeway teacher Mrs.
Norma Gerard, who showed her that teaching could be fun. "I vowed to make
that my philosophy, to make school a fun and inviting place for
learning," said Mrs. Foss.
Mrs. Nikki Mazur
Whiting Elementary School
Mrs.
Nikki Mazur has only been teaching for three years, yet it seems like she is
one of Whiting School’s veteran staff, said Principal Marge Stevens. Mrs.
Stevens said she was awed by the recommendations written about Mrs. Mazur by
fellow staff members, with comments such as "She is an exemplary teacher,
dedicated, caring, enthusiastic, goes above and beyond the call of duty, helps
others, makes learning fun, provides students with creative and challenging
lessons." Mrs. Mazur said that she had a terrible time trying to write
her speech for the evening and couldn’t figure out why because she loves to
write. "Then I realized that it was because there are no words to express
what all of you mean to me," she said, referring to the staff and
students at Whiting. Based on experience, she offered this advice to her
students, "You are all going to be wonderful, just make sure you love
what you do."
Mrs. Barbara Bastian
Manchester Township Elementary School
Describing
Mrs. Barbara Bastian, her Principal, Dr. Fran Scudese, said, "I have
never met a person who is more caring." Mrs. Bastian has been teaching in
Manchester since 1986, first at Whiting, then at MTES. In addition to teaching
second grade, Mrs. Bastian is relied upon for her math expertise. She has
attended professional development workshops and returned to share her
knowledge by running workshops for the MTES staff. Dr. Scudese praised her for
her leadership, effectiveness, intelligence and humanistic approach. Mrs.
Bastian said that teaching is teamwork and she is merely a representative of
her team. "I am so lucky to have found this district, everyone feels the
same way about their work," she said. "But I am most grateful for my
students over the past 16 years. I have learned the best lessons from my
students."
Miss Megan Gilvary
Regional Day School
Principal
Ralph Lotierzo said that Miss Megan Gilvary’s uniquely direct yet sensitive
approach reaches out and through to even the most disaffected student at the
special education facility. "Megan, you have created a haven where
students are free to abandon previous failures and discover that tomorrow may
hold out opportunities for success and happiness. The dedication and love you
bring to your students is mirrored back in their achievements and love for
you." Miss Gilvary said her experiences at Regional Day have been
unparalleled and oftentimes unbelievable. She thanked her family and her
colleagues, and her students for "making me laugh and cry, and for
encouraging me with their strength and courage."
