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Leonia honors student scholars and Teachers of the Year; first-ever NJ Council for Social Studies gold medalist
Summary
The board recognized Valentina Colicardo for a New Jersey Council for the Social Studies gold medal, celebrated 29 seniors who earned the Seal of Biliteracy in seven languages, and announced three Teachers of the Year across district schools.
The Leonia Public Schools Board of Education recognized student and staff achievements during the meeting, including the district's first New Jersey Council for the Social Studies gold medalist.
Tim Cullen announced that Valentina Colicardo earned a gold medal from the New Jersey Council for the Social Studies, the first Leonia student to do so; Cullen described Colicardo as a "renaissance woman" who "uplift[s] and enhance[s] the performance of those around her." Colicardo spoke briefly to thank her history teachers and named Mr. Minch and Mr. Cohen among those who supported her.
Dr. Gander presented the district's Seal of Biliteracy recipients: 29 seniors met the requirements by demonstrating proficiency in English and a home language via the required assessments. Languages represented included Korean, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Turkish and Chinese. Dr. Gander called the achievement a "significant milestone" for the district and praised the students' maintenance of their home languages.
The board also presented three Teachers of the Year: Stephanie Carino at LMS, Miss Williams (ACS), and Jennifer Summer (LHS), who was not present. LMS principal and colleagues described Carino as "inspiring, dedicated, hardworking... a mentor" and noted she is a district graduate. The board said all three teachers will be celebrated at the Bergen County Teacher of the Year event.
The recognitions segment concluded with a 10-minute recess and group photos for the Seal recipients.
