Board names John Gazzo Teacher of the Year; honors Molly Clay as Educational Services Professional of the Year

The Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District board presented its 2025 Teacher of the Year award to John Gazzo of Cedar Creek High School and named Molly Clay the district’s Educational Services Professional of the Year.

Nicole Gazzia, identified in the meeting as a district supervisor, introduced Mr. Gazzo and cited more than 20 years of service and leadership in extracurricular academic competitions. Gazzo told the board he was “deeply honored and humbled” and described 23 years in the profession, two state Consumer Bowl championships for Cedar Creek and ongoing work building academic teams and extracurricular programs.

Sean Sullivan introduced Molly Clay and described her role as a Tier 2 student support coordinator with the district’s Effective School Solutions (ESS) program. Sullivan said Clay conducts brief treatments for students — typically six to eight weeks — handles crisis screenings for students with suicidal ideation, supports reentry following higher‑level care and connects families with community resources. He also noted her work with the district’s Pirate Pantry to supply food and basic needs to families.

Clay, accepting the award, thanked the board and said she feels welcomed and supported by the district; she noted a family background in mental health professions and emphasized working with students, families and teachers to support reentry and ongoing care.

Board members praised both recipients for long service and student impact. The board’s recognition highlighted Gazzo’s classroom and extracurricular accomplishments, and Clay’s contribution to crisis response and short‑term student interventions.