Manchester Township School District recognized its 2024–25 teachers and educational service professionals at a board meeting, honoring educators and support staff from the district’s high school, middle school, elementary schools and Regional Day School.

The presentation highlighted classroom programs and student supports that district leaders said strengthen student learning and well‑being. Manchester Township High School principal Mr. Adams introduced high‑school teacher Bree McCurin, who was named Teacher of the Year for the high school and described creating a “structured learning experience internship program” to give students real‑world work experience. “My mantra became, ‘I will be the kind of teacher that I hope my daughters will have,’” McCurin said.

The district also recognized Clarice Capela as an Educational Service Professional of the Year for work creating a “Zen Den” as a quiet space for students, and singled out paraprofessionals and counselors across elementary and middle schools for awards. Middle school Teacher of the Year Robin Strutke was credited with restarting an eighth‑grade trip and advising the student council; other honorees included staff from Ridgeway, Whiting and Regional Day School.

Superintendent Pedrosa and board leaders announced several nonaward items during the same meeting: a retirement for Mr. Lister after 37 years in district athletics; upcoming graduation dates (the high school graduation was announced for June 20 at 6:30 p.m., with middle‑school and Regional Day School graduations noted for June as well); and a PTA meeting scheduled for June 11 at 6:30 p.m. The district also recognized four Manchester Township High School freshmen whose short film earned second place in the Ocean County Health Department’s annual public‑health awareness contest, which drew “hundreds of submissions,” district staff said.

Music teacher and district‑level honoree Sarah Drew urged support for the arts and staff cohesion, telling colleagues, “You all move mountains every single day.” Other honorees used their remarks to thank families, administrators and colleagues and to describe programs—like the internship course and the Zen Den—that district leaders said help students transition to college, careers and stronger social‑emotional skills.

No formal policy votes or budget decisions were made during the recognition portion of the meeting; the evening concluded with a group photograph of award recipients and families.