The Neptune Township Board of Education recognized teachers, support staff and students from across the district at its public meeting, presenting awards and acknowledging district honors before the board approved routine business.

Student representative Emily Lang delivered the student government report, naming the month’s student recognitions: Jakayla Huff (Art Student of the Month, digital graphics), athletes of the month Aden Buechler (golf) and Kamora Hall (track), writer of the month Sofia Raffalidis, and ROTC cadets Pauline Lorano (NS‑1), Dominic Tirito (NS‑2) and Elizabeth Whisner (NS‑3). Lang told the board the student council received the NJAC “community smile” award at the NJAC spring convention for community service contributions from ROTC and National Honor Society participants. “After graduation, I will be continuing my education at Rutgers University New Brunswick Honors College where I will be double majoring in political science and African American,” Lang said.

The board and administrators presented teacher-of-the-year and support-staff recognitions from multiple schools. Presenters highlighted accomplishments and backgrounds for honorees including Miriam Rodriguez Chavez (teacher of the year), Corey Wright (custodian), Mary Anne Seges (teacher of the year, Green Grove Elementary), Amanda Grace (teacher of the year, Gables Elementary), Ty Goodman (educational support member of the year), Janie Sue Masco (support staff of the year), Kathy Barish (in‑class resource recognition), Joe Lupo (teacher of the year, Neptune Middle School), Tim Jopes (teacher of the year at another school), Orla Murphy (support staff of the year), and others named by principals and building leaders. Presenters emphasized longevity, instructional impact, classroom leadership and contributions to school climate.

Administrators also noted district recognitions outside the meeting: Neptune schools were named “Best Community for Music Education” for the 10th consecutive year, and alumna Ivy Harrington, Miss New Jersey, will attend the district’s high-school graduation.

The board applauded the honorees and thanked staff for their service. The recognitions were ceremonial acknowledgements and not motions for board action; the meeting then proceeded to the consent agenda and roll-call votes.