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Hawthorne Board honors educators of the year, retirees and student achievements at Youth Night
Summary
At Youth Night the board recognized student athletic and academic milestones, named educators and educational services professionals of the year, celebrated retirees and highlighted upcoming end-of-year events and testing dates in the superintendent's report.
The Hawthorne Board of Education used Youth Night to recognize student achievements, announce end-of-year events and honor multiple educators and retirees.
Superintendent Thomas Cantales (as identified in the meeting) presented a summary of student and school highlights, including athletic milestones — William Garrison surpassing 200 career lacrosse points and Carly Seer becoming the high school's all-time leader in softball strikeouts — and a list of colleges where members of the graduating class will enroll. Cantales also reviewed upcoming events and testing dates, including NJSLA testing dates and spring and senior events.
The board presented a resolution of appreciation for student representative William Gough, noting his attendance at meetings, leadership roles and volunteer work. The district also recognized multiple governor’s Educators of the Year and Educational Services Professionals of the Year from across the district, citing their roles and accomplishments. Honorees read aloud or named in the meeting included Allison Banker Ross (guidance counselor, Hawthorne High School), Michelle Phipps (math and computer science teacher, HHS), Erin Harney (Lincoln Middle School counselor), Toni Naugle (LMS English teacher), Christine Biscoff (paraprofessional, Thomas Jefferson), Teresa Cassidy Bennett (preschool teacher), Amanda Lembo (kindergarten teacher), Jean Estes (paraprofessional in ERI program), Marge Tamburo (school nurse), Melanie Krasminski (second-grade teacher, Washington Elementary) and others.
The board also recognized five employees retiring this year — paraprofessionals Deborah Fraga, Suzanne Hess and Lori Stroh and teachers Diane Heffernan and Michelle Phipps — noting a combined 98 years of service. The meeting audio records an onstage presentation of certificates and flowers for retirees.
Several student-led and extracurricular items were highlighted: a CPAC color run held the prior Sunday (winners and times were announced), spring concerts and arts events on the calendar, and fundraisers organized by PTO groups. Student council and club activities were also summarized in the superintendent’s report, and the high school library noted planned displays for Jewish American Heritage Month, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.
The board closed Youth Night by thanking student participants and staff and reminding the public of the next regular meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the HHS Octorium.
