Byram Hills honors teachers and staff for excellence and decades of service

The Byram Hills Central School District Board of Education honored multiple teachers and long‑service staff at its June 10 meeting, presenting teacher recognition awards and longevity service plaques as the district closed its 2024–25 school year.

Superintendent (Speaker 2) introduced the awards and praised honorees for classroom innovation, student advocacy and community partnerships. She described Courtney DeRosa of Byram Hills High School for her work with students with complex needs and for leading a multi‑day educational trip to Disney that she said produced “seven years of growth in one day” for participating students. The superintendent also recognized Levi Littman, a sixth‑grade mathematics teacher nominated for the H.C. Crittenden Teacher Recognition Award, citing his classroom culture, family outreach and student‑led community service (including a Thanksgiving food drive that collected more than 500 pounds of food).

Also recognized were Yvette Thompson, a school psychologist noted for consistent advocacy and collaboration with special education teams, and Laura Borneman of Coleman Hill for data‑informed instruction and leadership in special education meetings. The superintendent said the district’s longevity recipients — staff who have served 20, 25 or 30 years — represent a combined 645 years of service to Byram Hills; four employees were acknowledged for 30 years of service.

The board recessed briefly after the presentations to allow honorees and their guests to leave before continuing regular business. No formal action was required to present the awards.

The district framed the recognitions as part of a broader effort to celebrate teachers and staff who contribute beyond classroom duties, including organizing vocational opportunities, off‑site internships, student leadership initiatives and community partnerships that expand student experiences.