West Milford Board honors local educators, students and Lions Club award winners

The West Milford Township Board of Education on Feb. 3 recognized teachers, support staff and student artists for awards from district and statewide programs.

Dr. Kitchin, the district superintendent, opened the evening’s recognitions by thanking attendees and inviting John McCarthy of the West Milford Lions Club to present the club’s Peace Poster Contest awards. McCarthy said the Lions’ local programs include free eye screening and scholarships; he announced a first-place prize, a $50 check, and a runner-up award of $25 for local student winners.

The board read and intends to vote later on a resolution formally acknowledging district educators named as New Jersey’s Governor’s Educator of the Year and Educational Services Professional of the Year. Building principals introduced honorees from multiple schools, citing classroom innovations, mentoring and community engagement. Principal remarks singled out educators who started or expanded programs such as AP Computer Science offerings, special-education initiatives and expanded student supports.

Among those recognized were school support staff and teachers named by principals during the meeting for their long service and program leadership. Dr. Kitchin and principals also described district traditions that accompany the honors, including a reception breakfast for honorees and opportunities to advance to county-level recognition.

The board closed the recognition segment by encouraging the community to celebrate the honorees; the resolution directs the superintendent to post honoree information on the district website and include the resolution in the official minutes.