Wood-Ridge honors teachers, students and a retiring librarian at committee session

School and district leaders used the committee session to recognize educators and students.

Miss Smith presented Dr. Ali Paskis as Doyle School's 2024 Teacher of the Year, praising her dual certification, doctorate in curriculum and instruction, contributions to athletics and mentorship, and selection by the school community. "Dr. Paskis epitomizes an educator of the highest caliber," Miss Smith said.

Another presenter introduced Michelle Palmyri as Woodridge Intermediate School's 2024 Teacher of the Year for her special-education work, collaboration with the child study team, and consistent support for students. The high school's 2024 Teacher of the Year was named as guidance counselor Laura Penaagua; the presenter credited her with launching a ninth-grade peer mentoring program, coordinating testing, organizing a senior commitment day, and numerous contributions to school culture.

The board also recognized Eileen Laymon, the district librarian retiring after 19 years at the junior/senior high, and presented Doyle School's May and June students of the month (examples include Arseny Gretev, Stella Sanzari, Jackson Ramsey, Olivia Lee). At the high school, superintendent Grama said the senior awards ceremony would honor 37 seniors with roughly $77,000 in awards and noted the class of 2024 had been offered more than $2 million in scholarships to date.

These recognitions were presented without formal votes, because the meeting proceeded as committee-only due to a lack of quorum. Officials encouraged community attendance at upcoming ceremonies and asked families to contact schools for details about summer schedules and events.