Hillsborough board honors students and staff for state, regional and academic achievements

The Hillsborough Township Board of Education opened its May 11 meeting with a series of recognitions for students and staff across academics, athletics and the arts.

The district welcomed its newly crowned Unified Robotics state champions and advisers Anjana Iyer and Kathy Zavaki, and a student leader, Jay, told the board the program aims to expand “not just for neurodiverse students, but also neurotypical students.” The district also honored the Science Olympiad team for wins at regionals and invitations to statewide contests and recognized robotics teams for sustainability awards and alliance‑captain statuses.

Principal Chris Carey presented Marybeth Hughes of Auton Road Intermediate School with the 2025 New Jersey Exemplary Educator Award, praising her near‑three decades of classroom leadership and state‑level presentations. “This recognition … is a testament to her lifelong commitment to teaching,” Carey said.

The board also recognized Hillsborough High School students and advisers for debate and Model UN honors, New Jersey All‑State Chorus selections, band and orchestra distinctions, National Merit finalists, FBLA national qualifiers and winners in local contests. Student presenters thanked advisers and described how travel and competition expanded their learning and leadership opportunities.

Two history projects from a US History honors class will be presented at a statewide Rutgers celebration later this month as part of the History Happened Here program; students described local research into historical figures and sites.

The recognitions concluded with applause from the board and a five‑minute recess before regular business resumed.