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Denville board honors PTA leader, teacher and student as 2026 Persons of the Year
Summary
At its May meeting the Denville Township K-8 School District board presented three "Persons of the Year" awards to PTA president Erica Dates, teacher Melissa Spelman and student Amaly, recognizing volunteer leadership, long teaching service and student leadership in the school musical.
The Denville Township K-8 School District board presented its annual "Persons of the Year" awards during the May meeting, honoring a community volunteer, a longtime teacher and a student whose leadership drew praise from administrators and classmates.
Mr. Corman, principal of the middle school, introduced the community member honoree, Mrs. Dates, noting her service as PTA president and calling her “a steady, thoughtful leader of the PTA and tireless advocate” who helped build a welcoming school culture. Board members and attendees applauded the contribution, and Mr. Corman asked the group to pose for photos with the winners.
A Riverview student, Sutton, spoke on behalf of the staff-member honoree, describing how Miss B (teacher Melissa Spelman) helped them overcome learning challenges: “She is patient. She is kind. She never gives up on me or any of her students.” Administrators highlighted Spelman’s years in kindergarten and resource roles, her work with students with the greatest needs, and her mentorship of new teachers. Spelman accepted the award and thanked colleagues, naming the PTA and district leaders in her remarks; the packet for the honorees also included a citation from Assemblyman Bergen.
The student award went to Amaly, recognized for leadership as the student director of the school musical. Presenters said her direction, organization and persistence strengthened the production and bolstered peers’ confidence; Amaly thanked teachers and Mr. Corman for the opportunity.
Why it matters: The awards are a public recognition of volunteers, classroom teachers and student leadership that district officials say fosters community engagement and supports student success. The district also used the presentation portion of the meeting to remind parents and staff of upcoming school assemblies and the summer Denville Accelerated Learning Academy (DALA).
What’s next: The board continued with its regular agenda after the presentations, including personnel and finance votes and a discussion of board goal-setting timelines.
