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Manchester Township Board honors teachers and ESPs of the year
Summary
The Manchester Township Board of Education recognized teachers and educational service professionals from across the district at a ceremony during its regular meeting, naming Heather Staples, Rachel Kelly and Alyssa Wagner among the honorees and highlighting programs that support student engagement and college access.
The Manchester Township Board of Education recognized the district's Teachers and Educational Service Professionals (ESPs) of the year at its regular meeting, with honorees from multiple schools receiving citations and brief remarks.
Superintendent Diane Pedroza opened the evening's program, asking the audience to join a moment of silence for the late Barbara Amler Maples and praising the district's staff. Pedroza also asked the community to show solidarity with a family affected by a recent student death in a neighboring district and reminded attendees of upcoming graduation times.
The board and district presenters then called recipients to the stage. Mr. George introduced Manchester Township High School teacher of the year Heather Staples, who was praised for leading programs such as Tomorrow's Teacher and National Honor Society and for mentoring former students who are now educators in the district. "She meets all of her kids where they are," the presenter said, noting Staples' long service and leadership.
Rachel Kelly was recognized as Manchester Township High School's ESP of the Year. Kelly, a guidance counselor and former math teacher, described bringing dual-enrollment offerings and SAT school-day testing to the high school and said the role lets her "problem-solve with these kids on a real-life level." She thanked colleagues, family and the Ocean County School Counselors Association.
Alyssa Wagner was introduced as the FTMS Teacher of the Year. Wagner, a 28'year district veteran, thanked the board, Superintendent Diane Pedroza and her building administrators for the recognition and spoke about the district community that shaped her career.
Principals across the district presented additional Teachers and ESPs of the Year from Ridgeway, Whiting, the Regional Day School and other buildings; recipients noted teamwork, family support and long careers in Manchester Township schools. The superintendent closed the recognition portion of the meeting by asking honorees to gather for a group photograph and by thanking transportation and support staff during a bus driver appreciation acknowledgement.
Why it matters: The annual recognitions highlight programs that support student engagement, pathways to college, and specialized services for students with disabilities. Presenters repeatedly framed the awards as examples of the district's "excellence by example" and emphasized mentoring, inclusion and program continuity across grade levels.
What's next: The board completed routine agenda business after the recognitions (administrative and personnel items by roll call) and opened the meeting to public comment; Dan Staples, president of the Manchester Township Education Association, offered remarks in support of educators.
Sources: Meeting remarks and introductions by Superintendent Diane Pedroza, Mr. George, award recipients Heather Staples, Rachel Kelly and Alyssa Wagner, and principals who presented honorees.
