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Hammonton honors teachers of the year; education foundation offers classroom grants
Summary
The board recognized four teachers of the year from district schools; the Hamilton Education Foundation said it has awarded more than $635,000 in grants since 2004 and provided $500 classroom grants for the honored teachers, with a teacher-grant application window open through March 28.
The Hammonton Board of Education recognized its 2025 teachers of the year at its Feb. 13 meeting, honoring classroom leaders from the district’s elementary, middle, high‑school and preschool programs.
Mr. Bettina introduced Kelly Salona as Hamilton High School’s teacher of the year and highlighted Salona’s 22‑year service, work on mathematics curriculum and contributions as assistant band director and chess‑club advisor. Salona accepted the honor and thanked colleagues, family and students.
An administrator introduced Alyssa Walsh as Hamilton Middle School’s teacher of the year, noting 16 years of service, leadership on the instructional leadership team and advocacy for English‑language learners. Walsh thanked the board and her colleagues.
Adelisa Lyons was announced as Warren E. Soy Junior Elementary School’s teacher of the year. The introducer noted Lyons’s 19 years in bilingual education and her role helping run bilingual parent nights. Lyons thanked the board and reminded the public of a bilingual parent night on May 8 at the elementary school.
Courtney Thompson was named the ECC (preschool) teacher of the year; the administrator noted Thompson’s role in expanding the preschool program and her current work as preschool instructional coach and intervention specialist. Thompson accepted and thanked coworkers and family.
Representatives of the Hamilton Education Foundation outlined the foundation’s activities and grants, saying the organization formed in 2004 and has provided more than $635,000 in grants since its founding. The representative said $42,000 of that total is allocated for teacher‑of‑the‑year awards and that a small $500 classroom grant will be provided to each teacher‑of‑the‑year recipient; the foundation also said its grant window is open through March 28 and encouraged teachers to apply.
The board recessed briefly for photos and will make professional photos available to recipients.
The recognitions were ceremonial and no board policy changes were made at the meeting.
