MANCHESTER – There seems no better way to bring the school district and township governing body closer together than breaking bread and honoring educators and professionals.
The school district’s first Labor Management Collaborative (LMC) awards dinner was recently held at the Clarion Hotel in Toms River.
This marked a milestone moment for the district bringing together district administration, union leadership, educators, support staff, and community members alongside their families.
The Labor Management Collaborative is a structural partnership between the Manchester Township School District administration and the Manchester Township Education Association. Its guiding philosophy is rooted in the belief that student success is maximized when those closest to the classroom – educators and administrators – work together in an environment of mutual respect.
Superintended Diane Pedroza – dressed in the school district’s colors of blue and yellow – described the event saying, “the Excellence in Education Awards Dinner represents the very best of Manchester Township – our educators, staff, families, and community partners coming together in a shared commitment to students. Our district motto, ‘Excellence by Example,’ is not just a phrase, but a daily reality made possible by the individuals we honored tonight.”
“Their dedication, collaboration, and unwavering focus on students set the standard for what education should be, and I am proud to celebrate their impact on our schools and community. This evening reflects the strength of our partnership and the collective commitment that continues to move Manchester Township forward,” she added.
Manchester Township Education Association President Daniel Staples served as master of ceremonies for the event. He said the awards dinner “reflects what makes Manchester Township special. Our strength comes from collaboration. When educators, staff, and leadership work together with shared purpose, our students are the true winners. I am proud to celebrate the dedication and excellence of our members who make that possible every day.”
New Jersey Education Association Secretary Treasurer Tina Dare remarked, “the work you are doing here is absolutely amazing. What we do is help one another and that is what you do here in this district which makes it such a strong school district and a great place to work.”
Mayor Joseph Hankins also spoke to the strength of collaboration and the importance of celebrating those who serve Manchester’s students. “The residents here care and you do a great job. We never hear anything bad about the schools. The bus drivers are fantastic. I just thank you for being here.”
The night started with the recognition of the nine inaugural recipients of the LMC’s Excellence in Education Awards, marking the first class of honorees in what will become an annual celebration of excellence across the district.
Established through community nominations, these honors celebrate outstanding staff members, administrators, volunteers, and community partners who exemplify excellence in education and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to supporting and advocating for Manchester’s students both inside and outside the classroom.
The following awards were presented:
Legacy Award: To the family of Jill Ocone, in memoriam
Rookie Of The Year: Christopher Hoffman
Friend Of Education Award: Tammy Rousseau
Mentor Of The Year: Melissa Tierney
In addition, the Manchester Township Education Association recognized outstanding support staff through its Educational Support Professional of the Year Awards, presented by MTEA Vice President for ESPs Lisa Mitchell.
MTEA Paraprofessional of the Year: Amada Gesualdo
MTEA Teacher Assistant of the Year: Marjorie Hunter
MTEA Secretary of the Year: Cindy Redd
MTEA Transportation Member of the Year: Jesse Dill
MTEA Buildings and Grounds Member of the Year: Crystal Stevenson
The program acknowledged the 2025 Governor’s Educator of the Year recipients. As part of the New Jersey Teacher of the Year and Educational Service Professional Recognition Program, each school forms a committee that gathers nominations and votes from colleagues to identify outstanding individuals within the building. These honorees are then submitted to the New Jersey Department of Education’s Governor’s Educator of the Year Program.
2025 Teachers of the Year:
Manchester Township High School: Brianna Mckiernan
Manchester Township Middle School: Robyn Struck
Manchester Township Elementary School: Amy Vasquez
Ridgeway Elementary School: Debra Johnson
Whiting Elementary School: Sarah Drew
Regional Day School: Ellie Hyland
2025 Educational Service Professionals of the Year:
MTHS: Clarice Pulcine Capala
MTMS: Tina DiMatteo
MTES: Monica Gonzalez
Ridgeway: Candice Bouillon
Whiting: Virginia Guise
Regional Day: Jessica Nolan
The evening also celebrated three Manchester Township educators who were nominated as 2026 Teachers Who Rock by local radio station WJRZ-FM. This recognition highlights not only their commitment to academic excellence but also the passion, creativity, and care they bring to their classrooms each day. Their dedication to inspiring student growth and making a meaningful difference is deeply valued within the Manchester Township School District community.
They were Karl Schaefer, teacher in a Multiple Disabled classroom at MTHS; Toni Basile, Basic Skills Teacher & Interventionalist at MTES; Valerie Schaefer, kindergarten teacher at Ridgeway.
Melissa Nazario of MTES was recognized with a classroom scholarship award from Applebee’s after one of her students won a contest by writing about how she goes above and beyond for her class.
Her fourth-grade student Aliyah, was named a winner of this year’s Applebee’s Above and ‘BEE’yond Teacher Essay Contest, which celebrates educators who make a lasting impact on their students. Aliyah wrote her essay about her fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Nazario, highlighting the positive influence she has had in the classroom.
