NORTH BERGEN HOLDS LONG-AWAITED EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD CEREMONY
Ceremony canceled in recent years due to the pandemic
Many things were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, including events and ceremonies celebrating those most important to us. This past weekend, however, North Bergen took the next step in its return to normalcy by hosting a ceremony in honor of the most outstanding teachers and other educational service providers.
“These teachers and service professionals reflect the outstanding level of talent and commitment commonly found in North Bergen Public Schools,” said Superintendent George Solter proudly. “Their dedication to their professions is a crucial part of creating a life-long love of learning for students, and is a big reason why our public education system is one of the best in the state.”

Educators nominated for this award were chosen by their peers and are exceptionally skilled and dedicated licensed classroom teachers (Pre-K to grade12 in a public or charter school) or educational services professionals (ESP) who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in educational activities at the school, district and/or state and national levels that take place both within and outside the school setting.

A complete list of those honored at the ceremony can be found below:
North Bergen Educator of the Year 2021-2022
Alexis Esau…………………………………………………………………………. Franklin Elementary
Sarah Perricone …………………………………………………………… North Bergen High School
Margaret Roberts……………………………………………………………. Horace Mann Elementary
Alexandra Colta…………………………………………………………. John F. Kennedy Elementary
Dana Rowlands ……………………………………………………………………. Lincoln Elementary
Antonina Feliciano ……………………………………………………………………… Lincoln Annex
Johanna Menendez …………………………………………………………….. McKinley Elementary
Josefina Eduardo ……………………………………………………………….….. Polk Street School
Miriam Lescaille ……………………………………………………………. Lincoln Elementary Pre-K
Erin Quinones ……………………………………………………………… Robert Fulton Elementary
Educational Services Professional of the Year 2021-2022
Gina Vicente ……………………………………………………………….. Horace Mann Elementary
James Pizzi …………………………………………………………….. John F. Kennedy Elementary
Victoria Perez ……………………………………………………………………….. Polk Street School
Toni Ann Rust ……………………………………………………………………… Lincoln Elementary
North Bergen Educator of the Year 2020-2021
Steven Pankiewicz ……………………………………………………………….. Franklin Elementary
Nelson Baiza ……………………………………………………………….. Horace Mann Elementary
Alejandra Vasquez ………………………………………………………………… Lincoln Elementary
Jennifer Parikh ………………………………………………………………………….. Lincoln Annex
Gabrielle Arce ……………………………………………………………………………. Pre-K School
Jill Giambelluca …………………………………………………………… Robert Fulton Elementary
Jazmin Hernandez …………………………………………………………………. Polk Street School
Loreta Orbea …………………………………………………………… John F. Kennedy Elementary
Miriam Olmos-Tapia ……………………………………………………………… McKinley Elementary
Danny Hernandez ………………………………………………………… North Bergen High School
Educational Services Professional of the Year 2020-2021
Vanessa Treus ………………………………………………………… John F. Kennedy Elementary
Maria Morgana ………………………………………………………………….. McKinley Elementary
Samantha Garrido …………………………………………………………. Horace Mann Elementary
North Bergen Educators of the Year 2019-2020
Stephany Toro …………………………………………………………………… Franklin Elementary
Claudia Del Rio …………………………………………………………….. Horace Mann Elementary
Eugenia Perez ……………………………………………………………………. Lincoln Elementary
Frances Lavalle …………………………………………………………………………. Lincoln Annex
Dawn Farrington ………………………………………………………………………… Pre-K School
Sharon Parsons ……………………………………………………………. Robert Fulton Elementary
Linda Casais ……………………………………………………………………….. Polk Street School
Joely Serino …………………………………………………………….. John F. Kennedy Elementary
Shakira Pichardo ……………………………………………………………….. McKinley Elementary
Steven Defendini ………………………………………………………….. North Bergen High School
Educational Services Professional of the Year 2019-2020
Sandra Diaz ………………………………………………………………………… Lincoln Elementary
Seham Escheik …………………………………………………………. John F. Kennedy Elementary
Samantha Lugo ……………………………………………………………. Horace Mann Elementary
Michele Martora …………………………………………………………… North Bergen High School