Marking a milestone moment for the district, Manchester Township School District’s Labor Management Collaborative (LMC) hosted its inaugural Excellence in Education Awards Dinner, bringing together district administration, union leadership, educators, support staff, and community members alongside their families. The event showcased Manchester’s unique and collaborative partnership, one that unites all stakeholders in a shared commitment to student success, and established a new tradition dedicated to recognizing those who make an extraordinary impact on the school community.
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.
“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," says Superintendent of Schools Diane Pedroza. "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.”
“The LMC dinner event reflects what makes Manchester Township special. Our strength comes from collaboration," says Manchester Township Education Association President Daniel Staples. "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.”
The evening was emceed by Manchester Township Education Association (MTEA) President Dan Staples and featured remarks from Superintendent Diane Pedroza, New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Secretary Treasurer Tina Dare, Ocean County Commissioner Rob Arace, and Manchester Township Mayor Joseph Hankins, all of whom spoke to the strength of collaboration and the importance of celebrating those who serve Manchester’s students.
The evening began with the recognition of the nine inaugural recipients of the Labor Management Collaborative’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.
Congratulations to the 2026 Excellence in Education Award recipients:
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 included the acknowledgement of 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 Strucki
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:
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL
Clarice Pulcine Capala
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP MIDDLE SCHOOL
Tina DiMatteo
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Monica Gonzalez
RIDGEWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Candice Bouillon
WHITING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Virginia Guise
REGIONAL DAY SCHOOL
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.
Karl Schaefer
Teacher in a Multiple Disabled classroom at Manchester Township High School
Toni Basile
Basic Skills Teacher & Interventionalist at Manchester Township Elementary School
Valerie Schaefer
Kindergarten teacher at Ridgeway Elementary School in Manchester
In addition, Melissa Nazario of Manchester Township Elementary School 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. This honor reflects the powerful impact educators have on their students, not only academically, but also personally, and highlights the meaningful connections that define the Manchester Township School District experience.
The Excellence in Education Awards Dinner serves as a powerful reflection of what makes Manchester Township truly special, a collaborative culture where educators, staff, leadership, and community members work hand in hand to create a supportive and inspiring environment for all students. Rooted in the district’s motto, Excellence by Example, the evening highlighted how those values are not just spoken, but lived every day by all who contribute to the success of Manchester’s schools. The district remains committed to strengthening this partnership and continuing to recognize the individuals who help ensure that excellence is not only expected, but demonstrated in action across every level of the school community.