The North Bergen community came together at North Bergen High School to honor the district’s most outstanding teachers and support staff at the annual Governor’s Educator of the Year and Educational Services Professional of the Year Awards Luncheon. The event was proudly sponsored by the North Bergen Education Foundation and the North Bergen Federation of Teachers.

This year’s honorees were recognized for their dedication, innovation, and impact on student learning and well-being. The luncheon celebrated a total of 11 educators and four educational services professionals who exemplify excellence in education across the district.

The 2024-2025 Governor’s Educator of the Year recipients are:

• Michele Cubria – Kennedy Elementary School
• Diana Sardella – McKinley Elementary School
• Dorene Engelken – Lincoln Elementary School
• Denise Pena – Polk Street School
• Keri Posos – Robert Fulton Elementary School
• Melinda Donahue – Horace Mann Elementary School
• Lauren Jimenez Tomlinson – North Bergen High School
• Laura Rinaldi – Pre-K
• Jillian Capotorto – Lincoln Annex School
• Yannuris Rodriguez – Franklin Elementary School

The district also recognized the following Educational Services Professionals of the Year:

• Linda Soontarodom – Kennedy Elementary School
• Gillian Bartzak – Franklin Elementary School
• Briana Lopresti – Robert Fulton Elementary School
• Andres Nunez – Horace Mann Elementary School

The North Bergen Education Foundation and North Bergen Federation of Teachers co-sponsored the event to highlight the essential role educators and support professionals play in shaping the lives of students and strengthening the school community.