OPTIMIST CLUB INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Outstanding Teacher Awards – 2025

The Optimist Club Intermediate School Outstanding Teacher Award was established in 1998 to give recognition and credit to distinguished intermediate school teachers who are dedicated to providing an educationally stimulating and supporting environment during this critical stage of adolescence and to recognize the nobility of the teaching profession. The 27th annual award will be presented to Jillian Martinez, Spanish teacher, Edison Intermediate School and Melissa Fahy, Science teacher, Roosevelt Intermediate School. The recipients were announced at a Board of Education meeting in May and invited to an Optimist Club award dinner at Echo Lake Country Club in September. The criteria for recipients of this award are outstanding teaching, interest in children, dedication to teaching and continued pursuit of professional growth. A committee of Optimist Club members Maria Fuentes, Martin Gulino, Gene Jannotti and Vic Mankoski, Superintendent Raymond González, Edison principal LaNova Schall and Roosevelt principal Brian Gechtman, selected the 2025 award recipients. The recognition includes a cash grant award to further professional growth or to enhance classroom experience for students and a plaque presented to the recipient at an Optimist Club dinner.

“The Optimist Club mission and purpose as a “Friend of Youth” is to support the positive development of children,” says Optimist Club President Darielle Walsh. “We are proud to provide resources for this meaningful annual award that recognizes the dedication and achievements of our intermediate school teachers.” The Optimist Club is a not-for-profit service organization that supports youth and the community. For additional information go to www.westfieldnj.com/optimist