During the last meeting before the end of the school year, Shamong’s Board of Education took time out from a jammed packed schedule to recognize the achievements of students and staff alike. Additionally, it was an opportunity to bid farewell to a remarkable group of teachers and staff who were retiring from the district.
Beginning with Indians Mills School, the Principal’s Art Award was presented to Maura Blackshaw, Rachael Canty, Michael Corbett, and Devin Pratt. Additionally, Lily Hardoon was recognized as the recipient of the Superintendent’s Art Award.
Indian Mills Memorial School also had its share of awardees. Even though most eighth grade awards were reserved for graduation night, several notable awards were made public during the meeting. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Pen Essay Contest award recipient was Brett Thomas. Jillian Connelly earned well-deserved recognition receiving the Burlington County Principal’s and Superintendents’ Association Award. Emma DiLauro was a double awardee, earning honors in both the All South Jersey Junior High Festival Choir and All South Jersey Junior High Honors Band. Olympic Conference Honors Band recognition was bestowed upon seventh grader Juliette Gordon (Clarinet) and eighth grader Joshua Hill (Snare Drum). Those selected for All South Jersey Elementary Festival Choir were Maya Butcher, Ava Grashorn, Kacie Kershaw, Kimberly King, and Zachary Klym. The board also recognized those selected for All South Jersey Elementary Honors Band: Adam Arnold (Trombone), Kelton Gray (Trumpet), Kacie Kershaw (French Horn), Madeline Lawlor (Alto Saxophone), and Ella Sawdy (Flute).
The Board also took the opportunity to publicly recognize those selected as teacher and educational specialists of the year. For IMS, the Teacher award was presented to second grade teacher Kara Lafferty, and the Specialist was school nurse Jennifer Simpson. IMMS recognized the achievements of special education teacher Dan Giordano for his performance as outstanding teacher and Ryan Vaux, school counselor, as the school’s educational specialist.
The final portion of the recognition segment witnessed a highly emotional sendoff to those retiring from the district after many years of service. The IMS family reluctantly said its farewell to Claire Andris, Carol Lee Jendrisak, Kathleen McElhone, and Patricia McLaughlin. IMMS offered thanks and admiration to its retirees Linda Cleveland and Karen Formont. Finally, Patricia Iannelli, who provided her expertise to both schools, was honored as she retired from the Child Study Team.
