On May 7, four WHS teachers were recognized with awards during teacher appreciation week which runs from May 5-9. Recipients were honored for the dedication they showed to their jobs and the inspiration they spread throughout the halls of WHS.
The first award was the Jeffrey Family Above and Beyond Award, in which students nominated a teacher who makes a difference in their life as a student. This award was presented to Science Teacher Valentino Scipioni. Scipioni has worked at WHS for 28 years.
Scipioni prioritizes connecting with his students and noted, “Physics is my number one job here, and it is important to help students along the way. I want students coming out of school treating people the way I treat them.” Senior James Furrer said, “Mr. Scipioni stayed after school un- til 4 p.m. for a week straight to help me with a concept. Not every teacher would do that.”
The second award was the Robert and Linda Foose Memorial Award for Excellence in Education, granted to an active role model in the WHS community. This award was presented to Spanish Teacher Paula Parada who has worked at WHS for 10 years.
“[This award] makes me feel like I can be more, that I can connect on a different level,” Parada said. “As much as teaching Spanish is my main goal, it will not happen without a connection to my students.”
The third award was the 36th annual WHS PTSO Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. Both parents and students could nominate their teacher of choice. This award, which recognized a motivator and enthusiast in education, was presented to Science Teacher Jeffrey Robbins. Robbins has worked in Westfield for 30 years.
“It feeds my soul to know someone is motivated by me. I would like to be a stable figure in students’ lives,” Robbins said.
The fourth award was the Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award, presented to a teacher committed to intellectual pursuits within and beyond the classroom. This award was granted to English Teacher Kimberly Gosen-Fowler, a 1989 alumna, who has worked at WHS for 25 years.
“I am so inspired by the excellence I see in other people. I was honored and humbled to receive this award,” Fowler said.
“She is so welcoming,” senior Jaslene Raphael said. “Any student of hers is lucky to have her.”
These award winning teachers continue to maintain their standard of excellence and commitment to student development. In the words of Scipioni, “I don’t know how much impact I’ve had, but I always like to know how my students are doing.”