WESTFIELD — Edison Intermediate School Spanish teacher Jillian Martinez and Roosevelt Intermediate School science teacher Melissa Fahy have been recognized as outstanding intermediate- school educators by the Optimist Club of Westfield.
Colleagues describe Ms. Martinez as “an absolute superstar teacher” and “a beloved member of our school community,” who “goes above and beyond, both in and out of the classroom.”
“Señorita Martinez is a very energetic teacher who makes every lesson fun,” wrote a student nominator. “She is a completely patient and understanding teacher who will do everything in her power to better the learning experience.”
Ms. Martinez said she loves learning and laughing with students. “I am always either learning or laughing,” she said about her 14 years in the district, 10 of them at Edison. “They teach me so much about growth, self-worth, discipline, selfcare, while also keeping me current in the middle-school trends and slang. They are the best part of my day and the reason I’m always smiling.”
Mrs. Fahy has been teaching sixthgrade science at Roosevelt for 15 years. She is lauded by a colleague as “an incredibly talented and knowledgeable science teacher” who “takes a lesson, turns it around, and makes it exciting for students.”
“What really makes Mrs. Fahy stand out is how much she cares about us as people, not just as students,” wrote a student nominator. “She takes the time to listen when we need advice, encourages us when we feel like giving up, and celebrates with us when we succeed.”
“What I love most about teaching science is that my students start to discover that science isn’t just a subject in school. It’s a way of thinking that helps them observe, understand and ask questions about the incredible world around them,” Mrs. Fahy said. “It gives me the opportunity to spark curiosity in young minds and to show them that the world is still full of unanswered questions waiting to be explored.”
The Optimist Club, a not-forprofit service organization that supports youth and the community, presents an award annually to two Westfield intermediate-school educators — one each from Edison and Roosevelt. The Intermediate School Outstanding Teacher Award was established in 1998 by the Optimist Club to give deserving credit to intermediate-school teachers.
Superintendent Raymond González, Ed.D., thanked the Optimist Club for its commitment to recognizing educators who play a vital role in shaping students during their formative years. “On behalf of the board of education and the entire school community, I offer sincere congratulations to Ms. Martinez and Mrs. Fahy for this well-deserved honor,” he said.
Ms. Martinez and Mrs. Fahy will be honored at the Westfield Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, May 20, and at an Optimist Club dinner on Wednesday, September 10.
“The Optimist Club mission and purpose as a ‘Friend of Youth’ is to support the positive development of children,” said 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 selection committee consisted of Optimist Club members Maria Fuentes, Marty Gulino, Gene Jannotti and Victor Mankoski, along with Edison Principal LaNova Schall and Roosevelt Principal Brian Gechtman.
