By Steve Priolo, NJEA External Partnerships
NJEA’s two-year partnership with the New York Giants culminated in a very special day for Mark Richards, recipient of the NJEA-NY Giants Educator of the Year. Richards, an educational support professional and the president of the East Orange Maintenance Association, was honored at the Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys game on Jan. 4. Richards’ picture and school affiliation were broadcast on video boards throughout MetLife Stadium during the game. In addition, the Giants made a $2,500 donation to Richards’s district for classroom improvements.
Several other NJEA members were recognized as Educators of the Week throughout the season at Giants’ home games. Each honoree’s school was awarded a $1,000 grant from the team:
- Angela DeLuccia, Sparta EA
- Elizabeth Gorka, Sayreville EA
- Patricia Guerra-Frazier, Union EA
- Cathy Hurley, Bayonne EA
- Teresa Johnson, Delsea EA
- Jacqueline Kruzik, Matawan Aberdeen Regional EA
- Judy Martinez, Trenton TESA
- Linda Miller, Jersey City EA
- Marisol Mondaca, Red Bank Regional EA
- Rosa Morgan, Sayreville EA
- Christine Nagy, Middletown Township EA
- Dayna Orlak, Waldwick EA
- Stacey Sweeny, Atlantic City EA
- Stacy Yanko, Hopatcong EA
Steve Priolo is the associate director of External Partnerships. He may be reached at spriolo@njea.org.