PARSIPPANY — The Lakeland Hills YMCA honored three members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills School System at its Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation. Mrs. Joni Benos, Chief of Staff/Public Information Officer, called it the “Parsippany Education Trifecta.” This is the first time in the Y history both Educators of the Year and the William Kogen scholarship recipient are from Parsippany.
The first Parsippany honoree was Parsippany High School Senior Matthew Marinas. He was presented with the William Kogen Community Service Award.
Matthew is an active member of the Parsippany Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad who plans to earn his EMT certification. Matthew has worked alongside healthcare providers and members of law enforcement, which has influenced his career choice of working in criminal justice. As a responder, Matthew has witnessed crime and drug abuse, and has cared for those ill and injured. He enjoys serving the public and is always ready to help those in need.
As a St. Barnabas Medical Center volunteer, he has had the opportunity to assist patients and staff in the Same Day Surgery Unit and the Emergency Department. One of his school volunteer activities are Peer Buddies, helping mentally challenged individuals feel accepted as they learn life skills and mainstream into society. Matthew has volunteered for food drives, service nights, and community outreach events. He is active with the youth ministry of St. Ann Church in Parsippany, including fundraisers, hospitality service, and as a confirmation retreat leader.
Matthew is also a math tutor and roller hockey coach, and his mantra is to always lead by example and serve as a positive influence to others. He feels these experiences have given him the ability to cope under stressful situations, increased his confidence, and taught him the value of teamwork. Matthew states, “I believe at this time more than ever, our society continues to be challenged with issues that threaten the public. It is my ambition to direct my passion toward improving and protecting the lives of others.
Educator of the Year was presented to Ms. Katherine Casciol
Katherine has been teaching elementary school at Troy Hills School in Parsippany for twenty-one years. She was inspired to become an educator through the wisdom, support, guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love she herself received when a student all those years ago at Troy Hills School. It was Katherine’s childhood dream to teach at the same school she attended. It’s that same passion to become a teacher that Katherine imparts to her students. She not only understands her students but is respectful of them as well.
Katherine is ending her term as First Vice President of the Board of Directors of the ARC of Morris County. ARC is a nonprofit agency dedicated to the care, support, and advancement of people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families. She will become President of the ARC of Morris County this month. This in itself makes Katherine a wonderful and compassionate educator. But what transpired last year changed her life and the lives of many. I could relate the story to you, but it is much more meaningful if I share the words from Katherine’s nominators for this award, Joe and Christina Cistaro.
These are their words: “Our family has had a very special relationship with Katherine since she taught our oldest daughter Ella, during the 2013-14 school year. Ella and Katherine connected early on, and formed a special friendship that continues today.” In August 2015, our youngest daughter Ashley was lucky enough to be placed in Katherine’s third-grade class. From the day Ashley found out who her teacher was going to be, she conceived her plan to infiltrate Katherine’s heart. Ashley knew about Katherine’s love of owls and pugs from her sister, so we spent many hours that summer canvassing stores for owl lunch boxes and pajamas, pug posters and cards. When the first day of school rolled around, Katherine and Ashley shared an instant connection. Beyond their shared love of owls and pugs, there was a deeper connection. Katherine understood Ashley as very few did. They both have such amazing hearts with so much love and acceptance to offer others. When we think about the purity and innocence of our sweet Ashley, we will always think of Katherine.
Ashley struggled in school, both academically and socially. Katherine went above and beyond each and every day to make her feel comfortable, while still accomplishing the task at hand. Whether it was standing in front of the class with Ashley to calm her nerves, strategically pairing her with partners who worked best with Ashley’s unique style, or holding Ashley’s hand so tight to calm her anxiety on a field trip. Katherine was always able to give our Ashley the love and support she needed to feel safe and comfortable at school.
March 2016 brought tragedy to our family when we lost Ashley extremely unexpectedly. Katherine’s support for our family after Ashley’s passing, continuing even now, has been unwavering. She has honored Ashley’s sparkly spirit and has continued to spread the love that Ashely had in her heart, but is no longer able to do so herself. We know firsthand what a wonderful teacher, mentor, and human being Katherine is. We can never repay the many teachers that have touched the lives of our children, and frankly, we feel inadequate by trying. We’re hoping that sharing what an amazing, life-changing teacher Katherine is, will be a step in the right direction.
Katherine shared her feelings with us, “When my precious hot pink and owl loving Ashely passed away, I promised myself that I would try each and every day to live in her likeness and teach the messages of the spirit she embodied. Everyone felt good when they were with Ashley because she accepted all people unconditionally. Learning wasn’t always easy for Ash, but she never gave up. Her message was clear: Even if you can’t find the words, let your actions speak the messages in your heart. I think all of us who teach love and acceptance, and practice love and acceptance, are teachers of the most important part of all of life’s lessons. I am honored and will forever cherish the opportunity to spread a lesson of love with all of you tonight…please pass it on.”
Dr. Denis Mulroony was also honored Educator of the Year
Dr. Mulroony is home grown in Parsippany. When Denis is not cheering on sports teams from Parsippany High School, participating in service nights at PHS, organizing trips to the Community Food Bank of NJ, or planning new and innovative events to promote school spirit, he is in the hallways and classrooms, interacting with students and personally getting to know them. The PHS Director of Guidance stated that Denis is the epitome of what everyone wishes their high school principal to be. The PHS Student Council President said that Denis brings a joy to PHS that inspires students and teachers to take a larger part in the community, especially with service events and outreach. She said, “He is always open to new ideas. This year a member of the student council had an idea to host a cross-town competition with high schools on both sides of town. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to make this event happen. On April 21, the very first Hills vs. High volleyball tournament was held, with donations to the charity Bianca’s Kids. It’s his determination, dedication, and will to help, support, and encourage the students that makes PHS so special.”
A member of the educational administration staff said, “I believe Dr. Mulroony is one of the finest people I have ever met in education. He is not just an excellent principal, he is a quality person, who shows an interest in all students.” Denis is passionate about making students feel good about school and giving them a voice. He believes educators should be role models to demonstrate enthusiasm, kindness, compassion, and devotion on a daily basis. And no, Denis, that is not a corny thing to say, because we know you really mean it!
Denis chose to be a teacher to pursue his love of reading, writing, and athletics and to work with teenagers, and we know how hard that is! From teaching, coaching, mentoring, and advising, from a teacher to assistant principal to principal, Denis has always maintained his passion for education and his compassion for his students. He is all about instilling learning and leadership, about celebrating successes as well as differences, and about helping teens become the best versions of themselves. We are proud tonight to celebrate Dr. Denis Mulroony and all he has done for his students, his school, and his community.
The Lakeland Hills YMCA also presented “Citizens of the Year Awards.” For complete story click here.
