PARSIPPANY — Maria Jacob was one of 41 students from University of the Sciences’ physician assistant studies program to join the ranks of professionals following the fourth annual White Coat Ceremony on Thursday, February 1.
The ceremony for the class of 2019 commemorated the formal presentation of a white coat for physician assistant students as they begin working clinically with patients in hospitals and outpatient settings. At the ceremony, the students recited the oath of a physician assistant, a gesture to reinforce their commitment to working with patients compassionately and to enhancing their health and well-being.
Jacob continues on the path to a master of science in physician assistant studies.
University of the Sciences has prepared students to be leaders and practitioners in the healthcare and science fields for nearly 200 years. Key to its distinctive education is a tradition of hands-on research and experiential learning that is evident in every graduate who has walked its campus. Since its founding in 1821 as Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, the first college of pharmacy in North America, USciences has grown to more than 30 degree-granting programs from bachelor’s through doctoral degrees in the health sciences, bench sciences, and healthcare business and policy fields. Discover how USciences students are proven everywhere they go at usciences.edu.
PARSIPPANY — The Georgia Institute of Technology presented degrees to approximately 3,100 undergraduate and graduate students during the Institute’s 254th Commencement exercises on December 15-16, 2017, at the McCamish Pavilion.
Anoop Alla earned degree in Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and Godswill Oletu earned a degree in Master of Science in Computer Science.
One of the nation’s leading research universities, the Georgia Institute of Technology is in the business of creating the next – the next idea, the next technology, and the next legion of agile minds well equipped to imagine and engineer our future. More than 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled, and Georgia Tech is ranked in the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News and World Report. For more information visit www.gatech.edu.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Christian School’s boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams held their senior night after their games vs. Faith Christian (PA), on Friday, February 9.
In the girls’ basketball game, the Lady Patriots defeated Faith 48-18 with senior Elizabeth Moger leading the team with 13 points. Senior Alyssa Chellaraj added 8 points and senior Lily Jules contributed 4 points in the victory. With the win, the Lady Patriots moved to 13-0 in conference play and 21-2 overall. The Lady Patriots clinched their first regular season conference title since the 2010-2011 season.
Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach David Detwiler said, “Congratulations to our Senior girls! They have led by their example and hard work. They have led our team to an undefeated season in league play with one game to play. With tonight’s win, our team has clinched their first regular season championship in seven years. We wish each of them all the best as they move on to new experiences and challenges, and we will greatly miss their leadership abilities. May God richly bless them as they pursue His will for their life in the future!”
In the boy’s game, Parsippany Christian defeated Faith, 45-25. Senior Patrick Vance Jr. led the team with 14 points. Fellow seniors George Gonzalez, Mark Piezema and Kervensky Noel each contributed 6 points in the game. With their win, the boy’s team is 11-4 in conference play and 14-10 overall. Should Parsippany Christian defeat Trinity Christian on Monday, the boy’s varsity team will clinch the second seed in the upcoming conference tournament.
After the games, each senior was introduced to the audience and their parents joined them at center court. For the girls’ team, Elizabeth Moger, Lily Jules and Alyssa Chellaraj were honored and for the boys’ team, Michael Jetton, Patrick Vance Jr., Mark Piezema, Luke Leach, George Gonzalez and captain Kervensky Noel were honored with their parents.
PARSIPPANY — Troy Hills Elementary School finished our “Souper” Bowl Soup Drive with an amazing finish. They collected 850 cans of soup to donate to the Parsippany Food Pantry.
The event was coordinated by Kiwanis K-Kid’s fundraiser. Every student participated in the donation of the cans of soup. The K-Kids made posters and flyers, and they went to all classes to spread the word and collected the cans of soup.
As you can see from the pictures, the students kept track of how many cans each grade brought in.
This was the rundown of how many each class brought in (plus an additional 43 cans that weren’t soup). As you can see, Kindergarten was the big winner:
Kindergarten
187 Cans
Third Grade
176 Cans
First Grade
141 Cans
Fourth Grade
134 Cans
Second Grade
98 Cans
Fifth Grade
71 Cans
As you can see on the football field, Kindergarten had the highest donations
Troy Hills Elementary K-Kids is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
PARSIPPANY — Liquid Church was selected to host “Night To Shine” sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, an unforgettable prom night experience designed especially for teens and adults ages 14+ with special needs. This year, Liquid Church turned the special event into New Jersey’s largest Night To Shine prom, with over 500 guests and 1000 volunteers gathered under one roof, in the church’s brand-new Broadcast Campus on Webro Road. The event was held on Friday, February 9.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano said “An impressive event in scope, scale, and heart.”
Guests at Night To Shine received the VIP treatment, with a red carpet prom entrance and friendly paparazzi snapping their photo. Once inside the guests visited stations for shoe shining, corsages and boutonnieres, limo rides, and games before they entered the main event – dancing! The highlight of the evening was the crowning ceremony, where each Night To Shine guest is crowned a prom king or queen.
Respite Rooms throughout Liquid Church had events all evening, from magicians, bingo, comedians and live music to entertain the guests.
“It’s truly our privilege and passion to serve families with special needs. We want our honored guests to feel supported as they engage with their peers, to feel a sense of belonging, and to recognize their God-given potential. Hosting Night To Shine is an incredible way that we do this at Liquid Church,” said Tim Lucas, lead pastor and founder of Liquid Church. “We know that New Jersey has the highest rate of Autism in the nation. The need here is tremendous, and so we’re not only hosting this event for the third year in a row, but in 2018 we’re turning it into one of New Jersey’s biggest parties – gathering more guests and volunteers in one location than ever before!”
This year the event drew 90,000 guests at 537 churches nationwide and in 16 countries, supported by 175,000 volunteers, celebrated 90,000 kings and queens at Night to Shine, an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs.
Night to Shine, Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation was held at Liquid Church on Friday, February 9
“Night to Shine is my favorite night of the year! It’s also a favorite night for thousands and thousands of kings and queens all over the world that we crown at the end of this prom. Every town, every village, every state, and every country needs to host a Night to Shine for their special needs community. It’s a time in which people can work together and be a part of something significant and life-changing – and be blessed in the process. It’s about being a part of one team, God’s team,” said Tim Tebow, founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation.
Brian Mazzucco and Ryan Concannon enjoying the evening at Night to Shine`Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps, Liquid Church Executive Pastor Dave Brooks, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano and Parsippany-Troy Hills Lieutenant Thomas CarneyKaylie and SamThe dance floor was busy all nightKaraoke was a major hit all eveningAmanda preparing Nick for the evening, at the beauty barGuests enjoying the beauty barDana in the beauty barThe dance floor was busy all night with the chaperones and over 500 Special Needs Prom Guests during the event Sponsored By Tim Tebow Foundation
Worldwide, 375 churches honored more than 75,000 kings and queens of the prom in 2017 with the help of 150,000 volunteers across 50 states and 11 counties, showing tremendous growth since Night To Shine launched in 2015 with 44 host churches, 7,000 guests and the help of 15,000 volunteers. Night To Shine 2018 promises to be the biggest event yet, with over 500 locations already signed up to participate around the world.
Everyone was a King and Queen for the eveningParsippany Police was on hand during the eventManuel getting crownedAlexa and her chaperone PratikProm Guest after being crowned with Lt. Thomas Carney and Chief Paul Philipps
For additional information on Night to Shine hosted by Liquid Church in Parsippany click here.
For more information on the worldwide movement of Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation click here.
Liquid Church is one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing Christian churches. Officially launched in 2007 by Lead Pastor Tim Lucas, the church’s vision and mission is to “Saturate the State with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” with six campuses in Essex, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, and Union Counties. Each week, over 4,000 people experience Liquid Church’s worship services in New Jersey and around the globe through Church Online. As part of its global outreach, Liquid provides clean drinking water to the poorest of the poor, with dozens of completed wells in several countries including El Salvador and Nicaragua – and most recently, Rwanda! Liquid Church’s innovative approaches to outreach and ministry have been spotlighted by CNN, FOX News, and The Today Show. For more information click here.
The Tim Tebow Foundation exists to bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. That mission is being fulfilled every day through the foundation’s seven areas of outreach, including W15H, Timmy’s Playrooms, Orphan Care, Adoption Aid, the Tebow CURE Hospital, Team Tebow and Night to Shine. For more information on the Tim Tebow Foundation click here.
PARSIPPANY — Wise Animal Rescue held a kissing booth at Petco, 1111 Route 46, on Saturday, February 10.
Visitors received puppy kisses at the kissing booth for $5.00 and had the opportunity to visit with adoptable pups.
The event was held in memory for Lola. Lola was there in our hearts and she was looking down from heaven.
Wise Animal Rescue will hold another Kissing Booth event again on Saturday, February 17 at Petco.
Michele Lupenski holding Gus. Gus is waiting to be adopted.Parsippany Focus Publisher Frank Cahill receiving tons of kisses from Scooter at Petco. He is a four-month-old Pit mix and he is extremely lovable, not to mention cute! He will be medium sized when fully grown. Scooter has already mastered “sit” and “down” within one day in his foster home! He is very smart, treat motivated, and overall highly trainable! He loves to give kisses and snuggle! Lindsey Ambrosino with Ralph. Ralph is a twelve-week old Hound mix and as cute as can be! If you haven’t fallen in love with him yet, wait till you hear about his personality. He is a sweetheart who always aims to please. He LOVES to cuddle and cover people with kisses! Ralph will be a big, tall boy when fully grown but he hopes this won’t stop from my dreams of being a lap dog!Paul Anderson getting kisses from Scooter as Lacey looks on
Wise Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing dogs who need it most.
They strive to create a world where no dog is neglected, abused, or homeless. Wise Animal Rescue (W.A.R.) advocates and educates for the misrepresentation of bully breeds, the dangers of backyard breeding and puppy mills, and the inhumane practice of dog baiting or fighting. We accept and support all dogs, regardless of breed, size, or past, and encourage others to do the same.
Founded by Tiziana Wise in the beginning 2016, W.A.R. partners with trainers, veterinary practices, and other animal welfare personnel to ensure that the dogs have everything they need to take their next steps into a better life. All dogs are spayed or neutered, up-to-date on shots, and many are professionally trained.
W.A.R is a volunteer-based and rely on amazing supporters to assist in reaching the goal of saving the lives of homeless, mistreated dogs. To adopt, volunteer, or foster click here and fill out an application.All of the dogs are in foster homes prior to adoption as they do not have a shelter facility. W.A.R. serves the Greater New Jersey Area and is based in Parsippany.
Available animals’ pictures and profiles can be found on the website as well.
Like them on Facebook (Wise Animal Rescue) and follow them on Instagram (@wiseanimalrescue) to find out ways to help in the efforts and to stay updated on their incredible dogs.
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills will meet on Monday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. The club is a great group of women of all ages and walks of life committed to volunteerism and service to the community.
After a short business meeting, Don MacGowan, Volunteer Program Coordinator from The Seeing Eye in Morristown will be the guest speaker. Established in 1929, The Seeing Eye provides specially bred and trained dogs to guide people who are blind. Seeing Eye dog users experience greatly enhanced mobility and independence, allowing them to retain their active lifestyles despite blindness. Mr. MacGowan oversees the Community Outreach Program for The Seeing Eye. He will be bringing “George”, a ten-year old Golden Retriever with him to assist him in his speaking engagement!
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or click here to view website.
Meeting schedule is subject to change. Please contact Cathy (Membership Chairman) if interested in attending a meeting or to confirm date and time.
PARSIPPANY — Frank Cahill, President of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and Davey Willans, Liaison to the Parsippany Hills High School Key Club recognized six students for their volunteer work during a fundraiser at Applebees.
The fundraiser was organized to raise funds for the Anderson Family, whose home was destroyed during a Christmas night fire.
The students receiving recognition are Andrea Potesta, Ana Duarte, Cindy Lam, Irene Hsiehand Wasay Noor.
Parsippany Hills High School Key Club is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany supports nine K-Kids clubs: Lake Parsippany Elementary School, Eastlake Elementary School, Mt. Tabor Elementary School, Littleton Elementary School, Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, Troy Hills Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, Knollwood School and Rockaway Meadow Elementary School; two builders clubs: Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School; two Key Clubs: Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School and one Aktion Club.
PARSIPPANY — Members of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council unanimously approved a Resolution to reappoint Ann M. Cucci as Chief Financial Officer of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills at the agenda meeting held on Tuesday, February 6.
Councilman Michael J. dePierro said “Ann is an excellent CFO, and a lovely person. I have seen her working after normal working hours many, many times. It was my pleasure to make the motion to reappoint her.”
“I was pleased to see Ann Cucci reappointed as CFO of our Township. Ann has always made herself available to me whenever I had questions in any aspect regarding financial matters. I look forward to working with her now and in the future,” said Loretta Gragnani, Councilwoman.
Cucci, was first appointed on August 19, 2014 as “Director of Finance, Treasurer and Comptroller” by former Mayor James Barberio.
The Township Council confirmed Mayor Michael Soriano’s reappointment for a four year term commencing retroactively on January 1, 2017.
Prior to joining Parsippany in 2014, she was the Chief Financial Officer of Morristown since March 2012, and she was the CFO, Treasurer, Qualified Purchasing Agent for the Southeast Morris Municipal Utilities Authority, from 1999 to 2012.
PARSIPPANY — Galen Wu attended the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 6 to earn his “Citizenship in the Community” merit badge for the Boy Scouts.
Galen is a member of Troop 173.
Part of the requirements in earning this merit badge are to attend a meeting of your city, town, or county council or school board; OR attend a municipal, county, or state court session; and choose one of the issues discussed at the meeting where a difference of opinions was expressed, and explain to your counselor why you agree with one opinion more than you do another one.
Troop 173 was chartered by the Sedgefield Civic Association in 1957. Yet from its beginning, Troop 173 has included boys from all over Morris County in its programs. While most of our members come from the area of Parsippany from Lake Parsippany to Powder Mill, we have had members as far away as Succasunna and Randolph.
Scouting makes a direct and positive impact on your community by teaching positive values and leadership skills to your child. With over 50 Scouts, they are a very active and fun filled troop. Troop 173 offers a wide range of activities and learning experiences for your child that focus on their continued growth as they progress through the program. They strive to incorporate education, character building, growth, teamwork, and primarily FUN for our Scouts. They are a “Family Friendly” troop that encourages Moms or Dads to attend our meetings, special events, and camping trips so that everyone can experience the fun, together.
PARSIPPANY — All Children’s Theatre, a non-profit, tax-exempt arts organization established in Parsippany in 1983 will be returning once again to the Parsippany PAL Youth Center in March with Saturday morning performing arts programs for area boys and girls ages 4-14.
No prior theatre experience is required to register.
Registration forms are available online by clicking here, where the spring schedule can be accessed. School year registration forms may be downloaded. Registration deadline is March 5.
Programs are themed and include “Disney Musical Revue”, “Creative Dramatics/Comedy” and “Kiddie Dramatics” programs. They are directed by Eric Gross, a certified music teacher, with years of teaching experience.
All sessions begin on Saturday, March 17 and end with a family performance on the last session on May 19.
All Children’s Theatre has registered over 13,500 children during the past 35 years and has staged over 530 performances. “Every Child Is a Star” has been their motto. For further information call (973) 335-5328 or click here.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano presented the family of Henry N. Luther, III, with a Proclamation on Tuesday, February 6 at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. The Mayor and Mayor Michael Luther unveiled a plaque in honor of Henry N. Luther, III, which will remain on the wall at the Municipal Building.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano
Friends, Relatives, Township Employees, Mayor Mimi Letts, residents were among the many attending the unveiling of the plaque.
Luther, a well-respected attorney and statesman, died peacefully on Saturday, May 13, 2017.
Michael M. Luther, Michael Soriano and Marge Sullivan
He will always be remembered as a man of integrity. He was born in Teaneck to a railroad engineer, Henry N. Luther, Jr. and a housewife, Mary (nee Phelan).
He was raised in Jersey City. In his youth, he developed a love of swimming that he kept all of his life. He was recognized as a Lincoln High School and Jersey City YMCA champion. He held many jobs as a lifeguard, including a stint at the famed salt-water pool at Palisades Amusement Park.
He was elected to the Township Council in 1966 and then selected to be the Council President. Upon the untimely death of Mayor John E.J. Walsh, Henry was appointed to fill the unexpired term of the late mayor. He was then elected in a general election in 1967 and re-elected in 1969. Although he was a popular mayor he did not run for re-election in 1973, because he believed that elective office should not be a lifetime appointment.
After completing his second term as Mayor, he resumed the practice of law, but only briefly. In 1975, he went to Trenton for the first of several jobs in the administration of Governor Brendan T. Byrne. Henry first served as Director of the Lottery Commission, then was asked to serve as the Governor’s Executive Secretary. In 1977, he left State government to serve as Campaign Manager for Governor Brendan T. Byrne’s re-election campaign. After leading the Byrne campaign to victory, he returned to the practice of law with a well-established Morristown law firm, that was renamed Dillon Bitar and Luther. When Mimi Letts became Mayor of Parsippany in 1994, she appointed Dillon, Bitar & Luther as the Township Attorney.
On December 9, 1977, Henry was sworn in as the New Jersey Commissioner for The Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, a bi-state agency. In nominating Henry, Governor Byrne said he was recognizing Henry’s skill as an administrator, mediator and negotiator, which would assure that the public interest would be well represented. At the time, Henry down-played his talents and told a reporter that he was reluctant to take the position because he gets seasick. He told the Governor he would only take the appointment if he was assured he would not have to board any ships. He served on The Waterfront Commission until 1983.
His greatest role in life began in 1982 when he became “Poppy.” He zealously accepted the role as a lifetime appointment. While he was very accomplished at his prior positions, he was unrivaled as Poppy. Many people, who witnessed or were regaled with his adventures with his grandchildren joked, “In my next life I want to come back as one of Henry’s grandchildren.” Henry loved to play cards with his grandchildren. It would start as a match game when they were young, with two or three cards, and eventually they all would play 10-card Gin Rummy. He also had a love for the New York Times crossword puzzle, which the grandchildren also came to love. He always stressed the importance of reading to his children and grandchildren. Whether it was a newspaper or a book (or two) he always had something to read wherever he went.
The plaque on the wall in Parsippany Municipal Building
The proclamation read:
Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Proclamation
Whereas, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills honors the late Henry N. Luther III as an extraordinary example of a man who dedicated his life to public service, in his town, state, and country.
Whereas, we commend his recognition as Outstanding Member of his platoon in the United States Marine Corps, as well as a recipient of the Good Conduct Medal on January 16, 1955 while serving in the Korean conflict, after which he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.
Whereas, the residents of Parsippany elected Henry N. Luther to the Township Council in 1966 and was elected as Mayor in 1967 and re-elected in 1973.
Now, Therefore, I, Michael A. Soriano, Mayor of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, do hereby proclaim the first Monday of June as Henry N. Luther III Day.
Dated this 6th day of February, 2018.
Mayors Michael M. Luther, Mimi Letts and Michael Soriano
PARSIPPANY – Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Schools will have a ninety minute delayed opening tomorrow, February 8, according to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Sergent.
PARSIPPANY — Troy Hills K-kids had very a successful hurricane relief drive for Puerto Rico and a pet supply drive for St. Hubert’s in the beginning of the year
The students had a connection with someone from Puerto Rico who gave specific items to donate, and the K-Kids came up with very generous donations.
Many dogs affected by the hurricanes this year went to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, and Troy Hills School was able to bring in pet food, blankets, and pet food to donate as well.
In November, also had another canned food drive, which they donated to a few families in the school for Thanksgiving as well as the Parsippany Food Pantry.
Troy Hills K-kids hurricane relief drive for Puerto Rico and a pet supply driveTroy Hills K-kids hurricane relief drive for Puerto Rico and a pet supply driveTroy Hills K-kids hurricane relief drive for Puerto Rico and a pet supply driveTroy Hills K-kids hurricane relief drive for Puerto Rico and a pet supply drive
PARSIPPANY — Teva Pharmaceuticals, an Israeli drug company specializing in generics, laid off 46 employees at its 400 Interpace Parkway office in January, according to the WARN notice.
The layoffs came as part of a “comprehensive restructuring plan” aimed at cuttings costs and improving overall organization and performance, the company said in a statement.
The plan will result in thousands of layoffs worldwide.
“As part of this restructuring plan, we will also close or divest a significant number of R&D facilities, headquarters and office locations across all geographies,” the statement said. “These steps, which exclude the impact of any future divestments, are expected to result in the reduction of approximately 14,000 positions globally – over 25% of Teva’s total workforce – over the next two years.”
The company would not say how many people it continued to employ in Parsippany. It has offices in Fairfield and Hackensack.
PARSIPPANY — There are many ways to learn about books. For example, children write book reports or make story mobiles. Lake Hiawatha Elementary School Preschool students found another way to learn about books by acting out the stories. Each of the preschool classes used a book that they read in class to inspire their clothing collection.
AM Preschool Classes
The students then dressed up to represent the story. They enjoy walking down our runway in their costumes each year. For the 11th year, the runway will again be aglow with the sparkle of children’s imagination.
The show will be televised and streamed online by Parsippany’s Video on the Go. Tune into channel 21 via Cablevision of Morris and watch.
PARSIPPANY — Jessica Ferguson achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA during the Fall 2017 semester, earning a spot on the Provost’s List at Hofstra University. She is studying Speech-Language Pathology. Jessica was a graduate of Parsippany High School, Class of 2014.
Hofstra University is a nationally ranked private university just 25 miles from New York City and all its cultural, recreational and professional opportunities.
They offer small classes and personal attention with the resources, technology, and facilities of a large university. Students can chose from undergraduate and graduate offerings in liberal arts and sciences, business, engineering and applied science, communication, education, health sciences and human services, honors studies, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Named to the 2015 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, and the only school to ever host three consecutive presidential debates, Hofstra University is a dynamic community of more than 11,000 students known for civic engagement and public service.
DENVILLE — Morris County School of Technology teacher, Jennifer Skomial, has been nominated for the 2017-2018 national LifeChanger of the Year award.
Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the national LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 public and private school educators and employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.
Jennifer Skomial was nominated by a colleague who she mentored last year. As a lead teacher, Mrs. Skomial works hard to help all of her colleagues find success. She is actively involved in her school, making herself available for students, staff and her community when needed. “She is always pleasant, smiling and encouraging,” the nominator said. “She is a great role model on a professional and personal level.”
Ms. Skomial teaches the Academy for Education and Learning at Morris County School of Technology. Preparing high school students for careers in the field of education has been a full-circle moment in her career. As a junior and senior at Morris Knolls high school, Skomial attended the same teacher prep program that she now teaches. Now, she spends her days preparing students to teach in the on-site preschool, planning guest speakers and field trips that will further explore careers in education, and creating lessons that will engage her students in all aspects of child development, classroom management, and other teaching-related topics.
“I state with conviction that I have never worked with a more genuinely devoted teacher. Mrs. Skomial is innovative, creative, and collaborative. She consistently brings out the very best in her students and colleagues,” said Lynne Jackson, Principal.
Each school year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For 2017-2018, there will be a total of 17 individual LifeChanger of the Year awards. The awards structure is as follows:
1 National Grand Prize Winner
4 Grand Prize Finalists
10 LifeChanger Award Winners
1 Spirit Award Winner
1 Spotlight Award Winner
Each winner will receive a cash award that is split between the individual winner and their school. The national Grand Prize award is $10,000. Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The top five winners will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in Bermuda. Winners will be announced in Spring 2018.
Winners will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. Nominees must be school district employees. Award winners are selected based on the following criteria:
A proven ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of students
An ability to positively add to the development of the school’s atmosphere
Is involved in leadership activities at the school and/or community level
A demonstrative record of excellent performance at the professional level
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany resident Swetha Paka earned a master’s degree from Georgia State University during the Fall 2017 semester. More than 3,000 students were awarded degrees during ceremonies held in December.
Georgia State University, an enterprising urban public research university, is a national leader in graduating students from widely diverse backgrounds.
The student body of nearly 52,000 demonstrates that students from all backgrounds can achieve at high rates with unsurpassed connections to the city’s business, government, nonprofit and cultural organizations.
PARSIPPANY — Please join us in supporting the Woman’s Club of Parsippany Troy Hills (WCPTH) by enjoying lunch or dinner at Annabella’s Pizza & Restaurant, 329 Smith Road, on Wednesday, February 21 and Thursday, February, 22. Annabella’s is open from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. The offer is valid for to-go orders also. Click here to download the flyer must be presented for WCPTH to get a portion of the proceeds.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. WCPTH has demonstrated its commitment to the community through an impressively wide range of community service endeavors. The Club has served the township and the state with initiatives to support education, home life, conservation and more. WCPTH is very proud to have been instrumental in the founding of the Parsippany Library and the Parsippany Child Day Care Center. Today the Woman’s Club is involved with the Parsippany Food Pantry, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Jersey Battered Women’s Service and Child Abuse Prevention – NJ. We also support Boatsie’s Boxes for the military serving overseas, UNICEF, Heifer International and other worthy and charitable causes
The next General Meeting, which is open to area women, will be held on Monday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery, 100 Centerton Drive.
For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, or click here for website.
DENVILLE — Morris County School of Technology teacher, Jennifer Skomial, has been nominated for the 2017-2018 national LifeChanger of the Year award.
