By Matthew Sockol
Staff Writer
MILLSTONE – Administrators in the Millstone Township K-8 School District have named the district’s support persons of the year.
Support persons are not teachers, but can be any other school district employee whose actions add to the overall performance of the district.
At the Millstone Township Primary School, where pupils in pre-kindergarten through second grade are educated, the Support Person of the Year is Lillian Gellman, a preschool aide who has worked in the school for 11 years.
“Lillian is an exceptional instructional aide,” Principal Trisha Bogusz said. “She consistently supports our students and is the right hand of every teacher shes works with. Classroom teachers are lucky to have her in their room as she anticipates students’ needs and is always dependable. Her smile lights up a room.”
At the Millstone Township Elementary School, where pupils in grades three through five are educated, the Support Person of the Year is Kathy Green, an instructional aide who works directly with students and teachers and has been an employee of the district for 14 years.
“Mrs. Green is a true asset to our building,” Principal Suzanne Guidry said. “She works in the best interest of her students, meeting their varied needs. Mrs. Green is a team player and a dedicated professional. She is always will to do whatever is needed for the betterment of our learning community. It continues to be my pleasure to work with Mrs. Green.”
At the Millstone Township Middle School, where students in grades six through eight are educated, the Support Person of the Year is Karen Waldie, a paraprofessional who works with pupils who have special needs and she has held additional responsibilities during her 17 years in the district.
“Suffice to say, [Waldie] has excelled in any and all roles we have asked her to fill,” Principal Christopher Huss said. “She is an exceptional person who cares for children and always has their best interest in mind. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient for this award.”
Mark Olivier, a district maintenance employee, was recognized as the district’s Support Person of the Year.
“[Olivier] has been fantastic in working on facets of facilities in the district,” Superintendent of Schools Scott Feder said. “A pleasure to work with, attentive and a great all around guy.”
