Superintendent Janine Walker Caffrey with the Teachers of the Year. *Photo by Joseph L. Kuchie

By Joseph L. Kuchie—

PERTH AMBOY — The Perth Amboy Board of Education honored the 2012-2013 Teachers of the Year last Thursday at Perth Amboy High School.

12 teachers including New Jersey Teacher of the Year Lauren Marrocco were honored in front of family, friends, colleagues, and students during Thursday’s board meeting. Superintendent Janine Caffrey read biographies of each teacher and presented them with a gift and their award.

Marrocco, a ten-year teacher, was named the Perth Amboy school district’s Teacher of the Year, the Middlesex County Teacher of the Year, and the New Jersey Teacher of the Year. She received a standing ovation from the audience as she came up to say a few words.

“There is something about being home in Perth Amboy with my family that makes this so meaningful. I am so lucky to be the mirror that gets to reflect all the amazing educators that work in this district,” Marrocco said. “I am so blessed to have learned from and worked with the best of the best. Although my ambition has helped me get to where I am, it is because of the people that I have worked within in the district that helped me grow as an educator.”

Here is the list of all the recipients of the 2012-2013 Teachers of the Year awards. The Amboy Guardian congratulates all the winners for their hard work this school year.

Ms. Lauren Marrocco, Edward Patten School, Ms. Eva Kucaba, Samuel E. Schull School

Mr. Rolando Rosa, James Flynn School, Ms. Nayda Alvarez, Herbert Richardson School, Ms. Carla Ditrolio, William C. McGinnis School

Mr. Isai Acevdo, Perth Amboy High School, Ms. Michelle McEnerney, Igancio Cruz Early Childhood Center, Ms. Lauren Jaenchen, School Seven

Ms. Ivonne Lorenzo, Edmund Hmieleski Jr E.C.C. ,Mr. Jose F. Lugo-Velez, Adult Education Center, Ms. Mariela Freay, Robert N. Wientz School, Ms. Victoria Pullaro, Anthony V. Ceres School.