Karen Vick was one of two board members recognized during a Dec. 9 meeting, her last. The board also honored students who were named Stars of Character for November.
The township board of education recognized two members who will step down at the end of the year, as well as Stars of Character students for November, during its Dec. 9 meeting at Centre City School.
The board’s Karen Vick and Emily Pederson were cited for their service. Vick is finishing a one-year term, but has served on the school board for several years. She also served on the Clearview Regional board. Mantua board president Lori Kroeger gifted Vick with flowers.
“Karen has done a lot of work with NJSBA, the New Jersey School Board Association, and for our district,” said Kroeger. “Karen, we are so grateful for your service, for your dedication to the kids, their parents, to the faculty and staff, the administration and the people of Mantua.”
Pederson is the board’s current vice president and first became a member in January 2019. She was awarded a plaque for her services to the board and community.
“With sincere appreciation for your years of dedication and productive service to the students, staff and community as a member of the Mantua Township Board of Education,” Kroeger read from the plaque. “Emily has advocated, tirelessly, for inclusion in our district. We thank you for that, representing all of the kids.”
Superintendent Christine Trampe then introduced the Stars of Character students, whose parents chose not to release their names. The students were picked by teachers based on how they showcase a character trait. This month’s trait was humility, one of many that adorn the walls of Centre City’s gym.
Nine students were stars: two from preschool, one from Sewell Elementary and one from J. Mason Tomlin’s Evergreen program. One student each was chosen from kindergarten to sixth grade.
“Not only is she always prepared and one step ahead,” Trampe said of one student, “she does whatever she can to make sure her peers are as well. She is always extremely aware of those around her, and she is always the first to help whenever needed. She never oversteps her boundaries and has an amazing sense of timing and understanding.
“Even if a mistake is made, she learns from it and makes sure others do as well.”
