Preschool educator Judy Wallen (second from right) is honored was Sewell Elementary’s teacher of the year during the April 13 township school board meeting.
The township school board recognized school staff – educational support professionals (ESPs) and teachers of the 2025-’26 school year – at its meeting on April 13.
Three people from each category and school within the district, Centre City, Sewell and J. Mason Tomlin elementary, were chosen for the honor.
At Sewell Elementary, staff member of the year went to custodian William Schaaf, the ESP award went to speech therapist Desiree Garcia and preschool educator Judy Wallen was named teacher of the year. Sewell principal Katelyn Donocoff introduced Schaaf and Wallen; the district’s director of special services, Stephanie Logan, introduced Garcia.
Both Donocoff and Logan addressed the winners’ hard work.
“Mr. Bill is an invaluable member of our Sewell School community and truly deserving of this recognition,” Donocoff noted of Schaaf. “He consistently goes above and beyond his responsibilities, showing genuine care for both our students and staff each and every day.
“Mr. Bill greets everyone with kindness and a smile and his wonderful sense of humor, which helps set a positive tone throughout our building.”
Winners from Centre City Elementary School were custodian Amberly Morris, for staff member of the year; paraprofessional Katie Cattafi, ESP of the year; and third-grade special education teacher Ally Barber, teacher of the year.
Centre City principal Jennifer Cavalieri addressed the crowd at the meeting.
“What stands out most about Katie is the joy she brings to the school community,” she said of Cattafi. “Her warm smile, kindness and ability to connect with students make her someone that every child gravitates toward and literally makes her a hallway celebrity.”
At Tomlin, staff member of the year is preschool secretary Michelle Kimber, who was absent from the meeting; the ESP award went to counselor Joann Crouthamel; and teacher of the year went to fifth-grade educator Bill Falcone.
Vice principal Sherlon Jackson talked about Crouthamel and school Superintendent Christine Trampe spoke of Falcone.
“Throughout his career,” Trampe said, “Mr. Falcone has consistently demonstrated humility, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the success and wellbeing of every student he serves.”
Each award recipient received flowers and a plaque and was accompanied to the meeting by friends, family and colleagues.
The next Mantua school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, May 4.
