NJAHPERD New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Annual Awards Banquet Ocean Place Resort & Spa One Ocean Place Long Branch, NJ 07740 February 26, 2017
NJAHPERD New Jersey Association for Health,
Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
Annual Awards Banquet
Ocean Place Resort & Spa
One Ocean Place Long Branch, NJ 07740
February 26, 2017
An evening to honor, to celebrate, and to be thankful!
We extend a warm welcome to all Award Recipients, NJAHPERD members, and guests.
“There are two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit.
Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there.”
Indira Gandhi
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New Jersey Association for Health,
Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
An Evening of Honor and Pride
February 26, 2017 Ocean Place Resort and Spa
Welcome Christine Baccarella NJAHPERD President
National Anthem Kevin Brady
Welcome George Carmel FlagHouse President
Special Guests and Executive Board Introduction
Christine Baccarella
Invocation Carol Ciotta SHAPE America Eastern District,
Executive Director
Buffet Dinner
SHAPE America Eastern District Awards Recognition & Presidential Citations
Christine Baccarella
NJAHPERD Awards Presentation Carol Lynch NJAHPERD Awards
Chairperson
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NJAHPERD 2017 Annual Awards
NJAHPERD Leadership 4
Physical Activity Champion Award 5
Lilyan B. Wright Outstanding Future Professional of the Year Award
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NJAHPERD Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award
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NJAHPERD Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award
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NJAHPERD High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award
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NJAHPERD Honor Award 12
SHAPE America Eastern District Award Recipients 17
NJAHPERD Awards Committee
Carol Lynch, Chairperson
Arvin Arjona JoAnn Doherty Kelly Graham Craig Mahler
Colleen McCurry Greg Montgomery
Virginia Smith
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President
Christine Baccarella
President Elect Laurie Cancalosi
Executive Director Jackie Malaska
Immediate Past President Carol Lynch
Physical Activity Vice President Vacancy
Physical Activity Vice President Elect Vacancy
Physical Education Vice President Colleen McCurry
Physical Education Vice President Elect
Ellie Abdi
Health Vice President Steve Wehrle
Health Vice President Elect Vacancy
Dance Vice President Arvin Arjona
Dance Vice President Elect Barbara Brady
Future Professionals Advisors Staci Andrews
Raz Blau
Future Professionals Representatives Kathryn Barthold
William Paterson University Kayla Frohlich
Montclair State University Chelsea Guttridge
Kean University Marissa Hazel
TCNJ Joshua Hudson Rowan University Stephanie Huff
Monmouth University
Member-At-Large Judith Ruff
Member at Large Elect
Lois Joyce
Member at Large Past Barbara Ann DeCaro
Parliamentarian/ Constitution & By-Laws
Michele Fisher
Advocacy/Public Relations Chair JoAnn Doherty
Awards Chair Carol Lynch
JRFH/HFH Coordinator Michelle Fox
Publications Editor Suzette de Araujo
Lake Conference Chair Gregg Montgomery
LMAS Coordinator Liz Benne
Driver Education Chair Maureen Nussman
Coordinator of Retirees Domenica Desiderioscioli
SHAPE America, Eastern District State Advisory Commision
Grace Kaler Kelly Graham
Technology Committee Chair Justin Schleider
Applied Strategic Planning Chair Peter Rattigan
NJEA Liaison/Program Manager Diane Glover
NJ Department of Education Liaison Brendan O’Reilly
American Heart Liaison Jim Presbrey
Treasurer/Office Manager
Kimberly Boerner
Office Assistant Michelle Delano
NJAHPERD LEADERSHIP
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Physical Activity Champion Award
John N. Leister Principal
Collins Elementary School Livingston, NJ
John Leister is the principal of Collins Elementary School in Livingston and has served in that role for eight years. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Rutgers University, and the Juilliard School, John taught music in grades 3-12 for eighteen years in the public schools in New Providence and Madison. He also served as the principal of Bee Meadow School in Whippany. While in Livingston, John and the Collins staff have been excited to expand the facilities for outdoor play, to hold Family Health & Fitness nights, to expand indoor recess activities, and to add a Kindness Garden. With both district and parent support, the
gyms have been air conditioned, wireless PA systems have been added, as well as two Gaga pits. Mr. Leister has served on the Livingston Coordinated School Health Committee which brings together community and school resources. John is an active member of his local YMCA and is a vegetarian. He has played percussion in orchestras behind artists ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Sting to Renee Fleming. John is married to Karen, a school nurse, and has three daughters who are studying nutrition, speech pathology, and medical anthropology. John is accepting this award on behalf of his PE teachers and coaches as a student, as a colleague, and as an administrator. He is particularly grateful to Livingston colleagues in Health and PE: Chris Purdue, Stephanie Fox, Matt Schinelli, Andy Krupa, and Superintendent Christina Steffner for their teaching, citizenship, collaboration, and focus on the health of all.
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Lilyan B. Wright Outstanding Future Professional of the Year
Award
Marissa Hazel The College of New Jersey
Marissa Hazel is a recent graduate of The College of
New Jersey who is eager to contribute to the field of
Health and Physical Education as a new professional.
During her time at TCNJ, she served as a Future
Professional Representative to NJAHPERD (2016-
2017), in addition to being actively involved in TCNJ’s
Health and Exercise Science Club, Kappa Delta Pi
International Honor Society in Education, and Student
New Jersey Education Association (NJSEA). She held
multiple positions during her undergraduate career,
including serving as a research assistant, a student
athletic trainer, a running coach for elementary school
girls, and an assistant varsity lacrosse coach. During the summer, she is a supervisor
for her hometown’s recreation camp and is excited for her third year with the program.
Marissa has assisted in various NJAHPERD Annual Convention presentations and
contributed to the planning of the 2016 Future Professionals Workshop, in addition to
attending the Lake Conference on a generous scholarship for the past two years. In
May 2016, she was given the opportunity to continue this professional growth through a
scholarship to attend SHAPE Eastern District as an Outstanding Future Professional,
an experience that was highly motivating for her. Marissa is currently substitute
teaching in Freehold Regional High School District, where she picks up as many Health
and PE jobs as possible. She is looking forward to contributing to the work of
professionals in the field of health, physical education, recreation, and dance, and is
honored to receive the Lilyan B. Wright Award for Outstanding Future Professional of
the Year.
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Lilyan B. Wright Outstanding Future Professional of the Year
Award
Kayla Frohlich
Montclair State University
Kayla Frohlich is currently in her senior year at Montclair
State University. She is very active on campus as a
member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, the Kappa
Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and
the Panzer Student Association. She has been on
Dean’s List every semester of her college career and
currently has a 3.991 grade point average.
Kayla has been the recipient of numerous scholarships
due to her academic achievement. Most recently, she
was honored with being chosen to be Montclair State
University’s Future Representative for NJAHPERD.
Outside of Montclair State University, Kayla is a private
tutor and has been a substitute teacher in two districts
for the past year. Also, she was asked to participate in a Comprehensive School
Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) at Bradford Elementary in Montclair, New Jersey to
implement physical activity in classrooms, which was both educational and an honor.
Kayla has had the opportunity to teach elementary school, middle school, and adapted
students as well during her coursework at MSU. Additionally, she is a caregiver and has
been since the age of 13. Kayla is grateful for all of the opportunities she has been
given and cannot wait to continue her journey of becoming a successful Health and
Physical Education educator.
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Outstanding Elementary School Teacher of the Year
Steve Wehrle
Broad Street Elementary School Gibbstown, NJ
Steve is thrilled and honored to be
selected as this year’s NJAHPERD
Elementary Health and Physical
Education Teacher of the Year. He
has been teaching at Broad Street
Elementary School in Gibbstown,
NJ for the past ten years. His
freshman year of his undergraduate
degree, he vividly remembers falling
in love with teaching the subjects of
Health and Physical Education.
From that point on he has tried to
position himself to be the best teacher he could be, and to advocate for the subjects’
importance. This service and passion have led him to serve and present, and to
advocate for their importance. After graduating Montclair State University, his love of
education and H/PE led him to receive a masters from West Virginia and a doctoral
degree from Rowan University.
His love of physical activity has pushed him to run a comprehensive physical activity
program at his school, that includes a before-school physical activity program,
organized brain energizers, family fitness nights after school, and a Fitness
Ambassador Program. He has formed partnerships with swim clubs, a biking
organization, and a rock gym to encourage all types of physical activity. Steve doesn’t
believe he does anything special, he just does what he would expect from any teacher.
He has been blessed to have amazing mentors and role models in his life, to steer him
into best practices. Each of these blessings he knows comes from God above, and he
is thankful for them, and for placing an amazing and healthy wife (Jenna) and son
(Carter) into his life.
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Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year Award
Shyella Mayk
Livingston Public School District Livingston, NJ
Shyella Mayk has been a middle school health
and physical education teacher in the
Livingston public school district since
2007. She has also held the position of
adjunct professor in the Exercise Science and
Physical Education Department (ESPE) at
Montclair State University since 2006. Prior to
becoming a teacher, Shyella spent four years
in Tel Aviv, Israel, working in the hi-tech
industry as a technical writer, webmaster, and
graphic designer. During her time in Israel,
Shyella facilitated the change in the women's
softball league from slowpitch to fastpitch and
was a key player in establishing the Women's Israeli National Softball Team. As the
captain and starting pitcher, Shyella competed with the team in various international
tournaments in Europe, South America, and the well-known Maccabiah Games in
Israel. Shyella also demonstrated her appreciation for all aspects of the game by
following in her grandfather's footsteps and becoming an umpire for softball leagues in
the US and Israel.
Concurrent with teaching, Shyella is working on her doctoral dissertation at Teachers
College, Columbia University. She earned her M.A. in Teaching Physical Education
and Health at Montclair State University and was selected to be a graduate assistant in
the ESPE Department. Shyella received an academic and athletic scholarship to
Quinnipiac University, where she earned a B.A. in Mass Communications & Graphic
Design while playing for their Division I softball team. In addition to her passion for
fastpitch softball, Shyella enjoys hiking, skiing, 5K races, indoor rock climbing, silk
painting, sewing and other forms of art and craft. Shyella resides in Livingston, NJ with
her husband, Amit, 3 year old son, Negev, and they are expecting a baby boy in March
2017.
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Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year Award
David P. Jones, Ph.D.
Livingston High School Livingston, NJ
In 1984, Dave received the Outstanding Physical
Education Student Award at his 8th grade graduation.
He still polishes the trophy and considers PE
experiences as the genesis to a life embedded in the
field. In 1992, Dave earned a BS from TCNJ and
began teaching at Rutherford High School. Here he
introduced Adventure Education and created interactive
health lessons leading to his interest about emotional
intelligence. Later, he joined Livingston’s staff; a story
that includes legendary people such as Dr. Shirley
Fischer, Pam McGroarty, and Andy Krupa.
Livingston nurtured his passions and vision. With friends Marylou Valenzano and
Nancy Ooms, he planned deeper course content, streamlined team planning, and
increased accountability of students through authentic assessments.
Dave served as a BOE member to improve his understanding of educational policy and
process. He became a certified personal trainer with the intent to improve his expertise
in teaching Lifetime Fitness Courses. He volunteers as the LHS Archery Club Advisor.
The club qualified for NASP Nationals in 2016. In September, Dave co-planned a
Paralympics Jump-a-Thon in honor of
Marine, Paralympic athlete, and LHS
alumnus Michael Wishnia.
During his career, Dave co-conducted a
district research project ultimately leading
to his interest in pursuing a Ph.D. After
defending his dissertation at Walden
University in 2013, he published it in the
Library of Congress. In 2016, he
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completed his clinical internship, earning his principal’s Certificate of Eligibility. As a
NJAHPERD lifetime member, Dave has volunteered on committees and made
presentations. He consults as a curriculum writer and presently serves on the NJDOE
Council for Teaching and Learning.
Dave adores his daughters, Mackenzie
and Rylee. He enjoys playing board
games, outdoor adventures, and talking
shop with his girlfriend, Lisa, who also
teaches HPE.
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Honor Award
JoAnn Doherty
NJAHPERD Past President/Advocacy Chair Fair Lawn, NJ
JoAnn’s passion is Advocacy – it serves as the fuel for her efforts! JoAnn graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a B.S. in Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance and a minor in Biological Science. She earned a M.A. in Student Personnel Services and a M.A.
plus 32 credits in Administration and Supervision with a Principal Certification from Montclair State University. She loved every minute working with and for her students during her 44 years as a teacher of Physical Education and Family Life at Tenafly Middle School. She celebrated her retirement in 2008. As a 6 year participant at SHAPE America’s Speak Out! Day, on Capitol Hill, JoAnn has represented the advocacy efforts of our profession and our students at the Federal level. As NJAHPERD’s Advocacy Chair, her committee’s work over the last five years has succeeded in having two bills introduced into legislation. At this time, both the Certification Bill (S-2323/A-3964) for K-6 Health and Physical Education teachers and the Recess Bill (S-1144/ A-2469 have passed in the full Senate and are waiting to be heard in the Assembly Education Committee. As NJAHPERD’s representative at the monthly State Board of Education meetings, JoAnn has given oral testimony several times on critical topics affecting the Health and Physical Education profession. She has even led attendees in physical activity breaks during the meetings and many of the Board members know her by name! Recently, she has also given testimony at the NJDOE ESSA Public Listening and Learning Session and is a contributing member of the Stakeholder Focus Group.
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JoAnn has served on a long list of NJAHPERD Executive Board and Committee positions including President, Retiree Network Coordinator, Operating Codes, By-Laws and Constitution, Ad-Hoc Chair for a Legislative Consultant and Convention Planning, just to name a few. She
was instrumental in involving NJAHPERD members in the Barclays Tickets fore Charity events and is currently the “will call” chair through which NJAHPERD receives a significant charitable donation. She has presented several workshop sessions ranging in topics from advocacy to involving retirees! JoAnn is also a recipient of NJAHPERD’s Distinguished Leadership Award. A lifetime member of many organizations (NEA, NJEA, NJREA, BCREA, and the University of Southern Mississippi) JoAnn has received several awards including the Tenafly Middle School Governor’s Teacher of the Year Award as well as the Tenafly District Teacher of the Year Award. JoAnn has served on several SHAPE America Eastern District positions including proxy for the former Council for Conventions and Council for Services, Registration Chair, Delegate at Large. She also helped to develop advocacy policy. JoAnn is an Emeritus of SHAPE America (AAHPERD 57 years and counting) and an appointed member of the SHAPE America Lifetime Achievement Award Committee. She will be honored in March, as the recipient of the Tilia J. Fantasia Service Award, for making a significant contribution to SHAPE America Eastern District. JoAnn continues to let her voice “ring out” for NJAHPERD, SHAPE America Eastern District and SHAPE America to advance and enhance Exemplary Health Education and Physical Education for all our students and communities regardless of their zip-codes.
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Presidential Citations
A Presidential Citation is awarded in recognition of distinguished
service for demonstrated commitment, leadership, and continuous
service to the
New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education,
Recreation and Dance.
Suzette de Araujo and
Carol Lynch
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Lilyan B. Wright Oustanding Future Professional of the Year
2017 NJAHPERD Award Recipients
Honor Award
JoAnn Doherty
NJAHPERD Past President / Advocacy Chair Fair Lawn, NJ
Physical Activity Champion Award
John N. Lesiter Principal, Collins Elementary School
Livingston, NJ
Kayla Frohlich Montclair State University
Marissa Hazel
The College of New Jersey
High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
Dr. David Jones
Livingston High School Livingston, NJ
Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
Shyella Joy Mayk
Heritage Middle School Livingston, NJ
Dr. Steve Wehrle
Broad Street School Gibbstown, NJ
Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
Official Sponsor of NJAHPERD TOY
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you are the brightest star in the sky tonight
NJAHPERD is proud to congratulate all of tonight’s honorees
and award recipients.
for your continued support
Official Sponsor of NJAHPERD TOYs
Visit FlagHouse.com or call 800-793-7900.
Jonathan DeLiso
Awards Reception Sponsor