Montclair Celebrates ‘Inspired’ 2025 Weston Award Winners
- Erin Madigan White
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 24
Friends, family, principals, colleagues, students, and members of the Montclair Public Schools community celebrated the 17 winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching on Wednesday, June 18, at the Montclair Public Library.
See gallery of images below
The 16 winning teachers and one counselor – selected from a record number of nominations – were recognized during the ceremony, which was co-hosted by the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE), MPS and the Weston Family.
Montclair High School senior Isabella Kuzyk, who was among those who nominated MHS teacher Anne Baney-Giampoala for a Weston Award, told the selection committee that her teacher starts each class by reading a poem aloud. So to honor Ms. Baney and set the tone for an uplifting evening, Kuzyk read a moving poem.
MFEE Executive Director Masiel Rodriquez-Vars addressed the winning teachers: "Day by day. Year by year. Student by student. You strive to open minds, while allowing your own mind to be opened, too. You help students reach for their potential and discover their purpose, as you rediscover your own. This is what inspired teachers do.”
The program continued with presenters reading excerpts from nomination letters explaining why each winner was deserving of the honor. The audience was moved by the personal stories and heartfelt words of appreciation written by MPS students, caregivers and staff. Presenters included MFEE Board members, selection committee members, and 2024 Weston Award recipients.
Here are a few examples of the accolades shared:
Of Edgemont physical education teacher Gerald Silvera: “Mr. Silvera is a hug, a smile, a mentor, a grandfather, a rock, a cheerleader, and of course a teacher.”
Of Charles H. Bullock fourth grade teacher Kay Whang: “Teachers like Kay Whang don't come along every day, every year. She is unique in her ability to have her students feel loved and pushed in all the right ways.”
Of MHS architecture teacher Gary Rudoren: “Mr. Rudoren fosters a strong connection with his students, creating an environment where they feel encouraged to participate and grow.”
Of Buzz Aldrin Middle School math teacher Dr. Twana Davisson: “Dr. Davisson not only imparts knowledge effectively but also fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment that encourages critical thinking and personal growth.”
The awards, established by Josh and Judy Weston in 1991 to acknowledge and celebrate MPS teachers, were given each year until 2016. The awards returned in 2023 and are administered by MFEE.
“Judy started this program, and I wish she could see it continue,” Josh Weston said. “This program is great because these teachers are great.”
MPS Interim Superintendent Damen G. Cooper attended the ceremony and congratulated all the winners. “These awardees represent the heart of Montclair’s commitment to equity, excellence, and empathy in education,” Cooper said.
And Bridget Placek, co-president of the MFEE Board, shared a closing message for the honorees: “Teachers, I hope that you can walk out of this ceremony knowing that you are seen, you are loved, and what you do is the most important job in the world, even if not everyone in the world knows it…. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
2025 Weston Award Winners:
Anne Baney-Giampoala, Montclair High School
Charles Anderson, Glenfield Middle School
Kevin Barry, Bradford Elementary School
Susan Bartol, Hillside Elementary School
Dr. Twana Davisson, Buzz Aldrin Middle School
Kristine Greenhalgh-Checchetto, Northeast Elementary School
Judith Grodner, Edgemont Montessori Elementary School
Gladys Kiernan, Nishuane Elementary School
Regina Polzella, Nishuane Elementary School
Gary Rudoren, Montclair High School
Gerald Silvera, Edgemont Montessori Elementary School
Christina Sparacino, Watchung Elementary School
Mark Stulbaum, Renaissance Middle School
Kay Whang, Charles H. Bullock Elementary School
Samantha Martinez, Bradford Elementary School
Chanda D. Fields, Montclair High School (Inspired Counseling)
Brittany Kramer, Watchung Elementary School (Peer Award)
Follow MFEE on Facebook and Instagram for "Weston Wednesdays" as we spotlight the winners in the coming weeks, sharing more about the impact these inspired educators are making in Montclair schools.
