VTSD recognizes years of service

VERNON — As the 2016-2017 school year winds down, the Vernon Board of Education handed out Service Awards to several educators on Thursday, May 18.
“We are here tonight to honor a number of people who achieved 30-plus years of service to Vernon Township School district,” said BOE president David Zweier.
Zweier remarked that those individuals honored had, “completed significant years of service to our students and our community.”
The first to receive recognition was assistant Superintendent, Dr. Charles McKay.
This was a milestone year for Dr. McKay, who celebrated his 35th year with Vernon schools.
McKay started as an English teacher and coach, before working his way up to be a principal, and eventually assistant superintendent.
“Thirty-five years is a very long time to serve one school district,” DiBenedetto said as he presented the award. “And when I have to do his evaluation, I have to use words like tireless, energetic, and dedicated.”
“He’s an outrageous person to work with,” DiBenedetto said.
McKay graciously accepted his honor, and turned his attention to another individual with 35 years of service to Vernon Schools, Glen Meadow science teacher Beverly Kelly.
“We have to honor someone else who has spent just as much time as I have in the district,” McKay said. “Beverly Kelly is a wonderful science teacher, and a close friend. She’s a star, and a delight to be around.”
Also receiving awards for 30 years of service were Physical Education and Health teacher at Rolling Hills, Kathleen Brodhead, who will be leaving after this year.
High School guidance counselor Patrina Garrity also received a 30-year distinction.
Also present to receive his 30-year award was High School teacher Edward Schneider.
And finally, Head Nurse of the Vernon School District, Renate Gratzl, received her award for 30 years of service.
“This is someone who has been responsible for our children’s well-being for her entire career,” McKay said about Gratzl. “She has spent that time putting her heart out there, and making sure everyone is taken care of.”
Several other educators reached the 25-year mark, and were not present due to the New Jersey Educational Association holding a banquet in their honor on the same evening. According to McKay, they will be honored at the June BOE public meeting.