By Sam Spero ’19

Science teacher Daniela Colabelli and guidance counselor Lauren Cherny were awarded the West Essex Governor’s Educator of the Year and West Essex Governor’s Education Services Professional of the Year, respectively on Monday, Jan. 15.

Ms. Colabelli has been teaching at West Essex for six years and was ecstatic when she heard the news about this award. She was surprised because this was her first teaching award.

“I didn’t believe that I won,” Ms. Colabelli said. “I thought they were joking when they told me about this.”

Ms. Colabelli is known for making her class fun and for getting her students more interested in science.

Outside of the classroom, she dedicates her time to the National Honor Society and helping the community. From planning intergenerational proms or field trips to cheer up terminally ill children, she is always willing to help. After winning this award, Ms. Colabelli will now apply for the Essex County Teacher of the Year. If she wins, she will then move onto the state category next.

A new award was granted not only to teachers, but also to guidance counselors, nurses and other contributors around the school. Ms. Cherny has been a guidance counselor for seven years at West Essex, focusing on developing a reputation as an approachable person that students can talk to and one who can help solve their problems at school.

“I was so appreciative for such a recognition,” Ms. Cherny said. “I want to thank whomever nominated me and their support and belief in me.”

The staff at West Essex nominates one another for Teacher of the Year in an anonymous poll. In addition to the two winners, over fifteen nominees were honored at the luncheon on Jan. 15.

Ms. Cherny and Ms. Colabelli received an apple shaped crystal plaque, a certificate, flowers and a West Essex blanket.

“We all work so hard,” Ms. Cherny said. “We all deserve this.”