Toms River Regional's Teachers of the Year Honored

With just about a month to go until the current school year ends, Toms River's Board of Education honored its 2012-13 teachers of the year. 

"What really makes these teachers, and the great majority of our teachers, successful is their ability to make a difference," said Superintendent of Schools Frank Roselli during a Tuesday night presentation.  

Roselli said that the teachers have a "gift" to connect with their students.

"It's not something cognitive, necessarily, but something in their heart," he said. "It's the passion they have for their children and it doesn't matter if they're in first grade or seniors in high school."

Some teachers may chip in their own money to help a student buy lunch, a new coat for the winter or even sneakers.

"These are the kinds of teachers who meet those challenges," Roselli said. "I want all of our teachers to know how much we respect them, how much we support them and how much we sincerely appreciate all that they do."

The teachers of the year for Toms River Regional's 18 schools are:

• Lynn O'leary, Beachwood Elementary
• Christine Leonard, Cedar Grove Elementary
• Kathy Doyle, North Dover Elementary
• David Marowitz, Hooper Avenue Elementary
• Kathleen Butera, Silver Bay Elementary
• Mary Hammill, East Dover Elementary
• Kimberly Finkle, South Toms River Elementary
• Kelly Gorga, West Dover Elementary
• Carolyn J. Demarco, Washington Street Elementary
• Christine Morsch, Intermediate East
• Kyle Banner, Intermediate North
• Lisa Ann Trent, Intermediate South
• Kevin Cohen, High School East
• Theresa A. Corso, Joseph A. Citta Elementary
• Brian Eberhardt, High School North
• Anthony Mark Greco, High School South
• Ann Kelly, Pine Beach Elementary
• Robin Marra, Walnut Street Elementary