West Orange Students, Staff Earn Kudos From District: Amistad, Chinese Culture, Soccer, PSAT, Coats, Chess

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Several West Orange teachers and students were commended for notching impressive accomplishments at the board of education’s latest meeting.

The school board offered congratulations to the high-achievers during Superintendent Hayden Moore’s report at the Dec. 15 meeting.

According to district administrators, those recognized included:

New Jersey State Amistad Commission – Redwood Elementary School Teacher Joy Burnett (see photo above)

Patrick Lamy, Executive Director of the NJ Amistad Commission, recognized second grade Redwood Elementary School teacher Joy Burnett as the recipient of the 2025 New Jersey Amistad Commission Exemplary Teacher Award. The Amistad award is given to educators who meaningfully integrate African American history and culture into their curriculum.

In 2023, Redwood Elementary School Kindergarten teacher Miriam Kargbo-Jackson received the inaugural Amistad award. A $2,500 is given to the district as well.

New Jersey Chinese Teacher’s Association

World Languages/ESL Supervisor Felix Plata and West Orange High School senior Chloe Chong received the New Jersey Chinese Teacher’s Association (NJCTA) Supervisor Partnership Award and Youth Leadership Award, respectively.

Plata was also recently honored by the New Jersey State Assembly during Hispanic Heritage Month for 25 years of service to multilingual learners, equity, and community leadership.

Chloe (WOHS Class of 2026) is President of the Chinese Club and National Honor Society.

In congratulating Chong, Plata noted, “NJCTA’s mission is to promote and recognize the study, teaching, and appreciation of Chinese language and culture across all educational levels in New Jersey.

And in that same vein, the mission of the World Languages program is to develop globally competent, multilingual, and culturally responsive citizens who have the understanding and necessary skills to positively impact our world now and in the future.

Chloe continues to demonstrate her leadership and success on both counts during her time here at the High School and her receipt of this award where she was selected over students from all over NJ is another indicator of that fact.”

West Orange Boys Soccer Team – State Championship

The West Orange High School Boys Soccer team was honored for its incredible 24-2 season, capping it off with a state championship.

Perfect PSAT Score – Theodore Wickham

Junior Teddy Wickham accomplished the feat of achieving a perfect PSAT score (1520) by scoring 760 in Math and 760 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW). This places Wickham in the 99th percentile or higher nationally and will qualify Wickham for a National Merit Scholarship.

Coat Drive by Board of Education and Township Council Candidates

During local elections, BOE candidate Susan Palmucci challenged candidates to run a coat drive for needy township families. Board of Education and Town Council candidates collected new and gently used coats. Every candidate was a winner thanks to their shared commitment of supporting the Township and community.

WOHS Chess Team - State Championship

Twelve members of the WOHS Chess Club competed in the NJ K–12 State Scholastic Tournament, and for the first time in school history, the senior group brought home the state championship, defeating powerhouse teams from Princeton Prep and Livingston. Seniors Sadiq Sekou, David Milstein, Zander Venutolo, and David Dedy also delivered standout performances, placing 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th individually. The team now sets its sights on the High School Nationals in Chicago this March.

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