NJAHPERD New Jersey Association for Health,

Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Annual Awards Banquet

Ocean Place Resort & Spa

One Ocean Place Long Branch, NJ 07740

February 26, 2017

An evening to honor, to celebrate, and to be thankful!

We extend a warm welcome to all Award Recipients, NJAHPERD members, and guests.

“There are two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit.

Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there.”

Indira Gandhi

2

New Jersey Association for Health,

Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

An Evening of Honor and Pride

February 26, 2017 Ocean Place Resort and Spa

Welcome Christine Baccarella NJAHPERD President

National Anthem Kevin Brady

Welcome George Carmel FlagHouse President

Special Guests and Executive Board Introduction

Christine Baccarella

Invocation Carol Ciotta SHAPE America Eastern District,

Executive Director

Buffet Dinner

SHAPE America Eastern District Awards Recognition & Presidential Citations

Christine Baccarella

NJAHPERD Awards Presentation Carol Lynch NJAHPERD Awards

Chairperson

3

NJAHPERD 2017 Annual Awards

NJAHPERD Leadership 4

Physical Activity Champion Award 5

Lilyan B. Wright Outstanding Future Professional of the Year Award

6-7

NJAHPERD Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award

8

NJAHPERD Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award

9

NJAHPERD High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award

10

NJAHPERD Honor Award 12

SHAPE America Eastern District Award Recipients 17

NJAHPERD Awards Committee

Carol Lynch, Chairperson

Arvin Arjona JoAnn Doherty Kelly Graham Craig Mahler

Colleen McCurry Greg Montgomery

Virginia Smith

4

President

Christine Baccarella

President Elect Laurie Cancalosi

Executive Director Jackie Malaska

Immediate Past President Carol Lynch

Physical Activity Vice President Vacancy

Physical Activity Vice President Elect Vacancy

Physical Education Vice President Colleen McCurry

Physical Education Vice President Elect

Ellie Abdi

Health Vice President Steve Wehrle

Health Vice President Elect Vacancy

Dance Vice President Arvin Arjona

Dance Vice President Elect Barbara Brady

Future Professionals Advisors Staci Andrews

Raz Blau

Future Professionals Representatives Kathryn Barthold

William Paterson University Kayla Frohlich

Montclair State University Chelsea Guttridge

Kean University Marissa Hazel

TCNJ Joshua Hudson Rowan University Stephanie Huff

Monmouth University

Member-At-Large Judith Ruff

Member at Large Elect

Lois Joyce

Member at Large Past Barbara Ann DeCaro

Parliamentarian/ Constitution & By-Laws

Michele Fisher

Advocacy/Public Relations Chair JoAnn Doherty

Awards Chair Carol Lynch

JRFH/HFH Coordinator Michelle Fox

Publications Editor Suzette de Araujo

Lake Conference Chair Gregg Montgomery

LMAS Coordinator Liz Benne

Driver Education Chair Maureen Nussman

Coordinator of Retirees Domenica Desiderioscioli

SHAPE America, Eastern District State Advisory Commision

Grace Kaler Kelly Graham

Technology Committee Chair Justin Schleider

Applied Strategic Planning Chair Peter Rattigan

NJEA Liaison/Program Manager Diane Glover

NJ Department of Education Liaison Brendan O’Reilly

American Heart Liaison Jim Presbrey

Treasurer/Office Manager

Kimberly Boerner

Office Assistant Michelle Delano

NJAHPERD LEADERSHIP

5

Physical Activity Champion Award

John N. Leister Principal

Collins Elementary School Livingston, NJ

John Leister is the principal of Collins Elementary School in Livingston and has served in that role for eight years. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Rutgers University, and the Juilliard School, John taught music in grades 3-12 for eighteen years in the public schools in New Providence and Madison. He also served as the principal of Bee Meadow School in Whippany. While in Livingston, John and the Collins staff have been excited to expand the facilities for outdoor play, to hold Family Health & Fitness nights, to expand indoor recess activities, and to add a Kindness Garden. With both district and parent support, the

gyms have been air conditioned, wireless PA systems have been added, as well as two Gaga pits. Mr. Leister has served on the Livingston Coordinated School Health Committee which brings together community and school resources. John is an active member of his local YMCA and is a vegetarian. He has played percussion in orchestras behind artists ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Sting to Renee Fleming. John is married to Karen, a school nurse, and has three daughters who are studying nutrition, speech pathology, and medical anthropology. John is accepting this award on behalf of his PE teachers and coaches as a student, as a colleague, and as an administrator. He is particularly grateful to Livingston colleagues in Health and PE: Chris Purdue, Stephanie Fox, Matt Schinelli, Andy Krupa, and Superintendent Christina Steffner for their teaching, citizenship, collaboration, and focus on the health of all.

6

Lilyan B. Wright Outstanding Future Professional of the Year

Award

Marissa Hazel The College of New Jersey

Marissa Hazel is a recent graduate of The College of

New Jersey who is eager to contribute to the field of

Health and Physical Education as a new professional.

During her time at TCNJ, she served as a Future

Professional Representative to NJAHPERD (2016-

2017), in addition to being actively involved in TCNJ’s

Health and Exercise Science Club, Kappa Delta Pi

International Honor Society in Education, and Student

New Jersey Education Association (NJSEA). She held

multiple positions during her undergraduate career,

including serving as a research assistant, a student

athletic trainer, a running coach for elementary school

girls, and an assistant varsity lacrosse coach. During the summer, she is a supervisor

for her hometown’s recreation camp and is excited for her third year with the program.

Marissa has assisted in various NJAHPERD Annual Convention presentations and

contributed to the planning of the 2016 Future Professionals Workshop, in addition to

attending the Lake Conference on a generous scholarship for the past two years. In

May 2016, she was given the opportunity to continue this professional growth through a

scholarship to attend SHAPE Eastern District as an Outstanding Future Professional,

an experience that was highly motivating for her. Marissa is currently substitute

teaching in Freehold Regional High School District, where she picks up as many Health

and PE jobs as possible. She is looking forward to contributing to the work of

professionals in the field of health, physical education, recreation, and dance, and is

honored to receive the Lilyan B. Wright Award for Outstanding Future Professional of

the Year.

7

Lilyan B. Wright Outstanding Future Professional of the Year

Award

Kayla Frohlich

Montclair State University

Kayla Frohlich is currently in her senior year at Montclair

State University. She is very active on campus as a

member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, the Kappa

Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and

the Panzer Student Association. She has been on

Dean’s List every semester of her college career and

currently has a 3.991 grade point average.

Kayla has been the recipient of numerous scholarships

due to her academic achievement. Most recently, she

was honored with being chosen to be Montclair State

University’s Future Representative for NJAHPERD.

Outside of Montclair State University, Kayla is a private

tutor and has been a substitute teacher in two districts

for the past year. Also, she was asked to participate in a Comprehensive School

Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) at Bradford Elementary in Montclair, New Jersey to

implement physical activity in classrooms, which was both educational and an honor.

Kayla has had the opportunity to teach elementary school, middle school, and adapted

students as well during her coursework at MSU. Additionally, she is a caregiver and has

been since the age of 13. Kayla is grateful for all of the opportunities she has been

given and cannot wait to continue her journey of becoming a successful Health and

Physical Education educator.

8

Outstanding Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Steve Wehrle

Broad Street Elementary School Gibbstown, NJ

Steve is thrilled and honored to be

selected as this year’s NJAHPERD

Elementary Health and Physical

Education Teacher of the Year. He

has been teaching at Broad Street

Elementary School in Gibbstown,

NJ for the past ten years. His

freshman year of his undergraduate

degree, he vividly remembers falling

in love with teaching the subjects of

Health and Physical Education.

From that point on he has tried to

position himself to be the best teacher he could be, and to advocate for the subjects’

importance. This service and passion have led him to serve and present, and to

advocate for their importance. After graduating Montclair State University, his love of

education and H/PE led him to receive a masters from West Virginia and a doctoral

degree from Rowan University.

His love of physical activity has pushed him to run a comprehensive physical activity

program at his school, that includes a before-school physical activity program,

organized brain energizers, family fitness nights after school, and a Fitness

Ambassador Program. He has formed partnerships with swim clubs, a biking

organization, and a rock gym to encourage all types of physical activity. Steve doesn’t

believe he does anything special, he just does what he would expect from any teacher.

He has been blessed to have amazing mentors and role models in his life, to steer him

into best practices. Each of these blessings he knows comes from God above, and he

is thankful for them, and for placing an amazing and healthy wife (Jenna) and son

(Carter) into his life.

9

Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year Award

Shyella Mayk

Livingston Public School District Livingston, NJ

Shyella Mayk has been a middle school health

and physical education teacher in the

Livingston public school district since

2007. She has also held the position of

adjunct professor in the Exercise Science and

Physical Education Department (ESPE) at

Montclair State University since 2006. Prior to

becoming a teacher, Shyella spent four years

in Tel Aviv, Israel, working in the hi-tech

industry as a technical writer, webmaster, and

graphic designer. During her time in Israel,

Shyella facilitated the change in the women's

softball league from slowpitch to fastpitch and

was a key player in establishing the Women's Israeli National Softball Team. As the

captain and starting pitcher, Shyella competed with the team in various international

tournaments in Europe, South America, and the well-known Maccabiah Games in

Israel. Shyella also demonstrated her appreciation for all aspects of the game by

following in her grandfather's footsteps and becoming an umpire for softball leagues in

the US and Israel.

Concurrent with teaching, Shyella is working on her doctoral dissertation at Teachers

College, Columbia University. She earned her M.A. in Teaching Physical Education

and Health at Montclair State University and was selected to be a graduate assistant in

the ESPE Department. Shyella received an academic and athletic scholarship to

Quinnipiac University, where she earned a B.A. in Mass Communications & Graphic

Design while playing for their Division I softball team. In addition to her passion for

fastpitch softball, Shyella enjoys hiking, skiing, 5K races, indoor rock climbing, silk

painting, sewing and other forms of art and craft. Shyella resides in Livingston, NJ with

her husband, Amit, 3 year old son, Negev, and they are expecting a baby boy in March

2017.

10

Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year Award

David P. Jones, Ph.D.

Livingston High School Livingston, NJ

In 1984, Dave received the Outstanding Physical

Education Student Award at his 8th grade graduation.

He still polishes the trophy and considers PE

experiences as the genesis to a life embedded in the

field. In 1992, Dave earned a BS from TCNJ and

began teaching at Rutherford High School. Here he

introduced Adventure Education and created interactive

health lessons leading to his interest about emotional

intelligence. Later, he joined Livingston’s staff; a story

that includes legendary people such as Dr. Shirley

Fischer, Pam McGroarty, and Andy Krupa.

Livingston nurtured his passions and vision. With friends Marylou Valenzano and

Nancy Ooms, he planned deeper course content, streamlined team planning, and

increased accountability of students through authentic assessments.

Dave served as a BOE member to improve his understanding of educational policy and

process. He became a certified personal trainer with the intent to improve his expertise

in teaching Lifetime Fitness Courses. He volunteers as the LHS Archery Club Advisor.

The club qualified for NASP Nationals in 2016. In September, Dave co-planned a

Paralympics Jump-a-Thon in honor of

Marine, Paralympic athlete, and LHS

alumnus Michael Wishnia.

During his career, Dave co-conducted a

district research project ultimately leading

to his interest in pursuing a Ph.D. After

defending his dissertation at Walden

University in 2013, he published it in the

Library of Congress. In 2016, he

11

completed his clinical internship, earning his principal’s Certificate of Eligibility. As a

NJAHPERD lifetime member, Dave has volunteered on committees and made

presentations. He consults as a curriculum writer and presently serves on the NJDOE

Council for Teaching and Learning.

Dave adores his daughters, Mackenzie

and Rylee. He enjoys playing board

games, outdoor adventures, and talking

shop with his girlfriend, Lisa, who also

teaches HPE.

12

Honor Award

JoAnn Doherty

NJAHPERD Past President/Advocacy Chair Fair Lawn, NJ

JoAnn’s passion is Advocacy – it serves as the fuel for her efforts! JoAnn graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a B.S. in Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance and a minor in Biological Science. She earned a M.A. in Student Personnel Services and a M.A.

plus 32 credits in Administration and Supervision with a Principal Certification from Montclair State University. She loved every minute working with and for her students during her 44 years as a teacher of Physical Education and Family Life at Tenafly Middle School. She celebrated her retirement in 2008. As a 6 year participant at SHAPE America’s Speak Out! Day, on Capitol Hill, JoAnn has represented the advocacy efforts of our profession and our students at the Federal level. As NJAHPERD’s Advocacy Chair, her committee’s work over the last five years has succeeded in having two bills introduced into legislation. At this time, both the Certification Bill (S-2323/A-3964) for K-6 Health and Physical Education teachers and the Recess Bill (S-1144/ A-2469 have passed in the full Senate and are waiting to be heard in the Assembly Education Committee. As NJAHPERD’s representative at the monthly State Board of Education meetings, JoAnn has given oral testimony several times on critical topics affecting the Health and Physical Education profession. She has even led attendees in physical activity breaks during the meetings and many of the Board members know her by name! Recently, she has also given testimony at the NJDOE ESSA Public Listening and Learning Session and is a contributing member of the Stakeholder Focus Group.

13

JoAnn has served on a long list of NJAHPERD Executive Board and Committee positions including President, Retiree Network Coordinator, Operating Codes, By-Laws and Constitution, Ad-Hoc Chair for a Legislative Consultant and Convention Planning, just to name a few. She

was instrumental in involving NJAHPERD members in the Barclays Tickets fore Charity events and is currently the “will call” chair through which NJAHPERD receives a significant charitable donation. She has presented several workshop sessions ranging in topics from advocacy to involving retirees! JoAnn is also a recipient of NJAHPERD’s Distinguished Leadership Award. A lifetime member of many organizations (NEA, NJEA, NJREA, BCREA, and the University of Southern Mississippi) JoAnn has received several awards including the Tenafly Middle School Governor’s Teacher of the Year Award as well as the Tenafly District Teacher of the Year Award. JoAnn has served on several SHAPE America Eastern District positions including proxy for the former Council for Conventions and Council for Services, Registration Chair, Delegate at Large. She also helped to develop advocacy policy. JoAnn is an Emeritus of SHAPE America (AAHPERD 57 years and counting) and an appointed member of the SHAPE America Lifetime Achievement Award Committee. She will be honored in March, as the recipient of the Tilia J. Fantasia Service Award, for making a significant contribution to SHAPE America Eastern District. JoAnn continues to let her voice “ring out” for NJAHPERD, SHAPE America Eastern District and SHAPE America to advance and enhance Exemplary Health Education and Physical Education for all our students and communities regardless of their zip-codes.

14

Presidential Citations

A Presidential Citation is awarded in recognition of distinguished

service for demonstrated commitment, leadership, and continuous

service to the

New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education,

Recreation and Dance.

Suzette de Araujo and

Carol Lynch

15

Lilyan B. Wright Oustanding Future Professional of the Year

2017 NJAHPERD Award Recipients

Honor Award

JoAnn Doherty

NJAHPERD Past President / Advocacy Chair Fair Lawn, NJ

Physical Activity Champion Award

John N. Lesiter Principal, Collins Elementary School

Livingston, NJ

Kayla Frohlich Montclair State University

Marissa Hazel

The College of New Jersey

High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Dr. David Jones

Livingston High School Livingston, NJ

Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Shyella Joy Mayk

Heritage Middle School Livingston, NJ

Dr. Steve Wehrle

Broad Street School Gibbstown, NJ

Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Official Sponsor of NJAHPERD TOY

16

you are the brightest star in the sky tonight

NJAHPERD is proud to congratulate all of tonight’s honorees

and award recipients.

for your continued support

Official Sponsor of NJAHPERD TOYs

Visit FlagHouse.com or call 800-793-7900.

Jonathan DeLiso

Awards Reception Sponsor