Westfield Optimist Club Recognizes Intermediate School Educators for Excellence

WESTFIELD, NJ — Edison Intermediate School language arts teacher Jessica Mikovits and Roosevelt Intermediate School mathematics teacher Linda Morrison have been recognized as outstanding intermediate school educators by the Optimist Club of Westfield, the school district has announced.The Optimist Club is a not-for-profit service organization that supports youth and the community. Each year it presents an award to two Westfield intermediate school educators — one each from Edison and Roosevelt. The Intermediate School Outstanding Teacher Award was established in 1998 by the Optimist Club to give deserving credit to intermediate school teachers. Colleagues describe Mikovits as “exceptionally organized, thoughtful and incredibly collaborative,” the district said. “Her lessons are thoughtful, engaging and purposeful, and the materials she creates, from polished worksheets to carefully designed presentations, reflect both professionalism and a commitment to student learning,” a colleague nominator wrote. “Her classroom strikes the perfect balance between structure and warmth.”Mikovits is a Westfield native.“Growing up in Westfield, I was shaped by the very educators I now have the privilege of teaching alongside individuals who played a meaningful role in inspiring my decision to become a teacher,” she said in a statement. “That full-circle journey makes this honor especially meaningful to me. I am deeply grateful to the Optimist Club of Westfield and the Westfield Public Schools community for this incredible honor.”Morrison has been teaching for 30 years, 29 of those at Roosevelt. She was described by a student nominator as “a great leader because she never lets us give up,” the district said. “She always has a positive attitude, even on Monday mornings!” one student wrote. “She doesn’t just teach us numbers and decimals; she teaches us how to stay optimistic when things get tough. Because of Mrs. Morrison, I’m not afraid of math anymore. She is a leader who truly cares about her students and always looks on the bright side.”“I am deeply grateful for this recognition. It has been a true privilege teaching in the Westfield School District where I have been fortunate to work alongside extraordinary colleagues who inspire me every day with their dedication, creativity, and commitment to our students,” Morrison said in a statement. “I thank my students and their families, past and present, for the countless moments that have made this journey so meaningful. You are the reason I love coming to work each day,” she added.In a statement,Superintendent Dr. Raymond González thanked the Optimist Club for its enduring commitment to recognizing educators who play a vital role in shaping students during their formative years. “On behalf of the Board of Education and the entire school community, I offer sincere congratulations to Ms. Mikovits and Mrs. Morrison for this well-deserved honor,” he said.Mikovits and Morrison will be honored at the Board of Education meeting on May 12 and at an Optimist Club dinner on Sept. 9.The selection committee consisted of Optimist Club members Maria Fuentes, Marty Gulino, Gene Jannotti and Victor Mankoski, along with Edison Principal LaNova Schall and Roosevelt Principal Brian Gechtman.