District News

Having been nominated in the fall and selected in winter, the following five staff members were recently honored at two spring events as either Educator of the Year or Educational Services Professional of the Year: from Bedwell Elementary School, Jess Collins and Lauren Smith; from Bernardsville Middle School, Kristene Tresslar and Jaclyn Pasquarelli; and Heather Hunkele from Bernards High School.

On May 6, 2026, at the Somerville Elks Lodge, an awards ceremony was hosted by the Somerset County Department of Education. After a warm reception and  brunch buffet, opening remarks were made by Interim Executive County Superintendent Roger Jinks. Kiran Masud, the Somerset County Teacher of the Year, delivered a speech, as did County Commissioner Elizabeth Graner. Attending from the Somerset Hills School District, in support of the award recipients, were Dr. Brian Brotschul, Superintendent, Dr. Scott Neigel, BHS Principal, Ms. Lisa Garofalo, BMS Principal, and Mrs. Heather Santoro, Board of Education Vice President. 

Additionally, at the Board of Education Meeting held on May 20, 2026, members of the Board, administrators, and numerous families and community members gathered in the Bernards High School Media Center where the principals each spoke about their incredible honorees.

“All of our honorees are beyond dedicated. On a daily basis they create positive and exciting learning environments where students want to be, and that speaks for itself as a clear marker of success,” said Dr. Brotschul. “They truly share our collective belief in All Means All and we are so fortunate to have them as leaders and role models.”