PTA Presidents Honored for Service

After dedicating much time and energy over the past year to bettering their children's schools, local PTA presidents were honored Thursday night for their efforts.

During the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Margaret Hayes and Board President Trip Whitehouse presented the nine women with gifts and certificates for their service.

"You are each dedicated individuals," Hayes told them. "You make my work as a superintendent so much easier because I know you're someone I can rely on."

Whitehouse noted that the PTA presidents are the perfect role model for the school district's goal for capacity building.

"The collaborative efforts you do, not only within each building, but among each other, only makes us stronger," Whitehouse said.

The following women were honored:

• Lisa Ciarrocca, Brunner Elementary
• Laurie Prusik, Coles School
• Lisa Dunlap, Evergreen Elementary
• Jeanne Cleary, McGinn Elementary
• Marianna Clauson, School 1
• Maggie Savoka, Park Middle School
• Joan Caramico, Terrill Middle School
• Jill Markovitz, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School
• Karyn Steele, PTA Council President

The Scotch Plains-Fanwood PTA, which has been serving the school district for more than 45 years, is responsible for planning a variety of student and school-related activities, including American Education Week, Young People's Theater, Coffee with the Superintendent and Educational Forums.