MANCHESTER – It may have been postponed from its usual spring ceremony but a township high school teacher who won both local and county accolades got to enjoy her awards recently.
During a Board of Education meeting held at the Manchester Township High School, High School Principal Dennis Adams presented the high school teacher of the year and service specialist of the year.
The first honor went to Lucia “Lucy” Giavatto-DiLeo as high school teacher of the year and the Ocean County teacher of the year. “Both are indicative of how much passion and commitment Lucy dedicates to her teaching profession,” Adams said.
Superintendent David Trethaway provided some biographical information on DiLeo noting she has been a World Language Teacher at Manchester Township High School for more than two decades. She was born and raised in New Jersey, and is an ELL (English Language Learner) in kindergarten. She taught English to her Italian parents and translated for them at a young age.
DiLeo attended high school in the region of Sicily, Italy, where she learned French as a mandatory language in addition to Italian. Upon returning to New Jersey, she received her Associates in Art at Ocean County College in 1992 and two Bachelors in Art: one at Georgian Court University (1996) and one at Thomas State University (1997). She is certified to teach French and Spanish and also has a minor in Italian. She has been teaching honors classes and AP Spanish Language and Culture since 2013.
She has also worked with ESL families teaching religious education classes at Saint Joseph’s Church (2008-2016). She was recently interviewed on the Telemundo cable TV channel about her methods of teaching virtually during the pandemic.
Adams said it was “commonplace for Lucy to go above and beyond for her students to translate her wealth of knowledge and experience with her students. She has been teaching in Manchester Township for 24 years and she continues to be a shining light for our school.”
He also noted that she had served as foreign language advisor, cultural awareness advisor and as a translator for English as a Second Language (ESL) students and was one of the district’s dual enrollment professors.
“The list can go on and on and on. She is consistently in pursuit of excellence and student achievement. She thrives on helping reach each student’s potential in making Manchester the very best it can be,” Adams said.
Adams commended her for her outstanding rapport with students and said alumni of the high school frequently mention her as highpoint of their high school days. “That shows she had an impact on many students with positive memories.”
“As a teacher that is the ultimate compliment to know your character and the life lessons you have taught have had a lasting imprint on the lives of your students,” Adams said.
DiLeo thanked the Board members and administrators present. “Looking at the kids eyes light up as they are traveling the world through Google maps is phenomenal and it is all happening in one little classroom in Manchester Township. We have a lot of students that come from around the world here. I have always loved teaching here and I tell my students believe in yourself and embrace people from all different cultures and all different languages.”
This year’s educational service professional is Christine Grille also of Manchester Township High School. “Christine is involved in many student events that support our student body. She is well known for her work ethic and her patience in working with students.”
“I want to thank everyone for the recognition of being the ESP of the year and I appreciate it,” Grille said.
It was noted by Board of Education President Ken Pate that the start of the school year has been challenging. “I want to thank all the teachers, administrators and all our staff. It has been challenging for parents as well. Thanks everybody for making it work.”
He added, “we are learning as we go. I hope we can get back to normal, whatever our normal is.”
