Throughout her career Maria exemplified an abundance of admirable qualities, such as diligence, conscientiousness, and being highly motivated that made her a consummate professional and a mainstay and anchor of the Dunfee faculty. Perhaps most importantly, she exhibited a caring and supportive attitude that endeared her to her students, their parents, and her colleagues. All of these attributes combined allowed her to construct a classroom, year in and year out, in which students met with success, were understood and appreciated for their value and felt special and unique.

Walking into her classroom was always a pleasure, her students were fully engaged and lessons relevant, taught with focus and intensity. Maria was differentiating instruction before there was a book written about it, being sure to provide remediation or enrichment based on her observations or assessments. She never looked at her students for what they didn’t know, but saw each for their potential to learn.

Maria served as a mentor to new teachers, and helped lead so many committees and clubs including; Safety Patrol Advisor, After School Coordinator, PTA Liaison, Curriculum Council, Attendance Committee, Positive Behavior Support, Science Fair, as well volunteered her time to attend so many evening and Saturday events. As Maria made the Dundee school a second home to her for many years she was face and captain and was selected to be a teacher of the year.

She is indeed a very special teacher who was truly concerned for both her students’ academic and emotional welfare. Her students were most fortunate to have such a teacher as Maria in their lives—all of our children should be so lucky. It is an indisputable fact that her spirit in so many ways made the Dunfee school a very special place for all concerned, she made and continues to make a difference in the lives of all who both learned and worked there.

For thirty years Mario not only made sure that the schools were clean and safe he also dedicated himself to students and staff. While Mario was the “custodian” at the Lillian M Dunfee School he was so much more than just that. The hallways and the lunch room were filled with his Italian accent, laughter and genuine smile.

Every kid knew who he was and he knew every kid. Some students would often forgo going right home after school and spend a few minutes or sometimes an hour with Mr. Sammarco either in the custodial office or sometimes helping him with tiny tasks. He was truly another teacher within the school building who the students looked up to and learned from. For so many, the key lesson learned was that it didn’t matter what job you held, but that you held a job and did your best at that job every day. Mario with an attitude that could infect and affect the others around you That was always Mario’s attitude, infectious. There was never a moment that he wasn’t fun to be around, nor was there a time when he said no to staff or student. He was always willing to lend his hand no matter what was needed.

His lunchtime antics were hysterical, and for a few of the students who he had the best relationships with-- he might steal their lunch, their ice cream, or pretend to toss them into the trash. While this probably wouldn’t go over so well today, for so many students it is what made school so great. Dunfee always had a firm feeling of community and togetherness and Mario had a huge stake in those beliefs. He also was quick to “lend” change to anyone who was short for lunch or ice cream—kids genuinely looked forward to lunchtime as they knew Mario would be there, even if they spilled something, dropped their lunch He was always there quickly with a replacement and an assurance not to worry.

Mario is one of those people in education who impacted all and everyone was better for having him around. He was an all-star in all aspects within his capacity and how he served the students and staff here in Barnegat.

Holly Carson taught within Barnegat Schools from 1984 through 2015. She served on several committees, including the Curriculum Council, PTA Liaison, the ROAR committee, attendance, and the morning breakfast committee with Joe Donahue, and an advisor to countless clubs. She spent many summers revising curriculum in most subject areas, as well as, mentored several student teachers and students alike. She was Teacher of the Year in 1995.

Frank Constantine began teaching at the CSCS in 1983, and quickly thrust the music program into the forefront. When ROBMS opened in 1990, he started the music program from the ground up, and it grew every year to what it is today. Frank took our students to numerous county and state competitions where they excelled. He was the backbone behind all the success of the music program in the Barnegat School District. In recognition of all he has done the Tri-M Music Honor Society was named after him.

Cynthia Corle served from 1990 - 2016. She was not only the heart and soul of the ROBMS office, but the entire school. She opened the school in September of 1990 with her trademark smile and never stopped smiling. She was reliable, flexible, organized and devoted to making sure everyone she came in contact with had a positive experience. Cindy developed positive relationships with all parents, administration and colleagues at the Brackman School assisting everyone in any capacity she could.

Louise Muth served as a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher from 1980 to 2005. She has affected the lives of hundreds of students, parents, fellow teachers and administrators by setting the highest possible standards for herself and our profession. She received The Governor’s Award as Teacher of the Year in 1994.

Joseph Papernik from 1974 until 2012 Joe or “Mr. P”, was a Health and Physical Education teacher and longtime soccer coach. Right from the start of his career, he was a favorite teacher and colleague to so many. Later, he went on to become Barnegat High School’s first Track and Field coach laying the foundation for the successful program it is today. One of everyone's most memorable Mr. P lessons was his way of teaching hygiene-- he called it “Dirty Day.” When he retired in 2011 the ROBMS gym was named after him.

Rosalind Ribaudo served from 1985 to 2006 as Assistant Superintendent, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal of the Edwards School, and Supervisor of Basic Skills. The Barnegat High School National Honor Society Chapter is named in her honor. She was an integral part of many of the academic successes the Barnegat School District continues to exhibit.