Danbury, CT|News|
Danbury Schools Name 2026 Teacher, Paraeducator Of The Year
The two longtime educators were recognized Tuesday by district officials.
Hayleigh Evans, Patch Staff
Community Leaders
Meet the people making a difference in your local community.
Bernardsville-Bedminster, NJ|News|
Bernardsville Lacrosse Coach, Educator Of The Year Named Somerset Hills Athletics Supervisor
Jessica McGinn compiled 200+ wins and 3 state sectional titles during 14 years of coaching BHS girls lacrosse.
Sarah Salvadore, Patch Staff
Homer Glen-Lockport, IL|Sponsored|
Lockport Special Education Teacher Helps Students Get Back On Track
From a brand partner: Bryan Murray is recognized for helping students learn from mistakes, stay accountable and achieve their goals.
Cinnaminson, NJ|Sponsored|
Palmyra Educator Makes Lasting Impact On Students, Families
From a brand partner: Colleague Allison says Erica H. Campbell supports the “whole child” by bringing families and communities together.
Concord, CA|News|
Concord Officers Carry 'Flame Of Hope'
Police officers and city staff escorted the Special Olympics Flame of Hope before handing off the torch.
Angela Woodall, Patch Staff
Walnut Creek, CA|News|
Walnut Creek Officers Carry 'Flame Of Hope' Through Downtown
Police officers and city staff escorted the Special Olympics Flame of Hope through Walnut Creek before handing the torch to Danville.
Angela Woodall, Patch Staff
Woburn, MA|News|
Hundreds Of 'Kindness Kits' Go Out From Woburn To Children In Need: Report
The local organization, which assists children who are ill or homeless, got some much-needed help from an auto-glass installer.
William Hall, Patch Staff
Freehold, NJ|Sponsored|
Freehold Teacher Angello Villarreal Praised For Seeing Students’ Potential
From a brand partner: Known to students as “Profe,” Mr. Villarreal is recognized for his caring, student-centered approach.
Radnor, PA|Sponsored|
Upper Merion Teacher Helps Students Grow With Respect, Understanding
From a brand partner: Jake Vogel is known for supporting students with compassion, guidance and judgment-free encouragement.
Lake Forest-Lake Bluff, IL|Sponsored|
Lake Bluff Teacher Praised For Building Character, Confidence In Students
From a brand partner: Ekaterina Jorgensen’s teaching style encourages students to grow academically and personally.
Fairfax, VA|Sponsored|
Fairfax Public Speaking Teacher Makes Lasting Impact On Student Confidence
From a brand partner: Sumedha Bahri helped one student become more comfortable speaking in front of classmates.
Monroe, CT|Sponsored|
Monroe Educator Helps District Navigate New Literacy Resources
From a brand partner: Marlo Verrastro-Ruggiero helped lead the rollout of new reading and writing resources across the district.
Manchester, CT|News|
MHS Boys Hoop Coach Picks Up Major Coach Of The Year Hardware
John Reiser received a serious recognition from a major organization.
Chris Dehnel, Patch Staff
Plainfield, IL|Sponsored|
Plainfield Educator Helps Students Succeed Inside And Outside Classroom
From a brand partner: Parent Barbara says Rebecca Scott’s enthusiasm for science and commitment to students have made a difference.
Minneapolis, MN|Sponsored|
Minneapolis Teacher Helps Students Build Professionalism Through Performing Arts
From a brand partner: Colleague Tory Peterson says Kevin Werner Hohlstein goes above and beyond for students and school events.
Hopatcong-Sparta, NJ|Sponsored|
Green Township Special Ed Teacher Helps Students Thrive Beyond Classroom
From a brand partner: Parent Karen Schuessler says Jenna Kelly has helped students gain confidence, life skills and new experiences.
Orange County, CA|Sponsored|
Fullerton College Coach Dillon Brown Praised For Impact On Students
From a brand partner: A Santa Ana grandmother says the longtime pitching coach leads with fairness, consistency and care for young athletes.
Shrewsbury, MA|News|
Shrewsbury Police Honor Lifesaving Efforts, Years Of Service At Awards Ceremony
The Shrewsbury Police Department used its third annual Awards Night to recognize those whose work stood out over the past year.
Jessie Castellano, Patch Staff
Cheshire, CT|Sponsored|
Cheshire Teacher Helps Students Reach New Goals With Confidence
From a brand partner: Gina Ferry is known for bringing compassion, encouragement and joy to her students every day.
Fairfield, CT|Sponsored|
Fairfield Basketball Coach Recognized For 35 Years Of Mentorship
From a brand partner: Dave Danko has helped generations of girls pursue basketball and college opportunities.
Murrieta, CA|Sponsored|
Murrieta PE Teacher Recognized For Going Beyond Physical Education
From a brand partner: Scott Marcus inspires students to build confidence, perseverance and pride in themselves.
Manhattan, IL|Sponsored|
Manhattan PE Teacher Praised For Supporting Students Beyond The Classroom
From a brand partner: Carrie Book is known for supporting and encouraging Wilson Creek students every day.
Manhattan, IL|Sponsored|
Manhattan Mom, Educator Praised As ‘Guiding Light’ For Students
From a brand partner: Nicole Perino has spent nearly 20 years supporting students in and beyond the classroom.
Smithtown, NY|Neighbor News|
VIDEO: Smithtown Firefighters Give Student Unforgettable Ride To School
A Mt. Pleasant Elementary School student arrived at Field Day aboard a Smithtown fire engine after winning a special PTA fundraiser.
Kepherd Daniel, Patch Staff
Evergreen Park, IL|Sponsored|
Evergreen Park Educator Supports Special Education Students With Compassion And Care
From a brand partner: Christopher Passafiume brings kindness, humor, and leadership to students who need support and guidance most.
Philadelphia, PA|Sponsored|
Philadelphia Coach Helps Young Athletes Build Confidence On And Off The Field
From a brand partner: Meg Waldron uses sports psychology and coaching to help student athletes grow stronger in sports and life.
Wheaton, MD|Sponsored|
Girls on the Run Coaches Helped Young Athletes Build Confidence and Resilience
From a brand partner: At Olney’s inaugural GOTR 5K, three coaches helped girls push past doubt and discover their strength.
Evergreen Park, IL|News|
Northwest Elementary School Math Teacher, Shavon Brewer, Receives Golden Apple Award
Northwest Elementary School fifth-grade math teacher Shavon Brewer was surprised with a 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Mendham-Chester, NJ|News|
Mendham Teacher Completes Prestigious London Marathon
The race, held annually in England’s capital city, is widely regarded as one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Jack Slocum, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|Sponsored|
Chicago Heights Educator Goes Above and Beyond for Students, PTO
From a brand partner: Michelle Robinson helps create a supportive, engaging school community through her work with students and PTO events.
Santee, CA|News|
Santee Teacher Named San Diego County Teacher Of The Year
San Diego County's Office of Education has coordinated the Teacher of the Year program for more than 35 years.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Howell, NJ|Sponsored|
Howell High Coach Opens His Home, Heart to Special-Needs Children
From a brand partner: John Gagliano Jr. dedicates his time to coaching, mentoring and supporting children in the community year-round.
Encinitas, CA|News|
Encinitas Union School District Teacher Named San Diego County Teacher Of The Year
San Diego County's Office of Education has coordinated the Teacher of the Year program for more than 35 years.
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Wallingford, CT|News|
Teacher, Paraeducator Of The Year Awards Announced In Wallingford
The Wallingford Public School District has announced its Teacher of the Year and Paraeducator of the Year awards for the 2025-26 school year
Vincent Salzo, Patch Staff
San Diego, CA|News|
5 Educators Named 2026-27 San Diego County Teachers Of The Year
"We are honored to recognize their extraordinary leadership and commitment."
Kristina Houck, Patch Staff
Matawan-Aberdeen, NJ|News|
Matawan Regional Teen, Drama Teacher Awarded For Outstanding High School Theater
Linda Walling, the drama teacher at Matawan Regional, won one of the night's top awards, as did high school student Lucas Rizzuto Canero.
Carly Baldwin, Patch Staff
Maplewood, NJ|News|
Maplewood Appoints Its First-Ever Female Police Chief
Maplewood will soon have its first-ever female chief of police, and she’s a familiar face in the township.
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
Concord, NH|News|
Concord, Derry, And Pembroke Educators Are Finalists For New Hampshire Teacher Of The Year For 2027
Rebecca Fortang of Pembroke Academy, Katherine McDonough of RMS in Concord, and Christa Powers of Pinkerton Academy in Derry are finalists.
Tony Schinella, Patch Staff
Garden City, NY|News|
Garden City Students Go Blue For Special Police Week Visit
Stratford Avenue students welcomed local officers with handmade cards, questions, and plenty of support during a National Police Week event.
Melanie Gulbas, Patch Staff
Naugatuck, CT|News|
Naugatuck Public Schools Announces 2026 Teacher Of The Year
Naugatuck Public Schools has announced a local educator as the district's 2026 Teacher of the Year.
RJ Scofield, Patch Staff
