11-12-2025
The Governor's Educator of the Year program was developed to acknowledge Teachers and Educational Services Professionals who exhibit outstanding performance both in and out of the classroom. The rationale for this program is based on the premise that teaching excellence is one of the most significant factors impacting student achievement and the quality of public schools. It also acknowledges the important support Educational Services Professionals provide outside of the classroom environment that improves students' academic opportunities, workforce preparedness, and overall quality of life.
At this time, we are asking parents, community members, and fellow teachers to nominate a teacher and/or educational services professional for this recognition using the nomination form. To ensure the use of common criteria for selecting teachers and educational support professionals, we ask that each nomination adheres to the eligibility criteria included below.
Hawthorne Public Schools Important Dates 2025-2026
- 11/12 & 11/13 & 11/14 - K-5 Parent Conferences - Early Dismissal K-5 ONLY
- 11/26 - One Session Day
- 11/27 & 11/28 - Schools Closed for Thanksgiving Recess
School Events
- 11/17 - Elective Expo HHS
- 11/18 - Laps for Lincoln LMS
- 11/18 - E-Sports Ultimate Frisbee Tournament HHS
- 11/21 - Turkey Trot JES
- 11/21 - Spirit Day WES
- 11/24 - Fall Sports Awards HHS
- 12/4 - Winter Concert RES
- 12/4 - Holiday Concert WES (grades 3-5)
- 12/5 - Spirit Day WES
- 12/5, 6, & 7 - Fall Production HHS
- 12/9 - Holiday Boutique RES
- 12/9 - Winter Concert LMS
- 12/10 - Holiday Boutique RES
- 12/10 - Winter Concert JES
- 12/11 - Holiday Boutique WES
- 12/11 - Holiday Dance HHS
- 12/12 - Holiday Boutique WES
- 12/12 - Senior Activity Day HHS
Roosevelt Elementary School
Linda Panagia
Mrs. Panagia, Administrative Assistant at Roosevelt Elementary, was recently nominated by her colleagues during the Month of Respect. She earned this award along with her Grandson, Joseph Duran, a 2nd grader at Roosevelt School. This was the first time a grandparent and grandchild won the same award- A truly historical moment at Roosevelt School!!!
Lincoln Middle School
Chanoska Adames
Mrs. Adames is a second-year Spanish teacher at Lincoln Middle School, and she continues to make a positive impact each and every day. She brings heart, passion, and positive energy into her lessons and into all that she does at LMS. Before becoming a teacher, she was a lawyer in her home country of the Dominican Republic. After moving to the United States, she followed her passion for education and earned her degree in teaching.
Teaching comes naturally to Mrs. Adames as she is truly a natural in the classroom. Her classroom environment is engaging, welcoming, and filled with creativity. She is always open to trying new ideas that support student learning and growth. Her enthusiasm for teaching shines through daily, inspiring both her students and colleagues.
This year, Mrs. Adames has also found great joy in advising the Multicultural Club. So far, the club has learned about Mexican and Native American cultures, enjoyed a nacho bar, and had fun breaking open a piñata. Her leadership helps bring students together to celebrate and appreciate diversity within our school community. In addition to her work in the classroom and with the club, Mrs. Adames is a true team player who is always looking for ways to help and improve the school for both students and staff.
Jefferson Elementary
Atticus Turrentine
We are pleased to spotlight Atticus Turrentine, a third grader at Thomas Jefferson Elementary! Atticus is a hardworking student who strikes the perfect balance between focus and fun. His witty sense of humor keeps his classmates smiling, yet he always demonstrates respect and kindness toward others. Atticus goes above and beyond to be polite, helpful, and engaged—whether he’s lending a hand to a classmate, greeting staff with a cheerful smile, or giving his best effort in class. Teachers describe Atticus as responsible, thoughtful, and full of integrity, a student who makes meaningful connections with everyone around him. We are so proud to have Atticus as a member of the Jefferson School community!
Roosevelt Elementary School
Anthony Fiscella
Anthony earned the Principal's Award during the Month of Respect. His daily actions and positive attitude are evidence that he is an exemplary student at Roosevelt School. He has an older sister, Mia, at LMS and enjoys soccer, baseketball, football, sketching and music. His favorite school memory was winning silent ball with one hand!
Washington Elementary School
Carter Rose Barish
Mrs. Koukoulis, Carter's teacher, said that Carter is a kind, caring, and hardworking 4th grade student who has quickly made a positive impression at Washington School. Though she is new this year, she has shown genuine desire to connect with her school community-going out of her way to introduce herself to student, staff, and even our school nurse. Carter is always willing to lend a hand. Her kindness and initiative make her a wonderful addition to our Wildcat family and we are so proud of her!
Lincoln Middle School
Sofia Engelbrecht
Sofia was nominated for demonstrating respect here at Lincoln Middle School. She shows respect daily in the classroom and serves as a role model to her peers through her positive energy, attentive listening, and patient demeanor. As a dedicated member of the Kindness Club, Sofia makes spreading kindness a true priority. She embodies what it means to be a BEAR, being kind, engaged, accepting, and respectful. Sofia also hopes to join the Sidekicks program this year, where she can continue to make a difference by teaching and inspiring students at the elementary level.
Hawthorne High School
Chris Esteves
Chris Esteves, a senior at Hawthorne High School, is an active and dedicated member of our school community. He recently represented HHS as part of our Student Spotlight at the HHS Open House. Chris is heavily involved in the Theater Department, where he has taken on several major roles, including Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher and Count Leopold in Anastasia. He is also a proud member of the Heroes and Cool Kids club. In addition to his theater work, Chris is enrolled in our Rock Band class after completing Guitar I&II last year, and he currently contributes to the Tech Crew for the upcoming production of Radium Girls. Outside of school, Chris participates in the Servant’s Heart Ministry, where he is learning carpentry skills and pursuing his passion for the trades. He plans to become a Construction Manager and was recently accepted into the Construction Management Program for High School Students. We are proud of Chris for his leadership, creativity, and commitment both on and off the stage!
Hawthorne High School
Lincoln Middle School
Jefferson Elementary
Roosevelt Elementary
Washington Elementary
HHS Athletics
The Bear Cave
18-21 Transition Program
The Bear Cave serves students aged 18-21 with the goal to develop skills using community based instruction to ensure a successful transition from school to adulthood.
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