The Ashby Award
The Ashby Award is considered the highest honor for an educator in the Ridgewood Public School System.
Each year this award is bestowed upon one tenured professional staff member in recognition of outstanding education contributions to the children and schools of Ridgewood.
Established in 1966, the award honors former superintendent Lloyd Ashby and his wife for their distinguished service to the community.
2023 Dana Higgins, Linda Diorio
2022 Ms. Medha Kirtane, RHS Social Studies Teacher
2021 Ms. Laura Grasso, GWMS Wellness Teacher
2020 Dr. Jean Schoenlank, Principal, Ridge School
2019 Laura Fleming, RHS
2018 Mike Mullin, Guidance Counselor, GWMS
2017 Colleen Gieniec
2016 John Domville, RHS
2015 Ann Brown, Library Media Specialist, GWMS
2014 Judy Malholtra, former Hawes School Art Teacher
2014 Marianne Williams, former Willard School Principal
2013 Patricia Johnson, RHS
2012 Gregory Wu, Assistant Principal, BFMS
2011 Donna Pedersen, First Grade Teacher, Ridge School
2010 Jane Blakely, Supervisor of English & Social Studies, RHS
2009 Karen Rispoli, Computer Science Teacher, RHS
2008 Joel Brickman, District Music Teacher
2008 Kerry Huntington, Supervisor of Special Programs
2007 Sherry Youngkin, RHS
2006 Patricia Canzani, Mathematics Teacher, GWMS
2005 Kathleen Rodger-Sachs, Principal, Hawes School
2004 Charlene Dixon, Grade Administrator, RHS
2003 Joseph Lizzi, Guidance Counselor at BFMS
2002 Caroline Janover, Learning Disabilities Teacher, Ridge School
2001 Helen Aslanides Social Studies Teacher, RHS
2000 Robert Scarfo, Technology Teacher & Computer Coordinator, BFMS
2000 Donna Flagg, Unit Administrator, GWMS
1999 Russell Titus, Principal of Somerville School
1999 Gae Brunner, Fifth Grade Teacher, Ridge School,
1998 David B. Marsh, District Director of Health, Physical Education & Athletics,
1998 Marion LaFemina, Biology Teacher, RHS
1997 Travis Jackson, Unit Administrator, BFMS,
1996 William Ward, Principal, Ridge School
1996 Doris Hagen, Multi-age Class Teacher, Somerville School
1995 Robert Honsinger, Assistant Superintendent,
1994 Paul Folkemer, Principal, BFMS
1994 Gail Finlay, Computer Education Teacher, GWMS
1993 George Libonate, Principal, Willard School
1992 Dennis Carroll, District Supervisor of Art & Art Teacher, RHS
1991 Al Renna, Special Education Teacher, BFMS
1989 Sharon Piety-Jacobs, Principal, Hawes School
1989 Judith Ann Mayer, Coordinator of Nurse/Teachers & Nurse/Teacher, Willard School
1988 Thomas La Valle, English Department Supervisor, RHS
1986 Donald T. Maiocco, Principal, GWMS
1985 John W. Lochner, Supervisor of Music
1984 Arax M. Mardirosian, Sixth Grade Teacher, Glen School
1983 Joseph W. Hughes, Physics Teacher, RHS
1982 Charles E. Abate, Principal, Orchard School
1982 Joyce H. Schnappauf, Librarian, Willard School
1981 Janet L. Steinie, English Teacher, RHS
1980 Tom Wallace, Art Teacher, Orchard School
1979 Harry D. Ahearn, Social Studies Teacher, RHS
1978 Elaine P. Heinzelmann, Assistant Superintendent
1977 Maud R. Limbacher, Fourth Grade Teacher, Somerville School
1976 Gertrude R. Creede, Reading Teacher, BFMS
1975 Henry G. Bookstaber, Supervisor of Art
1974 John G. McCutcheon, Principal, RHS
1973 Ralph M. Bogertman, Teacher/Curriculum Specialist
1972 C. Bertram Harmon, Vocal Teacher, GWMS
1971 Olivia R. Way, Librarian, Ridge School
1970 George E. Egli, Assistant Principal, GWMS
1969 Valma Corey, First Grade Teacher, Ridge School
1968 Anita Crivelli, History Teacher, RHS
1967 John L. Archibald, Principal, Somerville School