MGV Teacher Named PTA "Teacher of the Year"
Mrs. Cheryl Babirad, a kindergarten teacher at Marion G. Vedder Elementary School who has been teaching for 37 years, was recently named "Teacher of the Year" by the Suffolk Region PTA and was honored at a special ceremony the evening of January 20. The next morning, the whole MGV school surprised her with a morning assembly to congratulate her on this honor. Mrs. Roberto, a 4th grade teacher who is a former student of Mrs. Babirad at MGV, presented her with a bouquet of flowers. Mrs. Roberto said of her, "Cheryl has the same spirit and enthusiasm for teaching that she had as my kindergarten teacher in 1980. She has such a love for teaching and for life!"
Cheryl's positive attitude is contagious, and she virtually glows with energy and enthusiasm. She likes to talk about her husband and her two birth children, as well as the kindergartners she has taught in her long career. Needless to say, she views these kindergartners in many ways as her family, too. In fact, many of them stay in touch with her throughout their lives. A perfect example is a 40th birthday party she attended of a student who was in her class in 1974. She tells her students she is always there for them, and they believe her because it's true.
Teaching is truly Mrs. Babirad's calling. She knew as a kindergarten student in Mrs. Reina's class at MGV that she wanted to grow up and become a teacher. One of the most poignant events of her life was being able to return to MGV as a teacher and to work alongside of teachers who had taught her. In fact, she thinks fondly of Ms. Marion G. Vedder who was her Principal as both a student and later as a teacher. In fact, she refers to Ms. Vedder as her Principal, her boss, and the grandmother she never had. Mrs. Babirad also points out how much she has learned from both older teachers who mentored her and younger teachers who have introduced her to new educational techniques.
Mrs. Babirad's colleagues are full of praise for Cheryl. Many point out her dedication, such as Dennis Barrett, who says, "Mrs. Babirad always puts her student before herself and like an old bottle of wine, she gets better with age." Others point out her sunny, cheerful personality and contagious smile. Joanne Spera says, “There is never a day since I’ve been at MGV (20 years) that I haven’t seen Cheryl with a smile or a nice word for someone.” Patrisha Flynn says that "she is not only a loving and dedicated teacher to her students but she also supports her fellow teachers with her compliments, encouragement, and loyalty everyday. Cheryl is truly one of a kind." In fact, Jim Mango sums it up when he says, Cheryl is not just a great teacher, but a great person.”
The following are comments made by Cheryl's colleagues:
Cheryl is one of the most dedicated teachers I have had the pleasure to work with. She loves what she does and consistently goes the extra mile for her students and their families.
Kerry Larke, principal
Cheryl has the same spirit and enthusiasm for teaching as she did as my kindergarten teacher in 1980. She has a love for teaching and life!
Jeanette Roberto, teacher, former student
Cheryl is an amazing teacher and a woman with a true heart of gold!
Dawn Spring, teacher
When I think of Cheryl Babirad, I think dedication! Mrs. Babirad always puts her students before herself. Like an old bottle of wine, Mrs. Babirad gets better with age! She is a true professional.
Dennis Barrett, Math Specialist
Cheryl Babirad is one of MGV’s treasured teachers, who always has a smile and polite word for everyone, both adults and children. She also has a great sense of humor and good perspective and makes the time to support and represent MGV.
Clare Haydusco, teacher
I would like to thank my good friend Cheryl for always reminding us, in life, it is what it is.
Suzette Young, teacher
Cheryl is a wonderful and caring teacher and friend. She is always willing to help a student or colleague in anyway that she can. She is a pleasure to work with.
Mary Giarrusso, teacher
I have known Cheryl for 22 years. She was the kindergarten teacher for both my sons, Eddie and Andrew. Now, as a kindergarten para and working side-by-side with Cheryl for 16 years, I can honestly say she is still the same sweet person that she was back then. She hasn’t changed a bit.
Rosemarie Denninger, Kindergarten para
Cheryl has been an encouragement to me; always smiling and saying kind, uplifting words to motivate me as a music teacher for all the children.
Lora Dellosso, teacher
Mrs. Babirad is such a wonderful teacher and EVERY SINGLE DAY always has a smile on her face. She really loves what she does and is so dedicated.
Jen Kreuscher, teacher
Cheryl is not just a great teacher, but a great person.
Jim Mango, teacher
Cheryl is not only a loving and dedicated teacher to her students, she supports her fellow teachers with her compliments, encouragement and loyalty everyday. Cheryl is one of a kind.
Patrisha Flynn, teacher
I’ve worked with Cheryl for years. In fact, they had a duel baby shower for us in 1983 when we both taught at Belmont. She is the sweetest person I know.
Patty Coppola, teacher
Mrs. Babirad is ALWAYS smiling. She truly loves her students and considers MGV her “home away from home.”
Dawn Hovanec, teacher
I remember listening to Cheryl speak at Kindergarten orientation some years ago. She spoke to the parents of next year’s kindergarten class and I thought to myself – If I had a child entering kindergarten, I would want Cheryl to be his or her teacher!
Kathy Conboy, Nurse
Congratulations Cheryl on an amazing accomplishment! I am so proud of you.
Diana Angotta, teacher
Cheryl loves her students a lot!
Catherine Pluchinotta, teacher
There is never a day since I’ve been at MGV (20 years and counting!) that I haven’t seen Cheryl without a smile or a nice word for someone. She is truly dedicated to the children, parents, faculty and stuff and all her friends at MGV. We are truly blessed to know her and work with her and see her smiling face everyday!
Joanne Spera, paraprofessional, MGV
I heard the sounds of music coming from Cheryl’s room for years. She lured me to kindergarten and to play for the children. Thank you, Cheryl!
Maria Kostulas, fellow Kindergarten teacher
Cheryl wears a continuous smile! She is most positive and her love for children shines!
John Paul Biondo, teacher
Cheryl always has a smile on her face!
Christine Keane, teacher
Eighteen years ago, just hired as a kindergarten paraprofessional at MGV, I watched Cheryl Babirad on her hands and knees surrounded by her students working on a painting project. Being the same age, I said to her, “Mrs. Babirad you remind me of someone from the Woodstock era. Meaning, she was so natural, carefree and at ease with “getting down and dirty” with her five year old students. Then, I joined her!
Danielle Wolski, paraprofessional
Cheryl is a kind, compassionate, and generous person. She shows her love for her students and colleagues everyday by her kind words and smiles. She is so generous with her time. She is always the first to volunteer for a committee or project.
Jennifer Hager, Reading Specialist