What an amazing group of young people! The Class of 2026 top 30 seniors were honored at a moving ceremony on May 28 and they, in turn, had the honor of recognizing someone in their school life who had an impact on them.

 

Some honorees were elementary teachers and middle school teachers, coaches, counselors and, of course high school teachers. Salutatorian Leah Meberg honored her first-grade teacher, Elaine Tinghitella, who has since retired. Mrs. Tinghitella, she said, is the reason she genuinely likes to learn.

“Mrs. Tinghitella created an environment that fostered every student’s growth and development,” said Leah. “At six, she taught me the importance of self-confidence, what is possible with practice, and the value of setting goals. Ten years later. I carry everything she has instilled in me with gratitude and appreciation.”

 

 

Nessa Wendell honored her fifth grade teacher, the late Lisa Lesczynski. She invited Ms. Lesczynski’s daughter, Melanie Reynolds, who is also a teacher in the district.

Nessa explained that she was always shy and would just read when they weren’t doing classwork. She had accepted her shyness but sometimes got lonely. “When I entered Mrs. L’s fifth grade class, my world changed.”
Mrs. Lesczynski would pair Nessa up with another student to work on projects or to write different endings to stories they read in class, or code and drive Spheros. She sparked Nessa’s love of learning.

“With her guidance and encouragement, Mrs. L changed school from something I mostly endured into something I loved,” Nessa said. “I think most importantly for me. Mrs. L introduced me to self-confidence. For the first time in my life, I made close friends and started to enjoy being around other people instead of hiding in books.”

Nessa said she felt her effort toward school was truly recognized with Mrs. L and has “a heartfelt appreciation for an uncommonly sensitive and caring human being. I will always cherish and honor her memory with my efforts.”

 

Many students noted the kindness and respect shown by these mentors, how caring and sensitive they are to their students. Other noted how their teachers inspired their love for a specific subject and set them on their future career path. Here is some of what they said:

“He speaks to us like we are real people. I know I can ask him anything and I know I will get an honest answer.”

“She was someone I could lean on during one of the most stressful and uncertain times in my life. Her encouragement and confidence in me helped me gain confidence in myself.”

“Ever since I met him, he has been equipping me with countless tools to be successful later on. More importantly, he has given me a home away from home.”

“She is someone who supports me not just academically but also acts as someone I can always talk to. She always made sure I felt confident and comfortable in the work I was doing.”

“You were always there.”

“She has instilled within me the values of being responsible, punctual, respectful and determined. Because of her, my passion for understating returned. You are living proof of the impact phenomenal teachers have on their students.”

“She is the kind of teacher who is truly passionate about what she does and always willing to give her time and energy to others.”

“She was a beacon of positivity in the hard years of the pandemic. She continued to have faith in me when I found it hard to have confidence in myself.”

“She’s always encouraging us to do our best while believing in us every step of the way. She is kid, supportive and someone I will always remember.”

“Her sound advice has irrevocably guided me and allowed me to understand the value of showing kindness and respect both to others and to myself. She has remained a significant and irreplaceable figure in my life.”

“He exudes many qualities that I admire, but the one that I most look up to is his compassion for everyone who enters his classroom. No matter their background, beliefs or personality, he regards them with the same empathy and respect.”

“He’s funny, easy to talk to and has always made me feel comfortable just being myself.”
“Hearing the confidence he had in me, I started to believe in myself. I worked so hard to prove him right.”

“Her guidance has truly pushed me and challenged me to change for the better.”

“He has taught me the mindset of never giving up and that has stuck with me throughout my student-athlete career. His encouraging impact will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

“He doesn’t just have a passion for the material, but a passion for his students. He sees each and every one of us as young adults who are all going to bring good into this world.”

 

 

Pine Bush Board of Education President Gretchen Meier said this event each year brings to much joy to her heart.

“As a school board member, it makes me so happy to see our staff receive these accolades from the most important part of their job – their students,” said Ms. Meier. “You have been able to meet them where they are and guide them to their fullest potential. Kudos to all!”

 

Superintendent Joe Lenz told the students that recognizing an educator who made a lasting impact on their education journey is especially meaningful.

“That tradition is one of the most powerful parts of this ceremony because it reminds us that education is about far more than grades and test scores,” said Mr. Lenz. “Great educators inspire confidence, encourage resilience, spark curiosity and help students believe in themselves.”

What a joyous evening for everyone involved!. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 Top 30, their families and honored guests. We are Pine Bush proud!

Class of 2026 Top 30 and Honored Guests

• Lucas Meisel – Kenneth Marshall
• Leah Meberg – Elaine Tinghitella
• Nessa Wendell – Lisa Lesczynski
• Sophia Huang – Kristina Capuzzi
• Shelby Cheng – Lauren Turley
• Ella Humphrey – Kelly Wohlgemuth
• Peter Agro – Kenneth Marshall
• Anuj Patel – Nora Callahan
• Dominic Licardi – Kelly Wohlgemuth
• Ethan Vasquez – David Hurst
• Grant Brown – Kenneth Marshall
• Lillian Atria – Kelly Wohlgemuth
• Leeya Santa – Nora Callahan
• Jillian Masci – Jennifer Wagner
• Avery Ogden – Diane Trad
• Jocelyn Loennecker – Elaine Gaynor
• Nicholas Mazzella – Marc Gittleman
• Anthony Maida – Kenneth Marshall
• Benjamin Somerville – Jefferson Nathe
• Mahek Multani – Kenneth Marshall
• Ella Hayward – Chris Passudetti
• Samantha Fiorentino – Edward Stelmaszyk
• Kathryn Cragan – Edward Stelmaszyk
• Ava Elliott – Alyson Callahan
• Emelia Cruz – Charlene Webster
• Julia Tanner – Seth VanGaasbeek
• Bernardo Gonzalez Perez – David Hurst
• Rachael Price – Michael Sabini
• Roscoe Sudol – Robert Lawrence
• Alanah Giannini – Eric Johnson