On Friday, May 5, 2023, Six OCVTS teachers were recognized at the Ocean County Teachers Recognition Ceremony presented by the Ocean County Association of School Administrators (O.C.A.S.A). Congratulations to Daniel Hippie, Trish DeAnni, Gabriella Grant, Jay Houle, Jennifer Hudak & John Fogerty on their achievements.

Daniel C. Hippe - OCVTS Academy of Law & Public Safety ~ When I was looking
to start a second career, I considered several options, but continued to be drawn to teaching.
I always loved training, coaching and mentoring others, and I could not think of a
more rewarding way to spend the next chapter of my life. I am blessed to have found a
home at my current school where the students truly make our building the special place
that it is. They are motivated, polite, respectful and appreciative of what we do for
them. Because of them, I look forward to going to work each day more than any other
time in my 30+ year career. Despite the long hours and personal sacrifices, seeing the success
of my students and helping them along their journeys makes this the most fulfilling
position I have ever held. I would like to thank my family for their support, my co-workers
for their continued assistance, and my district administrators for the opportunity to do this
job every day.

Trish DeAnni - OCVTS Brick Center ~ I am honored to have been chosen as our
school’s teacher of the year as I work with some of the best teachers who instill creativity
daily. I began my career as an elementary special education teacher in 1993. I have been
teaching high school students at OCVTS since 1999 and I have held different teaching positions
within the special education department. For several years, I taught math to special
needs students in their prospective trades. I encourage my students to persevere and watch
their amazement when they understand a difficult lesson. I now teach Career Dynamics
which is a transition program for special needs young adults. I love coming to school and
seeing my students grow and improve their skills. There are countless learning opportunities
to give my students each day as they work. My goal is to help my students become
productive citizens and independent adults.

Gabriella Grant - OCVTS Grunin Performing Arts Academy ~ It is very humbling
to be selected as Teacher of the Year among all the incredible staff at the Grunin Performing
Arts Academy. I started my career in education because I wanted to positively influence
young people, which has proved tremendously fulfilling. This is largely due to a student’s
capacity for growth and creativity, as well as a lack of limits and sense of adventure.
My students inspire me far more than I ever will them. Their eager approach to new experiences
is useful in changing my mind, and as I get older, I’m finding these necessary adjustments
to be more difficult. Thankfully, my career allows for regular reflections on my own
identity. It is with gratitude that I look back on the many mentors responsible for fostering
my teaching skills in the classroom. I am supported daily by the significant efforts of the
administration and staff at GPAA, and I look forward to each day to teach my unbelievably
talented students.

Jay B. Houle—OCVTS Jackson Center ~ It is a great honor that the Jackson Center
has chosen me to be the Teacher of the year. My career starter in the Marine Corps, I
learned a lot about managing and instructing fellow marines. I spent years working in the
automotive field honing my skills, and decided it was time to pass the knowledge I gained
and pursue teaching. In 2011 I started teaching Automotive Technology and again learned
a lot, and realized this is what I was meant to do. In 2019 I came to the Jackson center to
teach Automotive Servicing and to help students reach their goals of becoming a mechanic.
Over the years I have seen many students be successful from what I taught them and makes
this job worthwhile. I strive each and every day to turn out the best entry level mechanic
and help the students to reach their dream.

Jennifer Hudak - Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science ~
I have a sign on the wall in room 226B that reads: “My happy place is this classroom.” Although
I purchased the small, wooden plaque a few years ago, its sentiment has rung true
for most of my life. Whether sitting on a colorful rug reciting the days of the week at five
years old or standing in front of a group of students while teaching the importance of the
Oxford comma, I have always belonged in a classroom. My goal as an educator is for my
students to enter my classroom and feel the same happiness and excitement that I do about
making connections and sharing content. Every day, I am thankful that I work in a school
where education is revered and students want to learn. I am blessed to have a family who
understands and supports my passion for teaching, even when it means that I stay at school
a few hours longer than I should. Teaching is not what I do; it’s who I am.

John Fogerty - OCVTS Toms River Center ~ It is an honor to have been chosen as
Teacher of the Year for Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s Toms River Center.
I took the long way to finding the career that I was meant to be in. I spent years working in
business and, while I was relatively successful, I sometimes felt like I was living someone
else’s dream. So, I continued taking college classes while working full-time. I graduated
from Stockton University in 2012 at 30 years old. However, it wasn’t until 2015 that I decided
to finally pursue my dream of teaching. After a few substitute teaching jobs, I found
myself at Ocean County Vocational Technical School. I never expected to be an English
teacher at a vocational school, but once I started here in 2016, I quickly realized what a
wonderful and unique opportunity it was. On a daily basis, I get to see students pursuing a
passion they’ve found at such a young age. I’m thrilled to be here as a resource, assisting
them on their journey to the career that they feel they are meant to be in.


Photo Caption:
Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s Teachers recognized at the Ocean County Teachers Recognition Ceremony, From left to right: Michael Maschi, Assistant Superintendent OCVTS; Joun Fogerty, OCVTS; Jennifer Hudak, OCVTS; Jay Houle, OCVTS; Gabriella Grant, OCVTS; Trish DeAnni, OCVTS; Daniel Hippie, OCVTS; Karen Homiek, Superintendent OCVTS; Joseph H. Vicari, Ocean County Commissioner.