Four teachers have been honored by the Westfield High School community with awards of excellence. WHS acting principal William Loughran announced the award winners during morning announcements on May 5.
English teacher Kimberly Gosen-Fowler is the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award, established to annually recognize a tenured teacher who demonstrates excellence in teaching in the classroom and a commitment to intellectual pursuits beyond the classroom.
Gosen-Fowler is described by student nominators as a “kind and amazing teacher.” One student writes: “She has taught us a lot while making the class fun and engaging. She really is the best teacher I’ve ever had.”
“What I love most about teaching is the students - getting to know them and helping them understand the importance of keeping an open mind and listening to others as they construct meaning,” says Gosen-Fowler.
The 2025 recipient of the Jeffery Family Above and Beyond Award is science teacher Rudy Scipioni. Students were asked to nominate a tenured teacher or counselor who has made a difference in their life as a student, or who they witnessed making a difference in the life of another student.
Student nominators describe Scipioni as “an amazing teacher,” “always willing to help me out,” and “someone I genuinely look up to.”
“He’s taught me lessons that go far beyond the classroom,” writes one student about Scipioni. “That kind of support is rare, and it’s why his impact has been truly extraordinary.”
“I am deeply honored to receive this award, and I want to sincerely thank my wonderful students for nominating me. Building a strong classroom community has always been at the heart of my teaching—one where students feel like family, supported and encouraged every step of the way,” says Scipioni. “I feel truly blessed to teach in the Westfield community, where students come eager not only to grow academically, but also to develop life skills and lessons that will serve them far beyond the classroom. I strive every day to treat my students with kindness and respect, in the hope that they will carry those values into their relationships and actions both now and in the future.”
Science teacher Jeffrey Robbins received the 37th Annual WHS Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) Teacher of the Year Award, for which parents and students nominate a teacher who communicates enthusiasm, is encouraging, motivating, and is a good role model.
Student and parent nominators say Robbins is a “caring, helpful, generous, and kind” teacher who creates “meaningful bonds with students.”
“Having a bad day?,” writes one student about Robbins. “He checks in and is there if you need anything.” “He has made learning fun again,” writes another student. “I’ve learned more in his class than in any other.”
“My favorite part of teaching is our students; we have incredible students in our district. I have been able to witness incredible acts of kindness and friendship, and see students make great connections to the outside world,” Robbins says. “It is exciting to go to work each day and to also have a chance to collaborate with colleagues and administrators to help make the classes and WHS even better.”
For the Robert and Linda Foose Memorial Award, students were asked to nominate someone who, through both excellence in teaching in the classroom and a demonstrated commitment to intellectual pursuits beyond the classroom, is a role model and an inspiration to the WHS community. Spanish teacher Paula Parada is the 2025 recipient of this award, which is named for a former principal and teacher.
“She knows how to make the learning environment an enjoyable experience,” a student writes. “She engages with her students and helps us understand the material more effectively, using games and activities to ensure we are prepared for tests and quizzes! It’s the perfect balance between fun and learning, making it easier for us to focus and work hard.”
“What I love most about teaching is fostering fun and meaningful relationships with my students while sharing my passion for the Spanish language and culture,” Parada notes. “My goal is to always create a positive, engaging environment to help students feel comfortable and open to discovering the joy and benefits of learning a new language.”
All four award recipients will be honored by the Westfield Board of Education at a public meeting on Tuesday, May 20.
"Recognizing the many accomplishments of our students and staff is one of the most meaningful parts of the school year," says Superintendent Dr. Raymond González. "What makes these particular honors so special is that they come directly from our WHS students and families, who have been personally impacted by the care and dedication of these four exceptional educators."
