McKinley Elementary School 3rd grade teacher Nicole Barca is the 2026 recipient of the Rotary Club of Westfield’s Philhower Fellowship Award in recognition of outstanding teaching at the elementary school level. At the same time, Westfield High School, Assistant Head Night Custodian Francesco Dori received the Steengrafe Award, introduced three years ago by the Rotary Club to recognize non-certificated staff for their dedication and commitment.
Barca and Dori received the news on May 4 as Superintendent Dr. Raymond González paid surprise visits to their schools.
“On behalf of the Board of Education and the entire school district, I congratulate Mrs. Barca and Mr. Dori on this well-deserved honor from the Rotary Club,” says González. “Their dedication to our students and passion for education inspire us all.”
“I am incredibly honored to receive the Philhower Award. This recognition means so much to me. I am grateful to be part of such a supportive community here in Westfield, and I feel very fortunate to work with students who inspire me every day. It is a privilege to be part of their learning and growth, and I am deeply grateful to share in their journey, says Barca.”
Letters of nomination for Barca from parents describe her as a “caring, good-natured, and outstanding” educator who “maintains a warm, inclusive and engaging learning environment.”
“Mrs. Barca’s love for teaching and her students shines through in every assignment and in every student who keeps coming back for her warm smiles and hugs. Her handwritten comments filling the margins of every student’s homework and tests are remarkably moving and honestly so impressive that it’s hard to throw the pages away. We cherish our children’s relationship with her, as well as our own, because it truly extends far beyond the curriculum. Seeing so many alumni return just to visit her is a testament to the lasting love and care she gives well beyond the year she has them in her classroom.” writes one parent nominator.
Another parent nominator noted that “Her ability to keep children engaged in such a crucial developing age is truly remarkable. I also admire the way she mentors the next generation of teachers, there could never be too many ‘Mrs. Barca’s’ in the world of elementary education.”
For more than a decade, Dori has worked as part of the building and grounds department at Westfield High School, currently as the Assistant Head Night Custodian.
“I've had the privilege to work at Westfield High School for the last fourteen years and have met so many wonderful colleagues and students along the way. Through all of these years I have never changed my work ethic and if I did it was only to strive to do better. I take pride in my work and always try to find a solution to make things easier for my colleagues. I will continue to always do better for the students and staff at Westfield HS, says Dori.”
Colleagues who nominated Dori for the Steengrafe Award described him as “dedicated, kind and professional.”
“Francesco consistently goes above and beyond in his role as Assistant Head Night Custodian at WHS. He is dedicated to supporting staff and ensures that every request is handled with efficiency, kindness, and professionalism. No matter how busy he may be, Francesco is always willing to assist and makes every staff member feel valued and supported.”
“As both a teacher and a coach, I can confidently say that I would not be able to perform my responsibilities as effectively without his ongoing help. Francesco’s dedication, reliability, and positive attitude make a meaningful impact on our school community. I am extremely appreciative of his commitment and the professionalism he demonstrates every day.”
Barca and Dori will be recognized at the Board of Education meeting on May 12. They will receive the Philhower and Steengrafe Awards on June 2 as guests of honor during a Rotary Club luncheon.
Four Rotarians and two principals served on the nominating committee.
The Philhower Fellowship was established in 1993 by the Rotary Club to honor former Westfield Rotarian Charles Philhower and to recognize the importance of teaching in the elementary grades. An educator for more than 50 years, Charles Philhower, who died in 1962, was supervising principal (superintendent) of Westfield schools for three decades as well as co-founder and past president of the Rotary Club of Westfield.
In its fourth year, the Steengrafe Fellowship was established in memory of Weyman O. Steengrafe who began teaching Social Studies in the Westfield Public Schools in 1942 before serving as principal at Franklin, Tamaques, and Wilson Elementary Schools. Weyman was a lifelong Rotarian from 1966-2010, serving as Club President in 1971-1972 and District Governor in 1985-1986.
