Four teachers have been honored by the Westfield High School community with awards of excellence. WHS principal Mary Asfendis announced the award winners during morning announcements on May 4.
Nominated by students, english teacher Caitlin Cheddar is the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award, established to annually recognize a teacher or counselor who, through both excellence in teaching in the classroom and a demonstrated commitment to intellectual pursuits beyond the classroom, serves as a model and inspiration to the WHS community to strive towards excellence.
One nomination letter describes Ms. Cheddar as “Ms. Cheddar goes above and beyond everyday to make her students feel welcome and valued. Not only an amazing person, but an amazing teacher. She ensures each and every student is learning to the best of their ability which means something different for everyone.”
The 2026 recipient of the Jeffery Family Above and Beyond Award is social studies teacher Jeffrey Knight. Students were asked to nominate a teacher or counselor who provided extraordinary assistance to a student. The teacher is one who truly made a difference in the life of a struggling child either socially, emotionally, or academically.
One student wrote, “He is an extraordinary source of support for me in ways that go far beyond the normal student experience. He combines strong teaching with genuine care for his students.
VPA art teacher Leah Jarvis received the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, for which parents and students nominate a teacher who communicates enthusiasm, is encouraging, motivating, and readily available to individual students, attempts to elevate standards, encourages students to excel to their greatest potential, is cheerful, flexible, sensitive, and a good role model.
“She is my favorite teacher in the school and has such a kind heart. Anytime I come to visit her room, she welcomes me with open arms and encourages me. She is such a great role model in the sense that she motivates me to be as kind as I can to others.”
For the Robert and Linda Foose Memorial Award, students were asked to nominate any WHS staff member, except the principal, for a specific contribution to the educational process at WHS during the 2025-2026 school year. World languages latin teacher James Rowan is the 2026 recipient of this award, which is named for a former principal and teacher.
“A dedicated teacher who puts in the time and effort to help his students as much as he can.”
The awardees will be honored by the Westfield Board of Education at a public meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
“We enjoy recognizing the many achievements of our students and staff throughout the school year,” says Superintendent Dr. Raymond González, who joined Principal Asfendis on May 4 in congratulating the recipients of the WHS awards. “These recognitions by the WHS school community are particularly meaningful as the nominations are made by appreciative students, parents, and colleagues.”
