The students and staff of Nellie Bennett were joined by the district's entire Central Administration staff, the principals from the Point Pleasant School District's sister schools, members of the Point Pleasant Board of Education for what they believed was to be a discussion about the role of effective educators in achieving student success.

The true purpose, a secret known only by Nellie Bennett's Principal Jim Karaba, Assistant Principal Derek Hulse and the Superintendent of Schools Vincent S. Smith, was revealed slowly through the introduction of special guests.

Following an introductory performance by the fifth grade chorus, Principal Karaba and Assistant Principal Derek Hulse traded the microphone to welcome the assembled crowd.

Next up Coach Greg Akins took the floor to help serenade the guests with Nellie Bennett's signature school spirit anthem of stomp, stomp, clap and a chorus of "hoo-rahs".

The ruse continued as Superintendent of Schools Vincent S. Smith came to the podium to address the students and staff.
After acknowledging the student body's school spirit demonstrated by the sea of black and gold that adorned them, Superintendent Smith introduced the first guest speaker, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Education Rochelle Hendricks.

"Point Pleasant Borough is one of the highest performing districts in the state," acknowledged Ms. Hendricks. "Students here have surpassed state averages in every area we test in every grade."

Ms. Hendricks said that while the entire school community from the Superintendent to the Board of Education is integral to students' success, excellence occurs in the classroom.

"Teachers are the most important factor in the learning process," said Ms. Hendricks. "We are here to give credit to the teachers for they are the ones that touch the future with the lives they touch."

With that, Ms. Hendricks called on the surprise guest, Dr. Jane Foley, Senior Vice President of the Milken Educator Awards Program.

"At the Milken Family Foundation in Santa Monica you don't know us, but we know about you," said Dr. Foley. "Even in California we know what wonderful teachers you have in Point Pleasant."

Dr. Foley explained that she travels around the country visiting the top schools.

It was then that she revealed that she was actually present to recognize an exemplary Nellie Bennett teacher with a gift of $25,000 and membership into the elite group of educators selected as Milken Educator Award recipients.

In a manner befitting the top Hollywood award ceremony, Commissioner Hendricks presented Dr. Foley with the envelope revealing the recipient of the 2010 Milken Educator Award for New Jersey as Rachel Tonkovich.

As the cheers and applause erupted, Mrs. Tonkovich overcame her initial shock and disbelief and joined Dr. Foley and Commissioner Hendricks on the floor to accept her oversized check.

"We are so proud of you," said Commissioner Hendricks. "You are an ambassador for all of us in education and I want to thank you and every educator for the difference they have made in the lives of children. We admire you are are cheering you on every step of the way," she continued.

"I want to say thank you to the foundation," said Mrs. Tonkovich. "Teaching is my life and there is nothing I'd rather do."

Mrs. Tonkovich is one of about 50 award recipients from across the United States selected as recipients for the 2010 award cycle.  This spring she will join other 2010 Milken Educator Award recipients at the foundation's annual Educator Forum in Los Angeles, California to share effective teaching strategies with other exemplary educators.

"The district and the state shares my immense pride in Mrs. Tonkovich's acceptance into this elite group of educators," said Superintendent Smith. "At the Point Pleasant School District we know that our entire staff is exceptional, now thanks to the Milken Family Foundation the entire country will also be aware."

"All of our Nellie teachers do an outstanding job," said Principal Jim Karaba. "We are so pleased that a member of our family was selected for this distinguished award."

Mr. Karaba said the award is even more distinguished because the recognition came from outside the district.

"The selection process for the Educator Award is unique because there is no formal application or nomination process," said Mr. Karaba. "Recipients are determined by an independent committee appointed by the state department of education."

"It is an honor to have our district singled out by the Milken Family Foundation," added Superintendent Smith.

Since the award was first presented in 1987 the Milken Educator Award has awarded more than 2,500 exemplary educators with unrestricted cash awards totaling more than $60 million.