The 2024 Women’s History Month Celebration hosted by the Elizabeth Board of Education at Donald Stewart Early Childhood Center School No. 51 prominently featured students from several district schools. EBOE President Charlene Bathelus Dorgely welcomed everyone to the event that also celebrated Gifted and Talented Student Month, National Nutrition Month, Read Across America, and Youth Art Month and introduced Board Member Maria Carvalho who is sponsoring the district’s Women’s History Month initiative. As emcee of the event, Carvalho shared past Women’s History Month events in which she has participated and current ones that she is planning for EPS students.  Additionally, she introduced administrators from each of the participating schools to come forward to describe their students’ acts.

The performances for the evening included “Classical Bits and Pieces”, arranged by Michael Story and “Wizard of Oz”, Dance Macabre by Camille Saint-Saens, performed by students from William F. Halloran School No. 22, “In Our Reading Era”, performed by students from Abraham Lincoln School No. 14, “Once Upon A Mattress – In a Little While” by Allen Case & Anne Jones, performed by students from Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy, “Youth Art Celebration – Animal African Masks” created and performed by students from J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy, “The Giant Peach, Jr.” by the Terence C. Reilly School No. 7 Musical Theater Department, performed by students from School No. 7, “Women - Her Story - Art Gallery”, created by students from Joseph Battin School No. 4, and “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton, performed by students from Madison-Monroe School No. 16.

Among the individuals and groups recognized by the Board were Supervisor of Food & Nutrition Frank Cuzzola, Elizabeth Police Department Detective Jennifer L. Perez, the Elizabeth Lady Minutemen varsity girls basketball team, and team members of the Office of the Superintendent. Elizabeth Public Schools Superintendent Olga Hugelmeyer recognized the women members of the Board in recognition of Women’s History Month for the incredible work they do and the countless hours they dedicate to the Elizabeth Public Schools  and presented each of them with roses.