Masons honor lodge's educator of the year

Caption: Joseph Pezzano, worshipful master of Caesarea Lodge No. 64, in Keyport.

KEYPORT (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ) -- Caesarea Lodge No. 64, Free and Accepted Masons, will recognize its educator of the year on Monday, March 17 at its lodge during a special ceremony.

According to lodge Worshipful Master Joseph Pezzano, this year's award will go to Hazlet High School special education teacher Mary Beth Stansfield.

Pezzano said Stansfield will receive $100 and a copy of author Frank McCourt's memoir "Teacher Man." Pezzano noted that Stansfield will also be considered for the Masons' district award, along with other winners of the Masons' lodge-level awardees.

"There is not enough that anyone or any organization can do to thank teachers enough for their extraordinary efforts every day in classrooms throughout this state and country," Pezzano said. He has been Caesarea Lodge's top official since Dec. 8, when he was sworn into office as worshipful master.