Stansfield is named as Masons' state educator of the year

CAPTION: From left to right: Representive of International Order of Rainbow Girls 2007-2008 Grand Worthy Advisor Miss Katelyn A. Brennen for New Jersey, R.W. D.D.G.M Ray Hilling NJ Grand Lodge, Representive of Raritan High School , W.M. Joseph W. Pezzano, Mary Beth Stansfield, R.W. Gil Maymon P.M.

The educator of the year for Keyport Caeserea Lodge No. 64 is Mary Beth Stansfield. She was named as the lodge's educator of the year in March. Subsequently, the Raritan High School special education teacher was selected by District 17, which is made up of eight Masonic lodges from Monmouth and Ocean counties. Notably, Past Caeserea Workshipful Master Gil Maymon was in charge of the lodge committee that selected Stansfield.

Ms. Stansfield also received the Masonic 'state educator of the year' title, in Atlantic City, on April 16. Caeserea Worshipful Master Joseph Pezzano named Ms. Stansfield as Caeserea's pick originally. He lauded Ms. Stansfield, and said, "Ms. Stansfield is a pillar of her community and an outstanding educator. She is definitely a role model for us all and has made an incredible contribution to the community."

Ms. Stansfield was awarded $5,000 as part of the title. The educator of the year title was very competitive, and Ms. Stansfield was selected for the honor from a field of candidates submitted by 136 lodges.

Congratulations to Ms. Stansfield, Raritan High School and Caeserea Lodge No. 64.

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.