HMS Teacher and Educational Services Professional of the Year 2026
Congratulations!
HMS Teacher of the Year
Lucinda Ferreri
HMS Teacher of Language Arts/ Literacy Grades 7-8
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Education and Italian (Seton Hall University)
Master of Science - Reading Specialist (Saint John's University)
With over 30 years in education as a teacher of language arts/literacy and a reading specialist, Ms. Ferreri has helped literally thousands of students overcome learning obstacles and excel in their ability to read and write with proficiency. More than this, students come away from Ms. Ferreri's classroom with a newfound confidence and love for literacy and quite often a life-long mentor who still keeps in touch with many of her former students throughout life.
Extracurriculars: Long-term adviser for HMS-TOPS (Together Our Peers Succeed), a student leadership & service club that promotes positive school spirt and a supportive social climate for learning and healthy adolescent development. In addition, Ms. Ferreri is an active presence and chaperone at school sporting events, concerts, dances, and other special functions each year supporting students and cheering them on.
As an inspiration to her students and peers alike, it is no wonder that a favorite quote of hers comes from American author, William Arthur Ward, "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains, The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."
HMS Educational Services Professional of the Year
Lisa White
HMS Student Assistance Counselor / Anti-Bullying Specialist
Education:
Bachelor of Arts (Kean University)
Master of Arts in Counseling (Kean University)
Lisa White serves as the Student Assistance Counselor at Hillsborough Middle School. She earned her Master’s in Counseling from Kean University in 2016, where she also obtained her SAC and School Counseling certifications. In addition to her school-based credentials, she is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC).
Lisa joined the Hillsborough district in 2017 as the School Counselor for Sunnymead Elementary. Her dedication to her students was recognized in 2019 when she was named the Somerset County School Counselor of the Year.
Since transitioning to HMS in 2023, Lisa has continued her mission to help students achieve academic, social, and emotional success through collaborative partnership with families and staff. She is the chair of the HMS School Climate Team, coordinator of our student mentoring program, and co-adviser to our peer leadership programs.
She believes that true student success begins with a sense of safety and belonging. Guided by the words of Maya Angelou, Lisa strives to ensure every student feels "seen and heard," knowing that while people may forget specific words or actions, "they will never forget how you made them feel."
