Israel “Izzy” Rivera, who retired on Wednesday, received an outpouring of support from the community
Dozens of Burlington Township residents, school staff and Board of Education members past and present flocked to honor Israel “Izzy” Rivera for his 17 years of service on the BOE at Wednesday night’s board meeting.
Rivera, who served his last term this year, received an outpouring of praise from those he worked with and influenced in his nearly two decades on the board, from students he watched grow up to teachers who said they “would not have a job” if it were not for his dedication to Burlington Township public schools.
“There are four words that come to mind when I think of Izzy: mentor, servant, leader, friend,” board member Richard Lynch said in an emotional speech. “And all those words, they can be boiled down to one thing, love. Izzy Rivera truly loves Burlington Township schools.”
The board recognized Rivera’s years of support and devotion to the arts, education and his community with a plaque. Upon acceptance, the audience members expressed their gratitude with a standing ovation.
“Thank you for letting me be part of your family all these years,” Rivera said. “I appreciate all your kind words, and I’m humbled. Thank you.”
The board will select another member, who will serve for one year, within the next 60 days.
In other news:
• The student liaison report noted several issues with this year’s pep rally, citing technical difficulties and insufficient preparation. On behalf of the student body, the report requested increased support from the guidance department for seniors in the college application process, and called on the community to help the student government continue to support local food pantries beyond the holiday season.
• Four members of the class of 2018 were recognized as commended students by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Scott Cookson, Seamus Gallagher, Ryan Jensen and Alyssa Morgen scored in the top 3 percent of the more than 1.6 million juniors who took the PSAT in October 2016.
• The curriculum committee reported several new courses are under consideration, most notably AP English Language and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Visual Arts and Television and Media Production.
- National Suicide Prevention Week was recognized by peer leaders at Burlington Township High School. Messages were read, posters were hung, and songs were played every day making sure students knew whom they could turn to if they were struggling, according to the superintendent’s report. All freshman health classes at BTHS went through a three-day Lifelines Suicide Prevention Program training. The students were taught about the warning signs and what interventions they could use to help fellow students who are demonstrating suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
