OLL teacher recognized

Annie Nikovics

MILLTOWN - Our Lady of Lourdes School third-grade teacherAnnie Nikovics has been recognized as a "Teacher Who Makes Magic."

Radio station WMGQ (Magic 98.3-FM) sponsors the "Teachers Who Make Magic" program as a means to honor outstanding teachers who are not receiving adequate recognition for their important role in society.

In order to be considered for the award, individuals must be full-time classroom teachers at public or private schools in Middlesex or Somerset counties. The Greater Media New Jersey "Teachers Who Make Magic" Committee selected a total of 24 teachers nominated from November to this month.

Two winners have been announced each Friday during the Morning Magic Show since Nov. 29, and announcements will continue through Feb. 22. All 24 teachers will be honored at an awards banquet at the Bridgewater Marriot on March 20 and will receive special gifts, a "Class of 2007-2008" award, and have their stories read to all in attendance.

Recommended for consideration by her colleagues at Our Lady of Lourdes School, Nikovics continuously inspires her students to strive as readers, writers and thinkers, according to the materials supplied by the school. Together, her class has professionally published an anthology of original Thanksgiving stories and illustrations.

Nikovics also acknowledges the importance of dramatic skills. Along with students in grades four and five, the third-graders presented an original All Saints Day program under Nikovics' direction. Complete with detailed costumes and storytelling, the students shared the history and impact of religious saints.