At a recent Board of Education meeting, the Center Moriches Union Free School District named the 2025 recipients of their Teacher of the Year and Paraprofessional of the Year awards. Center Moriches High School French teacher Oana Curticapean and Center Moriches Middle School paraprofessional Rachel Miller were honored at the meeting. Both honorees were presented with a citation marking their achievement.

Oana Curticapean was selected as Teacher of the Year for her work to ignite a love of the French language and culture in her students through engaging and effective instruction. She has created a classroom where students feel supported and challenged, while nurturing a joyful learning environment where students are encouraged to grow.

Madame Curticapean’s citation stated, “[Her] love for teaching is evident in all that she does, leaving a lasting impression not only on her students, but also on their families and the school community at large.”

Rachel Miller was awarded Paraprofessional of The Year for her excellent work assisting students and their needs throughout the school year. She was also recognized for her dedication as a coach for the Center Moriches Middle School’s girls tennis and girls lacrosse teams, serving as a role model while enthusiastically fostering her athletes’ athletic development.

Ms. Miller’s citation stated, “[She] has repeatedly gone above and beyond the scope of her role—responding to student needs without hesitation, providing on-the-fly modifications to support learning and behavior, and remaining a steadfast, joyful presence.”
Both award recipients were nominated by a member of the Center Moriches school community and were selected by a committee which included the Board of Education.

“Both Madame Curticapean and Ms. Miller embody the spirit we look for in our educators in the Center Moriches School District,” said Center Moriches Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ricardo Soto. “They have both done so much to foster a joyful and constructive learning environment. This honor is truly deserved and is a token of our appreciation for all that they do for our students and our community.”