100.1 WJRZ and NJEA Announce 2024 Community Spotlight Award

The New Jersey Education Association is proud of the work our members do to make our public schools, and our communities, stronger for every child. That’s why the NJEA is a proud sponsor of the Teachers Who Rock Class of 2024 and is presenting the Community Spotlight Award.

Emma Havens Young Elementary 
Nominated by: Lisa Soltmann

This year’s NJEA Community Spotlight Award winner is Kristy Soltmann from Emma Havens Young Elementary in Brick. Nominated by a fellow teacher and her aunt Lisa Soltmann, Kristy has been in education for 8 years. Winning the annual Community Spotlight Award recognizes how a school staff member not only excels in the classroom, but especially within the community Kristy piloted a new service called “Allach Club” where they created a beach bucket for children at Brick Beach and children of parents who cannot afford toys can take & return them at the beach.

She is also helping to make a communication board for the children at the playground. Kristy is also a part of a food drive for the Seeds of Service. In the classroom, Kristy returned to the same elementary school she attended as a child. She has been on several committees including the Early Act Club, School Community Outreach Program, Reading Adventure Night and Professional Development Inservice. She is also a mentor for novice teachers, including her own cousin Haley who is also a special education teacher at Emma Havens Young.

Kristy always has a positive attitude and a way to make all her students feel like they’re the most important person in the room. So not only is Kristy a “Teacher Who Rocks” for her work in the classroom, she is also the 2024 NJEA Community Service Spotlight Award Winner for her tremendous work when away from the classroom.

Join WJRZ and the New Jersey Education Association in celebrating the critical role teachers and school employees play in their classrooms and in our communities.