Northampton Exchange Club, in partnership with Northampton Area High School, initiated the Outstanding NAHS Faculty/Staff Recognition program. The first two honorees, Sally Madden and Jaclyn Grejda, were cited at the club’s dinner meeting, held Nov. 9 at Northampton Banquet & Event Center.

Participating in recognizing Madden and Grejda were Northampton Area School District Superintendent Joseph Kovalchik and NAHS Principal Robert Steckel.

Madden is the first recipient as the September honoree; Grejda is the honoree for October.

With 34 years in education, Madden has 32 years as the high school librarian.

“As a librarian, I am very fortunate to meet the majority of the students at the high school. I encourage them to reach their potential,” she said.

Madden received her bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University and her master’s degree from Drexel University.

Some of the comments to nominate Madden included:

“Sally is a constant force and resource for our students. She is compassionate, really caring and beyond helpful to them on a daily basis.”

“She is focused and patient with students and faculty alike as we enter the library for our projects. She has a gift for keeping calm when all things can sometimes fall apart in the midst of a plan or assignment or when the technology fails. She is the epitome of professionalism in her mannerisms, attitude and her dress. I am proud to have her as a colleague and think she’d be a great first-round recipient of this recognition program.”

Grejda, the October recipient, is in her 12th year in education, 11 years at NAHS.

He received her bachelor’s degree in secondary math education at York College and her master’s degree in special education at Lehigh University.

Grejda taught math for 10 years. She has started a life skills program at the high school that is currently in its second year. Kids Kopy, Kids Kache and Kids Koffee are student-run authentic learning experiences that operate through Grejda’s class. Getting kids involved with the school and integrating them within the school, community, other students and the teachers is priority for Grejda.

The program brought an awareness to faculty, parents and the Konkrete Kids Educational Foundation about the importance to include individuals with disabilities in the workforce.

The nomination for Grejda included:

“Jackie is engaging and inspiring students to be the best they can be. She is teaching the necessary pre-vocational skills for a competitive working environment. On a daily basis, the students are learning math, communication, language arts, teamwork, problem solving and planning skills.”