The Bergenfield Education Association (BEA) honored eight members who retired during the last year at its annual retirement dinner, held in June at Seasons Restaurant in Washington Township.

BEA members, administrators, previous retirees, family and friends attended the dinner honoring staff members for their service to the Bergenfield school district and the children of Bergenfield

These staff members have provided more than 190 combined years of service to the Bergenfield school system.

Honored were Evelyn Hoholik, BHS business education teacher, 33 years; Gloria Hoyt, district bus driver, 16 years; Claire Kingsley, BHS special education teacher, 25 years; Helene Lane, Lincoln School first grade teacher, 36 years: Patrick Purcell, district maintenance worker, 12 years; Nicole Samson, BHS special education teacher, 20 years; Luz Vasquez, district bus driver, 12 years; Richard Zimmerman, elementary school art teacher, 38 years.

Each retiree received certificates recognizing their service to the Bergenfield school district and the children of the town from the New Jersey Education Association and the Bergen County Education Association.  They also received a retirement gift and a plaque from the members f the BEA.

Evan Goldman, former president of BEA, was also honored as the first recipient of the BEA's Distinguished Service Award.

The award was created to honor members who have given of themselves extensively both in time and effort for the benefit of the members of the association.