2024-2025 Recipients

TEACHER OF THE YEAR
 

Mrs. Diane Jankowski
Business and Technology Teacher
Diane Jankowski has been an integral part of the Lyndhurst School District since 1998, dedicating her career to educating and inspiring students. With a passion for teaching middle school math and high school business, Diane has positively impacted countless students over the years. She has also taken on a variety of leadership roles beyond the classroom, including serving as the assistant cheerleading coach, I&RS coordinator, Academic Competition advisor, and FBLA advisor at Lyndhurst High School.

A lifelong learner, Diane holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Business Education from Montclair State University, along with two Masters Degrees—one in Middle School Mathematics and another in the Art of Teaching. She also holds a Supervisors Certificate, reflecting her commitment to continuous professional development and leadership in education.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Diane is a proud lifelong resident of Lyndhurst, where she lives with her husband Bobby, both of whom are alumni of Lyndhurst High School.  She is the proud mother of 3 sons and a doting grandmother to 5 grandchildren. Diane’s dedication to her students, her school, and her community exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator and makes her a deserving recipient of the Lyndhurst Teacher of the Year award.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Mr. Patrick Auteri
Student Affairs
Patrick Auteri is a graduate of Lyndhurst High School, Class of 1995, and has worked at LHS since 2011 in various roles. He currently works in Student Affairs. He attended Rutgers University, Newark Campus, where he played baseball, received a BA in History at Thomas Edison State College and a BS in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Phoenix.

He has coached baseball at LHS since 2000 and became the head coach in 2015. He also has been an assistant coach for the football team since 2006. He has won 3 league championships as head baseball coach and has been named NJIC Liberty Division Coach of the Year in 2017 & 2022. In his free time, Patrick volunteers as a coach for the Lyndhurst Rec. Basketball Program. He is committed to keeping our students safe, making a healthy learning environment and promoting a positive school climate. 

Patrick, a life-long Lyndhurst resident, is married to Melissa, LHS Class of 1992, and teacher at LHS, and their children, Olivia (LHS Class of 23), Patrick, Liliana & Callie all attend Lyndhurst Public Schools.