Our new print issue will feature “Goodbye Summer, Hello School!” content about the end of the summer season and gearing up for back to school in our communities.
For that reason, we’ve decided to put a strong focus on our Community Spotlight category of “Education.” Schools are truly the backbone of so many communities. So without further ado, let’s shine a light on our teachers, administrators, support staff and parent volunteers who selflessly dedicate themselves to our kids!
Mr. Paga was nominated by Helen Fort Principal Mr. Aaron Eyler. Here is what he had to say about this outstanding teacher!
Mr. Vaughn Paga is an exceptional 8th grade math teacher and In-Class Resource (ICR) educator at Helen Fort Middle School who blends calm leadership with a student-first approach. Known for his methodical instruction and ability to support students with a range of academic and behavioral needs, Mr. Paga is a highly sought after teacher by all students at HFMS. His thoughtful, collaborative co-teaching has even drawn outside recognition—an educational consultant praised his classroom strategies and plans to feature them in professional development content. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Paga coaches intramural soccer, where he instills life lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and character. He is a consistent contributor to PLCs, a dependable colleague, and a reflective practitioner who actively seeks growth. Whether it’s through differentiated instruction, technology integration, or simply showing up for students, Mr. Paga’s impact is deep and lasting.
Mr. Vaughn Paga should be highlighted for his quiet consistency, professionalism, and deep commitment to student success. He is the type of teacher who makes a difference not by seeking attention, but by showing up every day with care, structure, and purpose. His ability to connect with students who need the most support—academically, emotionally, or behaviorally—is one of his greatest strengths. He holds students to high expectations while providing the scaffolds they need to meet them. Mr. Paga is also a lifelong learner, enrolling in graduate coursework, collaborating with colleagues, and refining his instructional approach to ensure all students are growing. His calm, steady demeanor sets a positive tone in the classroom, and his involvement in school activities strengthens the HFMS community as a whole. Highlighting him is a recognition of excellence that often goes unspoken but is deeply felt.
“Mr. Paga is the kind of teacher every school needs—calm, consistent, and wholly dedicated to helping every student succeed. He makes HFMS stronger simply by being part of it,” said Mr. Joseph Elinski, Assistant Principal at Helen Fort.
Community Spotlights
If you know someone you think we should shine our Community Spotlight on, email us at [email protected].
Right now we’re focusing on our South Jersey Educators category, which we’ll continue to run now and through the beginning of fall. So if you know someone who deserves a special shout-out, get in touch!
We’re also always looking for nominees in the following categories:
First Responders: Police, Fire, EMT, Dispatch, Active Military
Food Service Industry Workers: Waitstaff, Bussers, Servers, Chefs, Cooks, Dishwashers
Volunteers: Nonprofit Workers, Youth Sports Coaches, Scout Leaders, PTO Volunteers
Public Servants: Elected Officials and Support Staff at every Government Agency serving South Jersey at the Municipal, County, State and Federal levels
Healthcare Workers: Nurses, Medical Assistants, Administrative Support Staff
Beverage Service Industry Workers: Anyone who works in a Bar, Coffee Shop, Brewery, Winery or Distillery