HOWELL – In their “Staff Spotlight” series, Freehold Regional High School District recognized Athanasia Stacey Gregorakis-Chrysanthou who was selected to be honored in the Monmouth County Governor’s Educator of the Year Program.
Gregorakis-Chrysanthou is a Social Studies and Special Education Teacher at Howell High School. She’s an alumnus of Howell High School, Class of 2008, and has been teaching at Howell for 12 years. During that time, she has taught many courses, including AP Government & Politics, the Leadership in Action Program, Honors U.S. History I, World History, Financial Literacy, U.S. History II, and Special Education within the Social Studies Department.
She proudly represents her Greek immigrant background and is a first-generation college graduate, having a Bachelor’s degree from Georgian Court University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.
Additionally, Gregorakis-Chrysanthou has served as the advisor for the M. Pearle Button Chapter of the National Honor Society for nine years. She mentors students, helping them develop leadership skills and providing meaningful opportunities to serve and give back to their community. She’s also responsible for establishing a Peer Tutoring Program and an AP Exam Prep Program, which support over 200 students annually.
“I am passionate about creating an inclusive, dynamic learning environment where every student is empowered to succeed academically and personally grow. It is a privilege to work with the students of Howell High School, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to their education and development,” Gregorakis-Chrysanthou said.
Gregorakis-Chrysanthou expressed how humble she is to be selected as Teacher of the Year.
“To be acknowledged by those I hold in such high regard is a powerful reminder of the profound impact education has in shaping students’ lives and creating meaningful, lasting connections across generations. The teachers who inspired me to pursue this career continue to motivate me with this award, reminding me of educators’ lasting influence on one another and the power of passing that inspiration to the next generation,” she said.
Gregorakis-Chrysanthou explained that one of her proudest accomplishments is the “Rock the Vote” initiative in AP Government & Politics. The event is a student-led voter registration drive for seniors which partners with the League of Women Voters. The project helped the group register over 1,000 students, fostering civic engagement.
“This success led to my nomination by the Women’s League to attend Harvard University’s summer program, where I participated in the Harvard Business School Case Study Method Project. I now apply this method in my teaching, encouraging critical thinking, active participation, and real-world problem-solving in my students,” she said.
In addition, she has worked in the Leadership in Action Program which provides students with hands-on experience through community service projects. The project has contributed over 50,000 items to those in need in Monmouth County. It also teaches teaching students valuable skills such as communication, leadership, and empathy.
As a National Honor Society Advisor, Gregorakis-Chrysanthou works with several organizations to offer students opportunities beyond the classroom. While partnering with the Dermer Dreams non-profit, the community collected over 54,000 pounds of food for local food banks.
“What I love most about my profession is the ability to help students unlock their full potential and make a positive impact on their school and community. Nurturing their academic, emotional, and social growth is incredibly fulfilling,” Gregorakis-Chrysanthou said. “Inspired by the educators who shaped me, I am committed to creating a classroom where students feel seen, heard, and valued. Education has the power to change lives – mine included – and I am proud to be part of that transformation for my students.”
Gregorakis-Chrysanthou’s advice to new teachers: recognize the transformative power of building meaningful relationships with their students.
“Every student you teach is a legacy, and the impact you make on them will be imprinted on this Earth long after they leave your classroom. Teaching is about more than just academic performance; it’s about nurturing the whole child and empowering them to realize their untapped potential,” she said.
“Each student has unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. As educators, it’s our responsibility to recognize and embrace those differences and help students see their capabilities and talents. When we build relationships with our students based on trust and compassion, we create an environment that encourages growth,” she added.
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