Westfield State Athletics

HUNTINGTON, Mass. - Westfield State field hockey head coach Heather Cabral recently received a Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award from the Grinspoon Foundation, along with Diane Uliana and Lane Meskevich, all teachers in the Gateway Regional School District.

The three were selected from a number of distinguished nominees of teachers who met the nomination criteria, which includes holding teacher certification; demonstrating professionalism through excellence in teaching practices, professional development, collaboration and cooperation; reaching above and beyond by doing community outreach outside of the classroom/school and doing formal and informal volunteer work; having the respect of peers, students and parents; and demonstrating enthusiasm in their position.

“The nominees were all outstanding teachers, who clearly exceeded the criteria,” said Superintendent David B. Hopson.

Nominees in the category of “new teachers” (fewer than three years) were Lane Meskevich (Littleville Elementary School), Paul Sawyer (Littleville Elementary and the High School) and Tim Tichacek (High School). Nominees in the category of experienced teachers were Heather Cabral (Chester Elementary School), Diane Uliana (High School) and Laurie Jasmin (Littleville Elementary School).

“The Leadership Team’s difficulty in deciding who would move forward, while very challenging, was pleasant due to the knowledge that we have such a talented, professional and dedicated staff in the district,” Hopson noted.

Cabral began teaching physical education 14 years ago at Blandford Elementary School. Since then, she has taught kindergarten and first grade, was a Reading Specialist for three years, has looped with grades 3 and 4, and is now teaching a multi-aged Grade 3 and 4 Classroom. She holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and is currently working toward a second Master’s Degree in Educational Technology. She would eventually like to teach at the college level. 

Cabral begins her 10th season as the Head Coach of the Westfield State College Field Hockey Team. She is a 1992 Westfield State graduate and is a member of the college's Athletics Hall of Fame. Cabral was a two-sport standout in softball and field hockey for the Owls and was the recipient of the Mass. State Conference Howard C. Smith Scholar-Athlete of the Year award in 1992.

“It is interesting to teach and coach at both ends of the spectrum,” said Cabral, who is also a graduate of Gateway Regional High School.

Uliana teaches English II (Advanced) for grade 10 students and Communication and Public Speaking for grade 11 and 12 students. She has spent all of her 32 years in education at Gateway, and has always been involved in all facets of the school community, having served as a Class Advisor to numerous classes, as a member of the National Honor Society Faculty Council, as Advisor to the Student Council, and has participated in three NEASC (accreditation) visits. Among her proudest achievements are her adult children, Timothy and Alexis Uliana. 

“Just being nominated for the Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award is quite an honor,” Uliana said. “Being chosen to receive this award is truly humbling, and I will continue to do my best to prove that I am a deserving recipient.”

As this year’s winner of the “new teacher” category, Meskevich has been teaching at Littleville Elementary School for over two years. She, too, is a graduate of Gateway Regional High School who then earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Westfield State College. This is Meskevich’s first year teaching second grade, having started with fourth grade. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree in the Reading Specialist Program at Westfield State College. 

“I feel honored to receive this award and am proud to work with such an amazing group of people, including my mother Cheryl Meskevich,” Lane said. “She, my father Michael and my brother Ryan are the source of my strength and have been my greatest support system.”

Each honoree will receive a financial award for themselves and for their classroom, an engraved plaque, tickets to the celebration dinner at the Log Cabin, citations from the Governor, and opportunities to participate in professional development and special events. All Gateway teachers and staff were invited to submit nominations, with the Gateway Leadership Team narrowing the field to the final recipients.

The Hardold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation underwrites the Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards Program to honor area teachers for their tremendous impact on children and the community. Gateway is allowed to submit one new and two veteran teachers for the award.