Courier Post Reporter Surprises Hurrfivlle Elementary Teacher
The Goldbergs (from left, Jason, Stacey, Dean and Julia, pose with Stacey’s colleague Meghan Pfizenmayer, who nominated her for the recognition.
Hurffville Elementary School special education teacher Stacey Goldberg is a living example of what it means to “rise from the ashes.” And it was her notable strength, resilience and perseverance that earned her a nomination and eventual recognition from the Courier Post newspaper as an “Amazing Mom.” As part of the newspaper’s Mother Day’s surprise contest, reporter Carly Romalino and Goldberg’s family showed up in Stephanie Bruno’s second-grade classroom, where Goldberg works as an in-class support teacher, to surprise her. The entire event was featured on a Facebook Live post.
Fellow special education teacher Meghan Pfizenmayer had nominated Goldberg for the recognition.
Last June while traveling home from a baseball tournament, the Goldbergs – husband, Jason, and children Julia and Dean – learned that their home in West Deptford was on fire. The family lost nearly everything and spent the next four months living with Stacey’s parents and rebuilding their lives.
“Stacey, being the positive person that she is, decided she wasn’t going to let this get to her,” Pfizenmayer wrote in her Courier Post nomination. “She has risen above this obstacle and has been an amazing mom and teacher to her children and students. She has shown everyone who knows her how to take lemons and make lemonade. She is such an inspiration and continues to set a positive example in all of our lives. I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”
The Facebook Live video captured the shock of Goldberg, the delight of her students, and the love and pride of her family, colleagues and friends.”
Goldberg credited her husband as the family’s stabilizing force.
“We would not have gotten through this without Jason,” she said. “He just kept telling us, ‘It’s not what has happened, it’s what happens next.’ He has been our rock.”
Goldberg also acknowledged the love and support of her own mother, Diane, who was among the contingent of well-wishers who descended upon the classroom.
In addition to balloons and a gift bag supplied by the Courier Post, Goldberg received a handmade sash and tiara courtesy of Bruno.
“Stacey always talks about how happy she is to work at Hurffville and how great the people here are,” Jason said. “Now we all see why.”
Hurffville Elementary School special education teacher Stacey Goldberg hugs her daughter, Julia, as son, Dean, looks on.
Hurffville Elementary School special education teacher Meghan Pfizenmayer captures Goldberg's reaction to the surprise announcement.
Courier Post reporter Carly Romalino profiled “Amazing Mom” Stacey Goldberg and her family in a Facebook Live post.