BOE memorializes beloved music teacher

A three-decade music teacher at the Riverdale School, Michele Szwed, will be the namesake of the music room where she dedicated so much time to students.

Szwed served as the school's music teacher from 1976 until she retired in 2012. She died on Jan. 31 of this year.

Upon Szwed's retirement, the Board of Education honored her with a special dedication. The board recently decided it would be fitting to honor her again.

"She was a long-tenured, well-respected music teacher who did wonderful things with our program, both the chorus and the band, winning many awards over the years," said school board President Shawn Dougherty.

Szwed won silver awards from the North Jersey School Music Association and National Band Association Region I in 1998, 1999, and 2002.

She received recognition at the North Jersey Music Educators Association Festival in 2003 and 2007.

In addition, she received awards in 1989, 1993, and 1995 at the North Jersey School Music Association, Concert, and Band Festival.

Szwed was credited for bringing music to district and community events over the years, such as graduations, school concerts, the holiday tree lighting ceremonies, and Veterans Day ceremonies.

"She was dedicated to her students and dedicated to her profession. She turned many nights of performances and concerts at the Riverdale School into nights of pure pleasure and enjoyment for everyone who attended," said Riverdale Councilman Steve Revis, a former school board president.

"When the music room was built with the referendum, she had a lot of input into it as well. So the music room should reflect her long-standing history in the district," said Dougherty.

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BOE memorializes beloved music teacher