Ridgeway's George Tsuji, PTA member Kelli Teglas honored as Heroes in Education

Ridgeway Elementary School was in the spotlight Wednesday as third-grade teacher George Tsuji and PTA leader Kelli Teglas were honored with the Heroes in Education Recognition at the Westchester–East Putnam Region PTA’s Annual Winter Luncheon.

The celebration, held at the BOCES Southern Westchester Center for Career Services in Valhalla, drew dozens of educators, PTA members and fellow honorees from across the region.

The three-hour luncheon was moderated by Jeanette Rosen, region PTA president, and featured young singers from the Edgewood School in Scarsdale who delighted the audience with several musical selections.

In presenting the awards, Ms. Rosen highlighted the extraordinary impact the White Plains duo have made.

On Mr. Tsuji:
“George exemplifies the qualities of a true leader and hero in education. His unwavering dedication to ensuring that every child feels seen, heard and valued is unparalleled. The students of Ridgeway are deeply inspired by his compassion, professionalism and heartfelt commitment.”

On Mrs. Teglas:
“Kelly has made a big impact at Ridgeway and across the district by creating innovative fundraisers that brought additions like the book vending machine and an outdoor classroom. She is always available to support other units… and can be counted on to get any job done.”

Mr. Tsuji, a beloved educator who has been a steady, inspiring presence at Ridgeway for more than 20 years, was nominated by Mrs. Teglas for the honor, which recognizes educators and community members who embody the PTA’s mission of supporting and empowering every child.

Originally a business professional with a degree in economics and finance from Binghamton University, he enjoyed a successful early career at Lord & Taylor in buying, direct mail and finance.

But he said something was missing.

“It wasn’t my passion,” the graduate of White Plains High School recalled before the ceremony. “One day I decided I wanted to be a career changer.”

He went back to school, taught in a private school while taking night classes and earned his master’s degree in teaching from Manhattanville College, as well as an administrative degree from the Bank Street College of Education.

Mr. Tsuji ultimately realized his heart remained in the classroom. He eventually joined White Plains as a substitute at George Washington Elementary. Soon after, he became a teaching assistant and then a third-grade teacher at Ridgeway.

“I couldn’t leave,” he said. “I love what I do. It’s an honor to be a teacher in White Plains.”

Being honored as a Hero in Education left him deeply moved.

“It actually reaffirms my career change,” he said. “Fast-forward 20 years, and I got recognized. It just shows that when you are present for these kids, they will always remember you.”

After his story was shared online last month, Mr. Tsuji was overwhelmed by former students — some now adults with children of their own — reaching out to him, including those he knew from his years teaching and coaching swimming.

“It was humbling,” he said. “I was taken aback. Filled with a lot of emotions. I didn’t expect it.”

Mr. Tsuji emphasized the strength of the Ridgeway staff, praising the “powerhouse” of educators he works with daily, as well as the support of administrators, PTA members and families.

“The PTA is so great. They care about everybody. To be nominated amongst such an amazing staff is overwhelming,” he said.

For Mrs. Teglas, the honor reflected years of reinvention, creativity and unwavering commitment to Ridgeway’s families. A professional event planner and nonprofit fundraiser, she stepped into PTA leadership shortly after schools reopened from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My child started kindergarten virtually — it was so hard,” she said. “Diving right in and getting involved as soon as we were able to was life-changing for me.”

Mrs. Teglas quickly became PTA president, then events chair for the districtwide PTA Council. Over five years she helped rebuild community connections and elevate Ridgeway’s fundraising efforts to stratospheric levels.

Chief among her accomplishments was transforming the school’s beloved Turkey Trot into a major fundraiser that brought in $57,000 this year alone. She also developed a district-wide fundraising platform now used by several schools.

Her efforts helped pay for major additions to the school, including a gaga ball pit and the soon-to-be-completed outdoor classroom.

“These initiatives brought in so much more money for the school without bake sales and car washes,” she said. “It’s a lighter lift on volunteers and it builds community.”

Mrs. Teglas, the mother of fifth-grader Walker and first-grader Brynley, said her PTA work has been “deeply meaningful.”

“The more involved you are as a parent, the more you understand what’s going on,” she said. “You feel part of the community. And it feels so good having time with the kids.”

Being honored alongside Mr. Tsuji was especially meaningful, she added.

“It’s an honor to be standing next to George, Amy and everyone who built this community,” she said, referring to fellow PTA member Amy Handelsman, who nominated her for the honor and was in attendance.

“Ridgeway’s PTA is the largest in the district (with hundreds of members) and we’re really proud of that," Mrs. Teglas added.

Fellow PTA members Jessica Woodford and Taryn Friedman also accompanied the pair.

Meanwhile, keynote speaker Adrianna Restiano, a mental health counselor, delivered a powerful message about the lifesaving role of the St. Vincent’s Hospital 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline, reminding attendees of the vital support networks available to people in distress.