Montville Twp Middle School Students Experience Powerful Living Lessons Program, Now in Its 20th Year

MONTVILLE, NJ - Students at Montville Township's Robert R. Lazar Middle School experienced its tenth biennial Living Lessons program that brought together nearly 50 survivors, who during the course of the day, presented their personal journeys from tragedy to triumph to the school’s 747 students in grades six to eight.

On Thursday, May 16, the presenters addressed topics such as leadership, diversity, disability, anti-bullying, extreme tragedy, healing, and resiliency. They are survivors of gun violence, terrorism, racism, human trafficking, concentration camps, bombings, suicide, addiction, blindness, paralysis, and debilitating life-threatening illnesses.

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The brilliancy of the program is that the students have an opportunity to ask questions and connect with the speakers. One girl, who was too shy to ask her question in the group, had the opportunity to speak to the presenter after his talk. She came back to her place literally filled with emotion. Her friends were so compassionate. They surrounded her with concern and kindness.

The program was founded 20 years ago by Lazar’s English teacher Judy Gothelf and Montville resident and former Lazar teacher Joseph Keizer, who now is principal at Franklin Lakes.

Currently, the two school districts work together to coordinate the program and share expenses, such as the airfare and travel expenses for speakers. This year Gothelf and Lazar teacher Danielle Barkey co-chaired the Lazar event.

“As far as I know, Living Lessons is the largest gathering of survivors under one roof," Gothelf said. The program is designed to build character, promote acceptance, respect, kindness, empathy and courage. “Living Lessons has a powerful effect on all who attend,” said Gothelf.

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Living Lessons honors the memory of Gothelf’s parents, Libby and Phil Bitterman. In the Living Lessons event program, Gothelf wrote, “Their unwavering commitment to aiding the less fortunate, coupled with their boundless compassion, love, and understanding, made them exemplary role models. Their steadfast support and encouragement of this program from its inception have been the driving forces behind my dedication. I am profoundly grateful to have had them as my personal ‘living lessons.’”

In the event program, Gothelf wrote that the program is also dedicated to Lazar students past and present “whose commitment, curiosity, and resilience have enriched our community and inspires all. You are the heart and soul of this program, and your impact will resonate far beyond these walls, shaping a better tomorrow for generations to come.”

Kristen Piper, co-president of the Lazar Parent Teacher Council, stated that when Montville Township High School students were asked what was one thing most memorable about middle school, a surprising number of students spoke about their experience with Living Lessons, showing how the program has a lasting effect.

The Montville Township Public School District is nationally recognized as a ‘District of Character’ by Character.org.

TAPinto Montville will be highlighting presenters in future articles as part of a Living Lessons Series.

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