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AP Economics teacher Ms. Lynne Tierney annotates her slides on the Newline board while enthusiastically teaching a class.
AP Economics teacher Ms. Lynne Tierney annotates her slides on the Newline board while enthusiastically teaching a class.
WINSTON LAW ’27

Decades of Dedication: Edison High’s 2025 Retirees

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Ms. Lynne Tierney

For over a decade, Tierney has taught Personal Finance and AP Economics at EHS, while also serving as an advisor for the school’s DECA team. As a teacher, she’s built strong connections with her students in and out of the classroom.  

Her initial motivation for starting to teach at EHS was her desire to try something new.  

“I was simply bored and wanted to try something new,” Tierney said. “I originally worked in a news broadcast, but after the 2007-2008 financial crisis, I gained the desire to educate children. It was because of that event that I wanted to teach students about their future and the ways they could help themselves.”

In her reflection, she discusses how certain aspects of this school differentiate it from other schools. 

“In contrast to other schools, EHS does a good job of recognizing students for their hard work and talent,” said Tierney. “I sometimes hand out awards at Senior Awards Night, and seeing the reactions of some of these students makes me smile.”

She also recalls an event in which alumni came together to throw her a surprise party in celebration of her retirement. The event brought her to tears, as it truly demonstrated the culture and community EHS can establish amongst its students.   

On the topic of her staff and coworkers, Tierney emphasizes their impact and expresses her gratitude for having worked alongside them. She also praises the commitment Mr. Charles Ross has to making school an enjoyable experience.  

“Alongside the amazing staff that work here every day, I must note one thing: Mr. Ross is truly an amazing principal,” said Tierney. “No other principal motivates students the way he does.”  

To sum up her time here at EHS, Tierney makes it clear that she is blessed to have worked here and helped students in various ways.

“I am fortunate to have helped students discover new concepts that they can apply to their own lives,” she said.

EHS school counseling supervisor Dr. Diane Braungard-Galayda works at her desk in the morning. After 13 years of service to the EHS community, she stresses following passions and finding new learning experiences.
EHS school counseling supervisor Dr. Diane Braungard-Galayda works at her desk in the morning. After 13 years of service to the EHS community, she stresses following passions and finding new learning experiences. (WINSTON LAW ’27)
Dr. Diane Braungard-Galayda:

The Supervisor of Counseling at EHS for the last thirteen years, Braungard has poured pride and passion into her work with students. As someone who has worked in the counseling department here and at J.P. Stevens, she points out the positive changes she has seen over the past years.

Her journey into the field of education began with her father bringing her to help him at the summer school where he worked.      

“My father would always bring me to summer school,” said Braungard. “And I loved helping people learn something new or try to understand a concept.”

As someone who has worked in the counseling side of work at EHS, Braungardt points out the increase in mental awareness she has seen over the past years. She also comments that she is proud of the work she and other staff have put into tackling mental health problems students may experience.    

“When I first came here, mental awareness was not as recognized as it is today,” said Braungard. “Now, there seems to be a clear understanding of mental health and its effects on our students.”

Looking back on her time at EHS, she explains that the competitiveness among students has become more apparent over the last few years. She stresses that many students have become more competitive as they are constantly looking to improve their skills and talents.  

 

“While this was a standard at J.P., it was not as evident here until a few years ago,” said Braunguard. “So many of them— and their parents— are curious to see what they can do to improve.”

Summarizing her time here at EHS, Braungard notes that students should embrace their passions and the learning experiences that come along with them.  

“Do what your heart desires, because if you believe in succeeding in that one thing, you will in the end do so,” said Braungard.  

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