On November 29, 2012 the annual National Honor Society Induction ceremony was held at the Fiesta. Along with the student inductees, a special honoree award was presented to North Arlington High School’s beloved computer applications teacher, Mrs. Tomko. Ironically, she was originally there to support her nephew, Nick Martin, who was being inducted. She was completely surprised by the nomination. Mrs. Tomko is more than just a teacher of computer applications, advanced computer applications, financial literacy, Wall St., and personal finance. She is actively involved in Vikings with Heart, Yearbook Finances, and the Mentor Program. She prides herself in being a helper and supporting all Vikings.

Mrs. Tomko graduated from Rutherford High School in 1990. Like many seniors, she was unsure of her future, so she continued her education at Bergen Community College. From there she graduated from Montclair State University and entered the Accounting world. Eventually, Mrs. Tomko found her way to the high school, bringing her real world experiences into the classroom. This included teaching the first keyboard class on a computer in 1997.

In her free time, Mrs. Tomko enjoys being a “soccer/hockey/basketball/baseball/softball Mom”. She is so proud of her children’s accomplishments, especially going above and beyond to be good students and people. After grading papers, driving kids to and from practice, and cooking, in what little time she has left, Mrs. Tomko is looking to complete her New Year’s Resolution of learning to play the ukulele.

At the end of the day, Mrs. Tomko is most passionate about teaching. “My favorite part about teaching is the kids. It is the best time of their lives whether they realize it or not and I am glad that I get to be a part of that experience with them.” It is no surprise that the National Honor Society chose such a loving teacher to induct. Mrs. Tomko lives by the wise words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “A candle looses nothing by lighting another candle.” Mrs. Tomko certainly burns bright, igniting her love of learning in all students.