Each school year, the Pascack Valley teacher of the year award is chosen by the students and given to the teacher who they believe has done the best job at PV over that year. This year, the students selected Mrs. Argine Safari, the Choral Director, Music Teacher, and Tri-M Music Honor Society Advisor at PV.

The annual PV Holiday concert was held on Dec. 17 . During the song “Esto Les Digo” sung by Safari’s 6th period chamber choir, the concert was interrupted by Principal DeMaio, Superintendent Gundersen, and English Supervisor Weinthal. They had smiles from ear to ear and were carrying a camera, signaling good news.

“I immediately thought this was all about my students,” Safari said. “But when Mr. Gundersen announced that I was named the Teacher of the Year, I couldn’t believe it.”

Safari has been teaching music for 20 years, with 10 of those years being at PV. She calls music and teaching her true passion in life.

“I cannot pick one favorite moment in my teaching career,” Safari said.

“There are so many precious moments in my teaching career that cannot be transferred into one experience. I think what I love most about teaching is the ability to influence my students’ lives and help them find their talents and passions that they are not even aware of,” she said.

Safari was honored to receive this award. “There are many outstanding educators in our school and being chosen amongst them is a true honor. Knowing that the students appreciate what I do is a great feeling,” she said.

The hard work and dedication Safari puts towards her work can be seen at any PV Choir performance.