Barbara Mansfield Villapiano is a woman whose career epitomizes the idealism of the Modern American Woman. Her professional influence and expertise have been instrumental in initiating and implementing numerous programs designed to motivate. These highly respected, successful programs include: The District Enrichment Program, "Learning Together": a high school tutorial program, The Monmouth University Assistant Service, "We Come in Different Packages": An inclusion program for staff and students, Principal Praise: A student incentive/awards project, and service learning for each grade level. Each of these programs received tremendous support and praise from Ms. Villapiano''s distinguished colleagues and peers.

Ms. Villapiano, a New Jersey girl whole life, earned her BS and MA Degrees in Education from Monmouth University. While teaching in the Ocean Township school district, she continued her education, receiving her Supervisory, Principal, and Administrative certification. Through hard work and perseverance, she worked her way up through the ranks culminating in her becoming the first woman principal in the district and ultimately opening the door for future females.

After serving 41 years in education, twenty as principal, Ms. Villapiano retired in 2002. She continues to make a difference in the profession of education however, by supervising student teachers for Monmouth and Georgian Court Universities. She is also actively involved in many professional and community organizations, such as the NJ Principal and Administrator Association, Delta Kappa Gamma International Honor Society, Phi Delta Kappa, Board of Directors, Deal Golf and Country Club, and Educational Chairperson of the Jersey Shore Woman''s Club.

The year 2006 will commemorate Ms. Villapiano''s 50th reunion with Asbury Park High School classmates. Reflecting back to the high school yearbook, The Driftwood, it states, "Barbara-A vivacious lass. Always wearing a smile, always ready with a helping hand." Barbara still possesses these same qualities today through her active involvement in her community. Together with her husband Guy, Director of the Asbury Park Senior Center, they developed the project J.O.Y. - Joining Older & Younger, which reaches out to the senior population by way of intergenerational activities.

Barbabra is a graduate of Barbizon and occasionally models. She enjoys traveling, bowling, and entertaining family and friends. She is extremely proud of her husband Guy and the difference he''s made in the senior community, her son Garry, a successful entrepreneur, her daughter-in-law Kim and her two special grandchildren, Amber and Dalton. In closing, Barbara would like to quote Nancy Regan, as homage to all the women she has known and admired both professionally and personally throughout her life.

"A woman is like a tea bag, you can''t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water."