It is a well-known fact that Kiran Masud is an award-winning educator.
But she can also throw a baseball quite well, too.
Ms. Masud flashed her arm strength when she was honored during the pre-game ceremonies on Sunday, September 7, before the minor league baseball game between the Somerset Patriots and New Hampshire Fisher Cats at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater.
Ms. Masud, who is a 5th Grade English Language Arts Teacher at the Hillside Intermediate School, threw out the ceremonial first pitch on the field before the Double-A game.
Ms. Masud was the honorary guest when the Patriots recognized her most recent prestigious award—the 2025-2026 Somerset County Teacher of the Year, which was presented by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).
Ms. Masud and the other 20 county teachers of the year in New Jersey were honored by the NJDOE during a ceremony on August 12 at The College of New Jersey.
“Wow, talk about feeling like a celebrity,” Ms. Masud claimed moments after she fired the ceremonial first pitch on the field. At TD Bank Ballpark,” It was such an incredible honor to represent Somerset County educators and throw out the first pitch at the Somerset Patriots game.”
She continued to share her celebrity status.
“Standing on the field in front of the community, with my four-year-old nephew with me was both exciting and humbling,” she said.
The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District was also represented on this day when the 4th Grade students from the John F. Kennedy Primary School were on the field before the game to sing The Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America.
“Moments like this reminded me how deeply connected our schools are to the larger community.” Ms. Masud said.
The honorees from Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District performed before the Patriots, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, defeated New Hampshire, the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, 9-4. They were south of The Bronx on this Sunday, when the Yankees beat the Blue Jays, 4-3, at Yankee Stadium in a showdown of the top teams in the American League East.
Ms. Masud was able to watch her beloved New York Giants play their NFL opener against the Washington Commanders from the private suite that the Patriots provided to her and her family.
“I’m so proud to share this recognition with my family, students, and fellow educators,’ she concluded.