Hardworking Nutley Student Applauded By Essex County Commissioners

NUTLEY, NJ — A hardworking student who goes to school in Nutley recently earned a round of applause at an annual “Essex County Celebrates Youth” event.

The Essex County Board of Commissioners held its 21st annual celebration on April 23, awarding certificates of accomplishment to several high-achieving teens. It is held each year to acknowledge outstanding young people throughout the county for their accomplishments and hard work in academics, athleticism and community service.

This year’s awardees included Reynamia Soto, who attends the Abundant Life Academy in Nutley.

According to a news release from the commissioner board:

“Reynamia Soto is an incredibly hard working and intelligent student, with straight As in the honor and high honor rolls. Every year since kindergarten she has been recognized as one of the best students at the Abundant Life Academy in Nutley, New Jersey. She is caring and considerate towards her classmates and school, having been recognized for her kindness to others every year since kindergarten, and voted by her peers to be Class Representative. She is also the captain of the volleyball team. Reyna is about to embark on brand new impressive chapter in her academic career. In April 2025, she started acting school at the New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts in Montclair, New Jersey. In the fall of 2025, she will be attending the prestigious Newark Academy in Livingston, New Jersey. Reyna’s dedication to her community is remarkable, with a long history of volunteerism and giving back with local nonprofits. Her dream to become an FBI Special Agent like her mother reflects her ambition to make the world a better place and build on the work of those that came before her. Reyna is a person of good character, friendly, a quick learner, one who shows drive and initiative, as well as a person who radiates honesty and integrity. She is a well-rounded and compelling individual with an incredibly bright future ahead of her, and is a leader in her own right.”

Other awardees included Sahli Negassi and Kyley Gary-Grayson of West Orange, and the Irvington High School freshman boys basketball team.

“Tonight, we stand in proud support of our honorees who have done so much already at such a young age,” Commissioner President Carlos Pomares said.

“Their hard work and dedication to lifting up those around them give all of us hope for the future,” Pomares continued. “When we recognize our young people, they know they have achieved something real, and that we believe in and are invested in them. Congratulations to all our honorees!”

U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) provided certificates of accomplishment for the honorees. The event was held at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Justice Building in Newark.

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