High Schoolers to Award 25 Mahwah ‘Heroes’

A group of Mahwah high schoolers who have spent the last year working to make the community a kinder place is hosting a ceremony Monday that will honor 25 township residents it says are inspiring.

Mahwah High School’s Community Problem Solvers, a team of about a dozen students that has spent the year working to solve problems they identify in the community, presenting their solutions at regional and state competitions, and implementing the solutions, says the award ceremony is meant to promote good character amongst Mahwah kids, and spread happiness and kindness through the community.

In April, the group started taking nominations from students and township residents for the ‘The Open Your Heart Everyday Hero Ceremony.’ Locals were asked to nominate people who make a daily difference in Mahwah. The students whittled down the nomination list to 25 winners, who will be recognized for their “heroic” efforts during a ceremony Monday night.

“We want to spread happiness and caring not only throughout the school community, but we want to extend that to the entire Mahwah community as well,” CPS member Mike Al-Moustafa told Patch. “We think this ceremony will be a great way to inspire people to be better, and to think with their hearts.”

The list of honorees is impressive. It ranges from school and library employees, to police officers and emergency responders; from township volunteers and non-profit founders, to a 28-year Mahwah crossing guard.

The group’s awards will be presented during the ‘Open Your Heart Everyday Hero Ceremony,’ happening Monday, May 20, at 7 p.m. at Ramapo Ridge Middle School. The public is invited to attend.

“We would love the community to attend the ceremony,” CPS advisor Joan Garris said. “It’s really going to be a nice event.”

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