‘Unsung Heroes’ In Essex County: Students Inspire School Communities

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Several local students recently earned a well-deserved tip of the hat as “unsung heroes” in Essex County.

The Essex County School Boards Association (ECSBA) is shining a well-deserved spotlight on some humble-yet-inspiring young people as part of its 2024 Unsung Heroes awards, which were done in partnership with the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA).

The annual recognition ceremony – now in its eighth year – pays tribute to students who might not always be in the spotlight, but whose presence is a “beacon of inspiration and strength.”

“These students have demonstrated exceptional character through overcoming adversity, providing quiet leadership, and achieving personal and academic success against the odds,” the association says.

This year’s honorees include:

Belleville Public School District

• Laura Peña Morales–Belleville High School
• Brielle Kate Guimaraes–Bloomfield High School
• Muhammad Oruc–James Caldwell High School
• Arda Derinsu– Cedar Grove High School

Bloomfield Township School District

• Brielle Kate Guimaraes–Bloomfield High School

Caldwell-West Caldwell School District

• Muhammad Oruc–James Caldwell High School

Cedar Grove Township School District

• Arda Derinsu– Cedar Grove High School

East Orange Public School District

• Kyler Anderson–Cicely L. Tyson Community High School
• Sillia Francois–East Orange Campus High School
• Joyce Tchikounzi–East Orange STEM Academy High School

Essex County Schools of Technology School District

• Jayden Hollaway–Essex County Donald M. Payne, Sr., School of Technology
• Angie Valle–Essex County Newark Tech
• Gisele Curvin–Essex County West Caldwell Tech

Glen Ridge Public School District

• Ariana Arteaga–Glen Ridge High School
• Isaiah Idlett-Tucker–Great Oaks Legacy Charter High School
• Lovefavor Alexander–Irvington High School
• Alina George–Livingston High School
• Arisleidy Mora Sanchez–Marion P. Thomas Charter High School
• Joseph Sorkin–Millburn High School
• Husyar Koleoglu–Montclair High School

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School

• Isaiah Idlett-Tucker–Great Oaks Legacy Charter High School

Irvington School District

• Lovefavor Alexander–Irvington High School
• Alina George–Livingston High School
• Arisleidy Mora Sanchez–Marion P. Thomas Charter High School
• Joseph Sorkin–Millburn High School
• Husyar Koleoglu–Montclair High School

Livingston School District

• Alina George–Livingston High School

Marion P. Thomas Charter School

• Arisleidy Mora Sanchez–Marion P. Thomas Charter High School

Millburn Township School District

• Joseph Sorkin–Millburn High School

Montclair Public School District

• Husyar Koleoglu–Montclair High School

Newark Public School District

• Joel Frias–American History High School
• Roberto Hernandez Jr.–Arts High School
• Caesar Andrews–Bard High School Early College
• Hillary Mendez–Barringer High School
• Geovanna Galarza–Central High School
• Maurice Moseley–Eagle Academy for Young Men
• Ana Luisa Marino–East Side High School
• Monique Smartt–John F. Kennedy School
• Tariq Ellis–Malcolm X Shabazz High School
• Jardon Deshaun Spates–New Jersey Regional Day School at Newark
• Jahsendi Bartley–Newark School of Global Studies
• Alisha Chavez–Newark Vocational High School
• Emilia Santos–Science Park High School
• James L. Lozada–Technology High School
• Ziyonnah Russell–University High School
• Anesia Flanagan– Weequahic High School
• Shamar Williams–West Side High School

Nutley Public School District

• Nelson Nicholas Matos–Nutley High School

Orange Public School District

• Keannah Bien-Aime–Orange High School
• Najhera Walker–STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges
• Joanne Guillaume–Twilight Program

South Orange-Maplewood School District

• Michael Biggs–Columbia High School

Verona School District

• Michael Lipari–Verona High School

West Essex Regional School District

• Yasemin Durna–West Essex High School

West Orange School District

• Alicia Germain–West Orange High School

“It is our pleasure to pay tribute to these extraordinary students who have inspired us, brought joy and hope to our schools, helped guide other students, and taught us all the most important lessons in life –the importance of determination, courage, kindness and perseverance,” NJSBA executive director Timothy Purnell said.

“These students embody the spirit of resilience and dedication that often goes unnoticed,” agreed Reginald Bledsoe, president of the Essex County School Boards Association.

“Their stories are not just inspiring; they are a testament to the power of tenacity, kindness, and hard work,” Bledsoe added. “They are the unsung heroes who make our schools a better place daily.”

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