Mendham Student Earns Nod As 'Unsung Hero' Nominee

MENDHAM, NJ — Mendham Township Middle School, in cooperation with the Morris County School Boards Association and the New Jersey School Boards Association, has nominated its 2024 Unsung Hero.

This year, that honor has been given to eighth-grade student Francessca Voyles.

What makes an unsung hero? According to the program, it is a person who does great deeds but receives little or no recognition. These students have overcome great difficulties and persevered.

The award is given out annually by the NJSBA to sixth, eighth and twelfth grade students who demonstrate quiet leadership and model citizenship.

The Mendham Township Middle School teachers and staff who nominated Voyles agree that she is a true example of an unsung hero.

“We are so proud of Francessca. Sometimes our fantastic students don’t always get the loudest applause or the biggest cheers,” says Mendham Township Middle School Principal Dr. PJ. Ciccone. “This award is a perfect opportunity for us teachers and administration to shout them out.”

The New Jersey School Boards Association aims to uplift students who make outstanding contributions to their schools and communities but are often overlooked by other traditional student recognition programs.

Voyles, along with other students from Morris County, will have the opportunity to be among the county’s Unsung Heroes of 2024.

At Mendham Township Middle School, Voyles demonstrates her leadership and dedication in the sports arena as the captain of the soccer team.

"She helps support her fellow teammates and stepped up to take on the position of goalkeeper—one of the most difficult and integral positions on the field—when the team needed it most," district officials said.

Academically, Voyles excels in mathematics, earning a seat in Honors Algebra 1. Her versatility in and out of the classroom sets a positive example for her peers. Her willingness to lend a helping hand has created a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering success not only for herself but for those around her, the district said in a statement.

"She has garnered respect from peers, teachers, and the administration alike, which led to her teachers and staff at MTMS to nominate her," district officials said.