13 Outstanding Students, Citizens In Union County Honored

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A third-grader, who received a standing ovation, a middle school, and a high school student who are dedicated to breaking down barriers and increasing understanding and acceptance between people.

A business owner who stood up to an act of hate. A couple who set out 37 years ago with soup, sandwiches, and coffee to feed some homeless individuals and created a movement to end homelessness locally.

Volunteers who dedicate themselves to taking care of and invigorating our veterans in all regards. Volunteers who assist victims of human trafficking, and provide education to end the cycle.

A woman honoring the memory of her son who was senselessly killed in the line of duty by raising awareness so no other mother or family has to endure that loss.

An educator whose sole motivation is to give back to youth and the community, the way the community was there for him. A woman who has given 52 years of service and leadership to a local first aid squad.

A retired police chief who will never retire from protecting and serving. Two golfer enthusiasts who quietly raise and donate funds to local charitable organizations. A countywide program to aid communication between police officers and individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

These 13 individuals and organizations were recognized by the Union County Human Relations
Commission at its 22nd annual Unity Achievement Award presentation held on Monday, May 12 at the Kean University STEM Center in Union Township.

The award recipients were nominated and selected for fostering human rights, human relations, and human dignity among the people of Union County.

This year’s award categories include achievements by a business enterprise, community organization, nonprofit organization, individual, student, educator, veteran/military organization, public servant, law enforcement, and special recognition.

"It is such a rewarding and uplifting evening to recognize our local role models and heroes who dedicate themselves to helping others and to strengthening our communities," Commission Co-Chair Linda Weissbrod said. "These regular people do extraordinary things to make others’ lives better and make our communities kinder, and the evening’s presentation highlights all of the good that is being accomplished in Union County."

The mission of the Union County Human Relations Commission is to actively encourage, develop, promote, and strengthen respect for human rights and cultural diversity among the people of Union County, while working to eradicate prejudice, bias, and hate from our school, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

"The volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to serve on the Commission unequivocally agree that one of the best ways to strive to accomplish this mission is to publicly honor those who already do it well," the Commission’s other co-chair, Union County Prosecutor’s Office Assistant Prosecutor Chanell Johnson, said.

The recipients of the 2025 Unity Achievement Awards are:

• Tanner Moore, a third grader at the Lincoln School in Garwood
• Obinna Orekie, an eighth grade student at the Myles J. McManus Middle School in Linden
• Sebastian Mercado, an eleventh grade student at New Providence High School
• Geoff and Ginger Worden, Founders of Bridges Outreach/Summit
• Amanda Girardi, owner of the Sweet & Fancy Emporium/Cranford
• Donna Setaro and the M.A.R.C. Campaign (Move Over Law)
• Elizabeth J. Fritzen, President of the Springfield First Aid Squad
• Mark Shore and Bernard “Barge” Tennyson and the LepreCohen Charitable Organization
• Shawn Johnson, Scotch Plains-Fanwood District School Security/Safety Specialist and Head Varsity Football Coach
• Chief Kenneth Grady (ret., Kenilworth Police Department), President of the New Jersey Retired Policemen and Firemen’s Association – Union and Somerset Counties Local 3
• The New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking
• The New Jersey Veterans Network
• The Union County Blue Envelope Program, with the award accepted by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office’s Community Prosecution Division’s Community Response Unit
• Outgoing Co-Chair Linda Weissbrod was also recognized for her two years of dedicated and inspirational leadership

The Commission, created by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office in 1991, is comprised of diverse
volunteers who represent the county community, who attend regular meetings held throughout the year, and participate in special public forums and events.

"Our 2025 honorees are as diverse as the target populations that they work with, for, and on behalf of," said Union County First Assistant Prosecutor James Tansey, who serves as a Commissioner and advisor.

Since the program’s inception, the commission has presented 281 achievement awards and 18 special
recognition awards.

The Commission is actively seeking individuals of all ages who represent Union County’s 21 towns and our incredible diversity to serve as Commissioners. If you are interested in becoming a member, email uchrc@ucnj.org.

Nominations for the 2026 Unity Achievement Awards can be submitted online at ucnj.org/uchrc.

For more information about the Commission, past award recipients, or to submit a nomination, visit www.ucnj.org/uchrc.