Berkeley Students Recognized As 'Unsung Heroes'

BERKELEY, NJ — Thirty students from across Ocean County were honored at the Student Recognition Awards on May 4 as "Unsung Heroes."

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.

Read More: 'Unsung Heroes' Of Ocean County Schools Honored

Two students awarded attend Berkeley schools: Kayla Kulzy from Central Regional High School and Arely Vargas-Leonor from Berkeley Township Elementary School.

Jeff Mangold, a Central Regional counselor, presented Kulzy with the award and shared her story.

Throughout her young life, Kulzy has "overcome many obstacles," Mangold said. He added that this shows grit and forgiveness.

Kulzy grew up in a household of drug abuse and domestic violence, Mangold said. At age six, she moved in with her aunt and uncle, but still dealt with a custody battle.

In spite of her struggles, Mangold said that Kulzy has "achieved great things." She even has reconciled with her mother.

Mangold was also proud to announce that Kulzy would be attending college on a full academic scholarship. He shared that he could see her as a "neurosurgeon, Supreme Court Justice, CEO" among other things, saying that he knew she would continue to be great.

Mangold said that he has been in the guidance department for a long time, and though he has seen hundreds of students, there is "only one Kayla Kulzy."

Also recognized was BTES sixth grader Arely Vargas-Leonor. Her teacher, Vicky Guy, said that "we're so lucky" to celebrate Vargas-Leonor.

Some of the words Guy used to describe her are "strong work ethic," "responsible," "mature," "caring" and "polite."

In the summer before third grade, Vargas-Leonor had a brain tumor removed. She lost the ability to walk and lost vision in her left eye. However, she has made great strides since then, having relearned to walk, Guy said.

"Goals have never become insurmountable to Arely," Guy said.

Guy added that Vargas-Leonor moved to a more rigorous curriculum this year, saying that she is always "determined to be successful."

Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters here, or download our app to have breaking news alerts sent right to your phone. Have a news tip? Email veronica.flesher@patch.com.