'Unsung Heroes' Of Ocean County Schools Honored

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — What makes an unsung hero? It's someone who overcomes challenges, who does good deeds but gets no recognition for them. That changed with Ocean County's Student Recognition Awards, where students across the county received "Unsung Hero" awards so that they could get the recognition they deserve.

Thirty students were awarded at the May 4 celebration, which took place at Central Regional High School in Bayville. All of the students were different. Some had been at their schools a long time, while others were new. Some had physical disabilities. Some dealt with autism or mental illness. A few were immigrants who did not speak English when they first came to their school. Some faced personal tragedies, such as the death of a parent or loved one. Others battled cancer.

The one thing that all of these students had in common was that they overcame everything they dealt with.

The event was hosted by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, with Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer telling students "I am personally inspired by your achievement."

Billhimer said the Unsung Hero Awards are "my favorite part of the year."

William Smith, president of the Ocean County Association of School Administrators, told students "we're so happy to have you."

"We honor you, and you honor us," Smith said.

Charles Muller, Ocean County's executive superintendent of schools, congratulated the students on what they have accomplished. He told them "don't stop" doing good things and working hard, as it shows character.

"Take that character, take that kindness and take that good heart with you," Muller said.

Students were selected from each school district in the county. A representative from each school presented the student, usually a teacher or counselor. Many got emotional and choked up while speaking about their student.

Students were given a gift bag with an all-day ride pass at Casino Pier, a gift card to Coin Castle and other goodies. Billhimer also gave students a "challenge coin," which is given to someone who has overcome the odds.

Here is the complete list of 2022 award recipients:

• Tuckerton Elementary School - Savannah Joelle Russell
• Toms River High School East - Nicole Rosas
• Toms River High School North - Jervin Sevilla
• Toms River High School South - Berlin Ortiz
• Stafford Intermediate School - Dante Manzo
• Point Pleasant Beach High School - Evan Silva
• Point Pleasant Borough High School - Bridget Morris
• Pinelands Regional High School - Michele Ramos
• Ocean Gate Elementary School - Samarra Hand
• OCVTS Jackson Center - Pavlina Horvatova
• OCVTS GPAA - Christian T. Cirone
• OCVTS Toms River Center - Kevin Schweikert
• New Egypt High School - Flor Mejia
• New Egypt High School - Chelsea Nicholl
• Manchester Township High School - Joseph D'Antonio
• Lavallette School - Kelsey Marzarella
• Lakewood High School - Ariana Castillo
• Lakehurst Elementary School - Gabriela Novo Diaz
• Lacey Township High School - Alyson Bernaldo
• Jackson Memorial High School - Holden Rieger
• Jackson Liberty High School - Alfred Galvan
• Island Heights Elementary School - Drew Hawthorne
• Hugh J. Boyd Elementary School - Jayden Tuzzolino
• Frog Pond Elementary School - Giuliana Gencarelli
• Eagleswood Elementary School - Maria Esposito
• Central Regional High School - Kayla Kulzy
• Brick Township High School - Arianna Leonard
• Brick Memorial High School - Relm Campo
• Berkeley Township Elementary School - Arely Vargas-Leonor
• Barnegat High School - Angelique Antonelli

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