Teen, Volunteer In Caldwells Honored For Work In Local Community

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A pair of residents of the Caldwells recently earned awards for their contributions to the local community:

Here’s what the National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section (NCJW/Essex) had to say about the local residents and their accomplishments.

Sabrina Szalay, a senior at James Caldwell High School, took her own struggles and turned them into a way to help others. Sabrina had a life changing experience after her father lost his job, forcing her family to downsize and rely on food stamps to survive. She believed that this struggle impacted her life and opened her eyes to what’s going on around her in her own community. This led her to joining Habitat for Humanity where she volunteered and worked to open a chapter at her school. Additionally, Szalay volunteered at the St. John Soup Kitchen in Newark, helping to serve meals to the homeless. “I believe no one should have to live life homeless and hungry,” she said, “and I devote my time to helping those let fortunate, hoping to make a change in their lives.” (Nancy and Robert Eskow NCJW Volunteer Award)

Susie Botwinick of West Caldwell, NJ, was the recipient of the Henrietta Weiser Emerging Leader Award, presented by NCJW/Essex to a promising member who has demonstrated leadership potential. With an energetic style and can-do attitude, Botwinick has immersed herself in numerous leadership roles within NCJW/Essex including chairperson of volunteers for the Back 2 School Store, a speaker event with “The Moms,” three Opening Events and the Eskow Awards committee. In 2017 she became Vice President of Communications, a position she will continue in the year to come.

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