Manchester Teen Who Helps Homeless Earns 'Unsung Hero' Praise

MANCHESTER, NJ — Some students spend their hours outside school playing sports or working.

Allen Mitchell of Manchester Township High School spends his time helping the homeless and at-risk children in the community. It's a calling he learned from his father, a church pastor.

His quiet work earned him the Unsung Hero Award, which is given to students from schools throughout Ocean County to honor their work in overcoming adversity. The program is led by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Mitchell was honored by the Manchester Township Board of Education for receiving the award.

Not only did Mitchell learn from his father's example, he continues to volunteer at his church to pay tribute to his father, who died earlier this year.

"Many kids his age would check out, but Allen is as determined as ever to make his father proud," the teacher who nominated Mitchell wrote. "After college he plans on starting his own ministry in honor of his father, based on love and helping youth."

"I can say with certainty, Allen Mitchell is heading to great success," the teacher wrote. "He is one of the most warm-hearted and respectful students I've ever had the pleasure of teaching, and with this tremendous potential I am confident that he will shine as a positive influence."

"I believe in my heart that Allen is an unsung hero who will hopefully one day move past adversity and get his moment in the sunshine," the teacher wrote.

There were eight other students honored by the Manchester school board:

Superintendent’s & Mayor’s Association Award

Three young women were honored as recipients of the Superintendent’s and Mayor’s Awards.

"I’m so proud of the students that represent us every year," said Superintendent David Trethaway, who presented the awards.

Morgan Brustman received the Superintendent’s Roundtable Award. She had a GPA of 103.66 and was involved in student government, varsity soccer, basketball, track and field, blood drive, Key Club, National Honor Society, and was a Shore Conference ambassador. She hopes to continue her community service when she heads to Robert Morris University as biology/pre-med major and a member of the women’s soccer team there.

Michelle Levereth also received the Superintendent’s Roundtable Award. She was a Math League student with a GPA of 106.2. She does community service at Crestwood Manor and plans to attend Rochester University in the psychology program.

Emily Barron received the Mayor’s Scholarship. She has a GPA of 103.95, was vice president of the Class of 2021 all four years of high school and a member of the National Honor Society. She was involved in varsity lacrosse and field hockey, the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Foundation, and she volunteers in lacrosse and helping families in need. She plans to attend Ursinus College to major in biology.

Michelle Levereth and Emily Barron were unable to attend the meeting.

Eagle Scout Nicholas Isphording

Manchester Township High School senior Nicholas Isphording was honored for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

Nick's Eagle project was called Project Lilypad. He decorated pieces of wood with a polyurethane coating that fit on the bottom of IV poles for children who have long-term illnesses in long-term care hospitals. He said his goal was "to give them a little bit more joy in their day."

"Nick has been a standout in our troop since the day I first met him when he crossed over as a Webelo," Troop 350 Leader Kevin Rembauch said. "I’m proud to be able to stand here with Nick. "

Ocean County College Shark Tank Competition Winners

Manchester Township High School teams took three awards in the Ocean County College Shark Tank competition, which involves creating a product and presenting a business plan. Business teacher Nick Salvemini, the team's coach, said more than 30 teams were narrowed down to 10 finalists, and four of the finalists were from Manchester. They took home three awards:

1st Place: Ava Bullis and Gabrielle Ashton
3rd Place: David Giambatista and Shay Juralewicz
Best Presenter: Emilia Wrazen

David Giambatista, Shay Juralewicz, and Emilia Wrazen were unable to attend the meeting.

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