COLTS NECK, NJ — A Monmouth County high school student is among 11 students across New Jersey to be recognized by the State Board of Education for their "school and community service, heroic efforts and academic achievements."
State Board President Kathy Goldenberg, State Board members and Commissioner Laux honored the students as part of the State Board’s annual student recognition program, which is held at the NJ Department of Education (NJDOE).
According to Dr. Lily Laux, the Commissioner of Education, this year's honorees exemplify how the actions of one student — no matter how young — can have "a profound effect on families, neighbors, and student peers locally and throughout the country."
“As today’s students will soon be shaping New Jersey’s future, these 11 students are remarkable examples of the effort, resilience, and commitment demonstrated daily by young people across our state," Laux said.
The recognition event, which was held on Wednesday, marks the 12th time that the State Board and the NJ DOE have hosted an in-person private recognition ceremony to honor students for the significant contributions they make every day to their schools and communities.
The NJ DOE’s Executive County Superintendents select students after receiving recommendations from superintendents in their respective counties.
Counties that are not represented this year will have students recognized as part of next year’s program.
“Whether through a single act of bravery or long-term service and advocacy, the students recognized this year have made a lasting impact on their schools, local communities and the world around them,” President Kathy Goldenberg said.
“It is an honor to bring the students together to celebrate their accomplishments and their deep commitment to making a difference.”
Blake Robinovitz, a student at Colts Neck High School in the Freehold Regional High School District, was one of the 11 students recognized by the State Board.
According to state officials, Robinovitz was recognized for his advocacy for improved school safety nationwide and for his recent heroic efforts to help a stranger suffering a heart attack.
As the National Youth Legislative Correspondent for “Make Our Schools Safe,” Robinovitz is an advocate for Alyssa’s Law, which requires schools to install silent panic alarms to ensure law enforcement is instantly notified of a potential threat.
His cousin, Alyssa Alhadeff, was killed in the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Fla.
Through Robinovitz's efforts, the law has been enacted in New Jersey and 11 other states – and he is actively working to achieve passage in more states.
Robinovitz also serves as his high school’s representative on the Superintendent’s Executive Advisory Board and as a captain in the Civil Air Patrol and in the Marlboro Police Cadets, as well as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the Colts Neck NJ ROTC.
While recently at a local grocery store, Robinovitz witnessed a man suffer a heart attack.
Using his training, Robinovitz performed CPR for eight straight minutes to maintain the man’s vitals until paramedics arrived.
For this act of heroism, he was awarded the Naval JROTC’s Cadet Meritorious Achievement Award – a distinction given to only two to three individuals annually nationwide.
Alongside Robinovitz, the other New Jersey students recognized by the State Board include:
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