Teen Humanitarians From Montclair Earn Student Leadership Award

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Three Montclair High School students have earned a prestigious Joy Prescott Humanitarian Award for Student Leadership and Dedication, their alma mater announced Tuesday.

Sofia Batres, Justin Comini, and Aidan Cummins, each a senior at the high school, were commended by Jaime Walker, a teacher with the school’s Center for Social Justice (CSJ) small learning community.

Walker, who nominated the three students, said it was thrilling they got the opportunity to be recognized.

“Congratulations to all of the amazing student leaders,” Walker said.

According to district administrators, the award was established by Kean's Holocaust Resource Center and Diversity Council on Global Education and Citizenship to honor Joy Prescott, a beloved university employee, upon her retirement.

Administrators said:

“Prescott dedicated more than 30 years of service to students and educators through her passion for diversity training, community building, and Holocaust education. The Joy Prescott Humanitarian Award for Student Leadership and Dedication is presented to student leaders committed to diversity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of social justice. Nominees must be a student at a Diversity Council member site and have demonstrated evidence of leadership roles, community involvement, or activism.”

Here's why the three MHS students were nominated, district administrators said.

SOFIA BATRES

Batres is a member of the Montclair Public Schools’ district National Equity Team, alongside other students. She enjoys volunteering at the Oruguitas program which offers emotional and academic support to Montclair’s youngest English Language Learners. She is also the founder of The Audre Project at MHS, a club for misogyny-affected persons of color to build community and create a safe environment.

“I would love to thank our teachers in CSJ for this opportunity who have been huge supporters not only academically but as organizers throughout the past four years,” Batres said.

JUSTIN COMINI

Comini is an activist holding many leadership roles in the school and community. Comini is the Student Member of the National Equity Project, Student Representative to the Board of Education, Student Liaison to OUT Montclair (Montclair's community Pride organization) and Co-Founder/Co-President a mental health awareness club at MHS. Currently, Comini works at Vanguard Theater Company with the mission of DREAM - Diversity, Reciprocity, Education, Activism, and Mentorship.

“I am so honored to have received the Joy Prescott Humanitarian Award,” Comini said. “Being fortunate enough to do this work in Montclair is an honor in itself and I am grateful to have been nominated by my lovely teachers. I would also like to thank my teachers in the Center for Social Justice and the Montclair Board of Education.”

AIDAN CUMMINS

Cummins has demonstrated his dedication and adornment for student leadership through his positions in the Black Student Union and Asian Student Union. Additionally, he currently serves as the Senior Class President for Montclair High School. Cummins credits his teachers in CSJ for equipping him with the skills necessary to lead in student affinity groups.

“I am beyond enthused and grateful to have been honored with the Joy Prescott Humanitarian Award,” Cummins said.

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