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Good News In Essex County: Ivy League Friendship + NFL Star Returns + Inspiring Youth

New Jersey is filled with humor, inspiration and kindness. Here are seven stories to make you smile from Essex County.

Essex County residents Bryan Oko, left, and Abdulqudus “Abdul” Morakinyo, right, have been friends since childhood. They have been accepted to Brown University. (Newark Board of Education)

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County can be a stressful place to live. But it’s also filled with humor, inspiration and kindness. Let’s focus on that second part. Take a look at some recent good news stories in Essex County below (click the headlines to read).

They’ve Been Friends Since 2nd Grade. Now These NJ Teens Are Headed To The Ivy League

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"Brotherhood and "determination" have helped these two Essex County students earn their way into Brown University.

5 Inspiring NJ Women Earn Awards For Community Service, Leadership

Five residents of this Essex County town got a round of applause for making their community a better place to live.

Essex County Town’s Fire Department Promotions Include Historic Milestone

A promotion ceremony included a trailblazing moment for the township.

NJ School’s Chameleon Jazz Band Earns 15th-Straight State Title

The school earned its 15th-straight state championship at the New Jersey Association for Jazz Education state finals.

NJ Teen Gets Full Scholarship To Princeton University

One of New Jersey's top track and field athletes will be attending Princeton University.

Essex County Native Earns John Lewis Youth Leadership Award

A young leader from North Jersey was honored with a prestigious award for her community service.

Retired NFL Star Returns To Essex County For Field Renaming In His Honor: WATCH

Tahir Whitehead: "My family is here; this is where my heart is."

Former NFL linebacker Tahir Whitehead attends a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly dubbed Tahir Whitehead Sports Complex at Nat Turner Park in Newark, NJ. (Photo courtesy of MAC Media)
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