10 South Brunswick Kids Go Christmas Shopping With Police

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — On Wednesday, for the fourth year in a row, ten students from South Brunswick public schools were escorted by local police officers for an all-expenses-paid holiday shopping trip at the Rt. 1 Target.

These ten students were nominated by their teachers for doing something unique and positive throughout the past year. Each honoree was given a Target gift card, and their own personal South Brunswick police officer to accompany them through the store on their shopping spree. The "Heroes and Helpers" program was funded by a partnership between Target of South Brunswick, the South Brunswick School District Administrators, and the two South Brunswick Police Department unions, PBA and the Fraternal Order of Police:

Here are the ten students who were recognized, their school and why they were chosen:

Brooks Crossing Elementary School: Emmanuella Koroma, 5th grade

Brooks Crossing and Deans School would like to nominate Emmanuella Koroma, a 5th grade student, for the Heroes and Helpers Award. As a member or the Brooks Crossing Bear Trackers (Safety Patrol), Emmanuella assists our Kindergartners and first graders from Deans School, as they transfer to various busses during dismissal. Emmanuella takes this responsibility very seriously, which in turn, helps to ensure the safety of these younger students. Emmanuella is always punctual, focused and kind. Her dedication to this position is to be commended.

In the classroom, Emmanuella does so much to help others. Without being asked, she collects and charges the Chromebooks so they will be ready to go for the next day. She also helps organize the library in the class. Emmanuella is also the first one compliment her classmates on their jobs well done. For these reasons and so many more, we feel Emmanuella is deserving of such a wonderful honor.

Crossroads North Middle School: Jean Carlos Martinez Peralta, 8th grade

Jean Carlos Martinez Peralta is the proud honoree for Crossroads North this year. “JC” is a 8th grade student in the Beta Unit. He is a member of the Football team and member of our FLY program (Finding the Leader in You). He is a true leader who takes care of others both in school and out of school. “JC” has served on our Student Council and is willing and eager to help in a positive way.

South Brunswick High School: Michaela Sanders, 12th grade

Michaela Sanders has taken her position in the Student Council very seriously since her sophomore year, which is commendable considering all of the other activities that she is involved in. As an Underclassmen Representative in 10th grade, she delivered weekly presentations in the Freshman Cafeteria where she announced upcoming events, fielded questions and gave the 9th graders an overall feeling of being part of a community. She always exhibited a nurturing, patient side, which allowed these younger classmates to feel comfortable approaching her. Her caring nature made Michaela an obvious fit for the PEER Leadership program, which connects seniors with underclassmen to help with their transition to high school. Michaela seems to be able to execute anything that she put her mind to. She is confident, but has an eagerness to learn as she excels in her challenging academic classes. She has juggled this work load over the years with her play practice through the high school theater program and her involvement in NJRT theater program outside of the high school.

During the time that Michaela busy participating in school, Student Council or her theater programs, she is involved the the Day-By-Day Hope Foundation Charity. She is an active member of their choir, as they perform benefit concerts for the organization. She has been an active member of their youth board and contributes to their fundraising efforts as they work to support those who are effected by Cancer. Her personal approach to interacting with students and adults alike is warm and inviting. Her commitment to others over herself is admirable and dedication to charity is motivational to her peers. It is for these many reasons that Michaela earns this recognition.

Greenbrook Elementary School: Adwoa Ansong, 5th grade

I would nominate Adwoa Ansong for the Heroes and Helpers award. My nickname for her is "Sunshine!" She smiles and says, "good morning" to me each day. She is perky and delightful during morning meeting and is always willing to help. When our class started partnering with Carly Kalman's class for P.E. on Tuesdays, she went home to tell her family about it, because she was so excited at the opportunity to help others. I love this girl, and I think she epitomizes the district theme of creating the mood and bringing the sunshine!

Constable School: Emma Valentine, 3rd grade

Having newly joined Constable this year as a third grader, Emma immediately fit in because of her wonderful personality and the way she helps others. She has gone out of her way to spend time with, and help other students who have some limitations and disabilities. For example, during PE, she has spent much of her time with a student helping him learn how to jump rope. Never once, has anyone asked her to do this. She has taken it upon herself to do this. Her awesome ways have rubbed off, as some other students have started to do this as well. What a leader by pure example of kindness towards others.

Indian Fields School: Meadow Castellano, 5th grade

We are very pleased to announce Meadow Castellano as our nomination for the Heroes and Helpers Award. Below is what was written by her teacher, Lorrie Gurack-Costanzo.

When you asked if I had a student to nominate for Heroes and Helpers, I couldn’t pick a more worthy candidate than Meadow Castellano. If you visit my 5th grade classroom, it would be difficult to miss this beautiful young lady. She is always willing to help a teacher, friend or classmate. She is the first one to cheer up a friend when they are down or say kind words to a student who is left out. She is an upstander, respectful of others and a lover of nature and animals.

Her single father, Art Castellano is so proud of Meadow. He shared that Meadow always likes to help others, even if they don’t have a lot of money. She always gives our change to homeless people or Veterans in need. She tries to help when she sees anybody struggling, especially coming out of the grocery store. She has such a loving and caring spirit. Meadow doesn’t have to be asked, she innately knows when somebody is in need. Whether at home or at a friend's house, Meadow will get up and help them clean and she especially loves to help with small children. She has that “it factor” and I couldn't be more proud to nominate Meadow Castellano for Heroes and Helpers.

Brunswick Acres Elementary School: Jailene Vasquez, 4th grade

Our final choice is Jailene Vasquez. And the more I researched about her the more I feel confident in our decision.

Jailene has been a helper in many ways in the Brunswick Acres Community. She has been a Physical Education Helper, a helper for the Autism program, and she is an active Girl Scout, helping her community outside of Brunswick Acres. She has participated in service projects, such as organizing a clothing drive for the Viking's Closet, and often chooses to be friends with others who really need a friend. Jailene is persistent and doesn't give up. She is resilient and overcomes any obstacles in her way. All who talk about her mention that she is truly a kind soul who always looks for ways to help others. We are proud to nominate Jailene for this award!

Cambridge Elementary School: Charlie Barahona, 5th grade

Charlie Barahona is a fifth grade student at Cambridge Elementary School. She is new to us this year and in her short time, has accomplished quite a bit. In addition to working with our littlest learners on their project, she helped with our Kindness Challenge bulletin board, helped a teacher with her Weebly and started a new initiative, "They Wish You Knew..." Through this initiative, students are being interviewed to see what they wish someone would say to them. For example, one student stated, "I wish someone would ask me to sit with them." She is now working with several peer leaders to schedule class visits to gather responses. Once this monumental task is completed, Charlie will create a bulletin board providing a visual representation of some of our students' most inner thoughts and desires. Charlie has not stopped with this initiative, as she is already beginning to plan an activity to make all students feel special on Valentine's Day this year.

Crossroads North: Tony DeToro, 8th grade

I would like to nominate Tony DeToro (Michael) for Heroes and Helpers. Tony is an eighth grader who is kind, generous and always thinking of others. He walks into every class with a positive attitude. He takes the time to asks how you, how my kids are or how my weekend was and before he leaves every class he always says, “Have a nice day!” When we talk about our future goals Tony has stated that he would like to feed the homeless. He is aware of the world around him and cares deeply for those who not as fortunate as he is. He was a former Boy Scout who did a lot for his community such as food collection and helping with selling Christmas trees. He is always kind and thoughtful towards his classmates. He can sense if someone is having a bad day and knows just what to say to make their day better. He is always so positive and sees the good in everyone. His smile can light up a room.

Monmouth Junction Elementary School: Carter Williams, 5th grade

I am writing this letter to recommend one of my 5th grade students by the name of Carter Williams for the Heroes and Helpers initiative. Carter is a student that I am extremely proud of, and is certainly deserving of this recognition. Having had the opportunity to watch Carter mature over the past year and a half, I have seen him develop into a gracious, hardworking, and courteous young man. He has a contagious personality, and is always willing to help others. Quite frankly, I could not be more proud of the young man that Carter has become over his time at Monmouth Junction. It is for this reason that I take great pleasure in recommending Carter Williams for the distinction of a "Hero and Helper" of the Monmouth Junction Community.

"These ten recipients have been nominated and selected from a pool of 9,000 students in the district," said South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka in a speech Wednesday at the Target. "These kids are always working to improve the lives of the people around them, and we’re honored to stand here today and call these kids our personal heroes. Today, the South Brunswick Police Department will become their helpers."

This is the fourth year the South Brunswick police have taken outstanding local kids like this on a Christmas-time shopping trip. The spirit and magic of the holiday season is truly alive and well in South Brunswick Township.

Photos supplied to Patch by South Brunswick police.