Schools
Hard Work Paying Off For West Orange Student, ‘Unsung Hero’
Desiree Rivera created the artwork for the March 14 walkout at West Orange HS. She also works 20 hours a week to help support her family.
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Some of the best heroes shine from outside of the spotlight.
The Essex County School Boards Association (ECSBA) recently gave West Orange High School senior Desiree Rivera some well-deserved kudos, presenting her with an “Unsung Hero/Heroine Student Recognition Award.”
The recognition is open to students in Essex County high schools. Honorees are students who make outstanding contributions to their schools and communities, but who may often be overlooked by traditional student recognition guidelines.
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According to Sandra Mordecai, president of the ECSBA and a West Orange Board of Education member, Rivera is “humble, selfless, motivated and hard-working”… the very epitome of the award.
West Orange High School Principal Hayden Moore praised Rivera’s “integrity, strength, determination and resiliency.”
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During a ceremony held at Liberty Middle School on March 15, Moore described how Rivera’s mother passed away when she was ten and her brother was two, and how the siblings were raised by their grandmother.
“She has overcome difficult personal challenges, modeled good citizenship, and has exhibited a spirit and quiet strength that will inspire her peers and others for some time to come,” Moore said.
According to West Orange district administrators:
“[Rivera] attended the Institute for Math and Science and is one of the high school’s top AP art students, currently showing in exhibit at the West Orange Arts Council on Valley Road. Rivera raised the funds for a permanent art installation to honor her friend Nikhil Badlani, securing the location and the artists. She created all the artwork for the March 14 Walk Out at West Orange High School honoring the victims of the Parkland shooting. She helps to support her family, working at least 20 hours per week, and finds time to be involved in school activities. Currently she prepares the costumes and props for the Boys Step Team and is the Costume Coordinator for the Drama Department.”
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Photo: West Orange Public Schools
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