A select group of school staff members were honored at the New Jersey School Boards Association’s Workshop in Atlantic City on Oct. 22 in the second annual “Unsung Superheroes in Education Awards.”
“The awards celebrate school district staff in categories such as librarian/media specialist, coach/club adviser, school nurse, bus driver/aide, custodian/maintenance/building and grounds, cafeteria/food services, crossing guard, secretary/administrative assistant, HR professional, school security, technology professional and paraprofessional/aide,” said Dr. Timothy Purnell, executive director and CEO of the NJSBA, in his remarks from the stage at Workshop. “These individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes, often without recognition or thanks, to ensure that our schools run smoothly and provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students.”
School district staff and members of the community nominated scores of staff members from throughout the state, and a distinguished panel of judges painstakingly reviewed application packages to select the unsung heroes. Each award winner received a trophy recognizing them for their selfless dedication in supporting students.
John Quiñones, one of Workshop’s keynote speakers, who shared his inspiring story of going from being a migrant farm worker to one of television’s most recognized journalists, gave out the first Unsung Hero award for the school custodian category. Getting the chance to give out the award was special for Quiñones, as his father was once a school custodian.
Below is a listing of the honorees, along with details and comments that were included in the nomination applications.
School Custodian
Banush Muca of Little Ferry Schools took home the Unsung Superhero award in the school custodian category.
For 25 years, he has been a dedicated custodian for the school district, exemplifying selflessness and unwavering commitment. Originally from Albania, where he served as a doctor and hospital administrator, Banush immigrated to America to provide better opportunities for his family. Though his medical career faced obstacles, he embraced his role in the school community, becoming a pillar of support for both staff and students.
Administration/Secretary
Angelena “Angie” Williams of Jackson School District was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the administration/secretary category.
She is the child study team secretary at Elms Elementary School. She embodies dedication, compassion, and resilience in every aspect of her role, managing administrative tasks, staff, and nurturing relationships with students and parents.
She regularly volunteers her time to support school clubs, the after-care program, and countless evening events. She also serves as co-chair of the school’s Pep Squad, which is responsible for boosting staff morale and has spearheaded many fun activities for staff.
Bus Driver
Nicole Kellam of Denville Township School District was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the bus driver category.
Kellam serves multiple schools and takes immense pride in her work. She drives students with special needs and cares deeply for each and every one of them. At times when a parent is not at the stop when she arrives, instead of bringing them back to school, she keeps the student calm while parents are called. She has worked past her scheduled shift to ensure all of her students and others she may encounter on her route are safe.
Cafeteria/Food Service
Rosemarie Chambers-Jimenez of Dover Public Schools won the Unsung Superhero award in the cafeteria/food service category.
She is known for being a welcoming presence for all students and staff, always smiling every day. She has a positive approach to problem solving and never hesitates to help anyone in need. She boosts morale among staff and students.
Coach/Club Adviser
Timothy McKinnon of North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the coach/club adviser category.
An employee of North Hunterdon High School since 2017, he is a teacher with the school’s Technology Education. When he is not teaching his technology students robotics, STEM, or architectural and engineering software, he is involved in various sports and extracurriculars. He coaches freshman boys soccer and freshman field hockey. He also serves as an adviser for the Technology Student Association, technology service club, and video club and runs the annual bridge building competition involving high school and middle school students.
Crossing Guard
Howard “Howie” Dombroski of Spring Lake Heights School District took home the Unsung Superhero honor in the crossing guard category.
He serves as a crossing guard for Spring Lake Heights Elementary School. Always smiling and interacting with the students, it is evident that he cares deeply about each child in his care. He is known not only for being a crossing guard, but also for being a recognizable face for the children.
Human Resources Professional
Sheena Yera of Camden City School District won an Unsung Superhero award in the human resources professional category.
She serves as the district’s chief communications officer in the Camden City School District. A devoted advocate for her community, she is driven by a passion to uplift and highlight the potential of the school district community. Having grown up in Camden, she often shares her story to inspire others and challenge negative perceptions. Her relentless efforts to promote the achievements of the district have empowered the community, boosted morale, and attracted positive attention.
Librarian/Media Specialist
Valerie Munro of Pequannock Township School District was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the librarian/media specialist category.
A media specialist at Hillview Elementary School, she has spent more than three decades enriching the lives of students and fostering a love of reading.
A former Hillview student herself, her dedication to her community is evident through her creative and immersive programs like “Bookwormy Nights,” where she engages students with themed reading events. Known for her energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to go above and beyond, she inspires students of all backgrounds to explore their potential and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Paraprofessional/Aide
Aimee Miller of Cape May City School District was recognized as an Unsung Superhero in the paraprofessional/aide category.
A dedicated paraprofessional at Cape May City Elementary School, she is an invaluable asset to her school community, supporting both students and staff. Described as a “real life angel” by a colleague, her ability to connect with students on a personal level and provide individualized support creates a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child feels valued. Whether offering one-on-one assistance or helping with group activities, her patience, empathy and dedication inspire students to reach their full potential.
School Nurse
Larissa Mattei of Manville School District was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the school nurse category.
A school nurse at Alexander Batcho Intermediate School, she exemplifies dedication and resilience in safeguarding the health and well-being of her school community. Her excellent communication skills, cultural competence, and in-depth knowledge of school policies ensure that every student, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, receives the care and attention they need.
School Security
James Carifi of Mount Olive Township School District was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the school security category.
He has served as the director of security for the Mount Olive School District for the past five years, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous roles as a police captain in Parsippany and a board of education member in the Parsippany Troy Hills School District. He lives by the belief that student success is always the goal and has an unwavering focus on student and staff safety. Beyond traditional security, he fosters community engagement through initiatives like the Citizens Counsel, a 10-session academy that educates parents and community members on various aspects of school operations.
Technology Professional
Mark Flumerfelt of Washington Township School District in Warren County was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the technology professional category.
A technology technician at Port Colden and Brass Castle Schools and an alumnus of the district, he has been a steadfast and humble contributor for many years. Beginning his career as a custodian, his passion for technology led him to become the district’s in-house technology technician. He frequently volunteers his time and personal equipment to support various school activities, including the 6th-grade promotion, PTA events, concerts and the Senior Buddy program.
Stay tuned to School Board Notes in future months to learn how you can nominate someone from your school district to be considered for next year’s Unsung Superheroes in Education awards.
