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.
School Custodian: Banush Muca, Little Ferry Schools
Muca has been a dedicated custodian for the school district for 25 years 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, Jackson School District
The child study team secretary at Elms Elementary School, Ms. Williams embodies dedication, compassion, and resilience in every aspect of her role, managing administrative tasks, staff, and nurturing relationships with students and parents.
Bus Driver: Nicole Kellam, Denville Township School District
Kellam serves multiple schools. 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, Dover Public Schools
Known for being a welcoming presence for all students and staff, Chambers-Jimenez is 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, North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional H.S. District
An employee of North Hunterdon High School since 2017, McKinnon 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.
Crossing Guard: Howard “Howie” Dombroski, Spring Lake Heights School District
Dombroski 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, Camden City School District
Yera is an invaluable asset to the district, consistently going above and beyond her duties to lend a helping hand wherever it’s needed. Whether it’s stepping in to assist with unexpected staffing shortages, tackling last-minute projects, or providing support during critical periods, as the district’s chief communications officer, she always makes herself available with a positive attitude and a readiness to solve problems.
Librarian/Media Specialist: Valerie Munro, Pequannock Township School District
A media specialist at Hillview Elementary School, Munro has spent more than three decades enriching the lives of students and fostering a love of reading. She is known for her creative and immersive programs like “Bookwormy Nights,” where she engages students with themed reading events. She is an inspiration for all students to explore their potential and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Paraprofessional/Aide: Aimee Miller, Cape May City School District
A dedicated paraprofessional at Cape May City Elementary School, Miller is described as a “real life angel” by a colleague. 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, Manville School District
At Alexander Batcho Intermediate School, Mattei 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, Mount Olive Township School District
Carifi brings 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 to his role as the director of security for the Mount Olive School District. He lives by the belief that student success is always the goal and has an unwavering focus on student and staff safety.
Technology Professional: Mark Flumerfelt, Washington Township School District (Warren)
Beginning his career as a custodian, Flumerfelt’s 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.
Learn more about each Unsung Superhero in the most recent issue of NJSBA’s School Board Notes publication HERE..
