The New Jersey School Boards Association honored a select group of school staff members during the third annual “Unsung Superheroes in Education Awards” ceremony, held on Tuesday, Oct. 21 in Atlantic City during Workshop 2025.
The Unsung Superheroes in Education Awards recognize individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes, often without recognition, to ensure that New Jersey’s schools run smoothly and provide a safe and nurturing environment for students.
School district staff and members of the community nominated staff members throughout the state, and a distinguished panel of judges thoroughly reviewed application packages to select the unsung heroes. Each award winner received a trophy recognizing them for their dedication in supporting students.
A recording of the “Unsung Superheroes in Education Awards” ceremony can be found here:
Below is a listing of the honorees, along with details and comments that were included in the nomination applications.
Administration/Secretary
Bobbie Shuman of Salem City School District was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the administration/secretary category.
Bobbie’s career in the Salem City School District began 40 years ago as a volunteer, and has evolved into her now being the secretary of the district’s Child Study team. Described by a colleague as “the heart, hands, and feet of the Child Study team,” Ms. Shuman is lauded for her kindness, exceptional memory, and efficiency. She is a reliable, positive force who consistently goes above and beyond, ensuring her team and the district function smoothly. Her humble, dedicated service makes her an invaluable asset and a true unsung superhero.
Bus Driver/Aide
Kenneth “Kenny” Sinnott of Bound Brook School District was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the bus driver/aide category.
Professional and kind with an upbeat attitude, Kenny brightens the day of students and staff alike. He also knows how to make things work in a crunch. One such case was when Kenny’s bus caught fire. While there were no students on board, his quick thinking resulted in safely getting out of the emergency. Kenny regularly goes above and beyond what is necessary to get his job done, all while greeting his bus passengers with a smile.
Cafeteria/Food Services
Ruth Krysinski of Clinton Township School District was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the cafeteria/food services category.
Ruth has worked in the Clinton Township School District since 1976. What began as a job as a cafeteria manager and head cook blossomed into a nearly five-decade commitment to nurturing generations of children in our community. For over 40 years, Ruth transformed the Round Valley School cafeteria with her culinary talents and leadership. Her meals were made with skill but served with something even more special—genuine care for every child who passed through her lunch line. She retired in 2018 but returned one year later, and now works as a lunch and recess monitor. Even in this new role, her dedication never wavers. At 95 years old, Ruth is the beating heart of Round Valley School.
Coach/Club Advisor
Leon Bunion of Rahway Public Schools was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the coach/club advisor category.
Leon makes a transformative impact in his roles as a track coach and business teacher at Rahway High School. With two decades of coaching experience, Coach Bunion has produced multiple state champions and All-Americans, and has helped nearly two dozen athletes earn athletic scholarships to continue their education and athletic careers at the collegiate level. Leon’s commitment to empowering young leaders extends beyond the track in his role as Coordinator of Jobs for America’s Graduates, a program that provides students with invaluable real-world skills and opportunities. Through his mentorship and guidance, students have learned discipline, built confidence, and cultivated a lasting commitment to excellence.
Crossing Guard
Leo Foy of Hamilton Township School District was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the crossing guard category.
Leo has worked as a crossing guard in the Hamilton Township School District for 20 years. At the incredible age of 92 years old, Leo Foy sparks joy in the students of Hamilton Township. Each day, he shares a smile and warm greetings as he helps them navigate safely to school. He always has a positive word for students and parents. When he needs to take a day off, the students will stop and ask where he is. Even during the summer months, students will seek out Mr. Foy at the park where he works in the gardens. For the students, he is more than a crossing guard – he is a trusted adult and friend.
Custodian/Maintenance/Building & Grounds
James “Jay” Aiello of Verona Public Schools was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the custodian/maintenance/buildings and grounds category.
An employee of the district since 1970, Jay is a pillar of Verona, always willing to do what he can to help, all with a smile on his face. His work ethic and positive attitude over the past 50 years have set him apart from many. As a maintenance worker, Jay approaches every task with professionalism, precision, and a dedication that sets an example and uplifts those around him. He is always willing to help and looks out for the well-being of the entire school community. A model of quiet leadership, Jay ensures that Verona’s schools function smoothly, the staff feels supported, and the community feels connected.
HR Professional
Ashley Dunker of Bernards Township School District was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the HR professional category.
Ashley continually goes beyond her primary responsibilities with a fantastic combination of extreme knowledge, empathy, kindness, and a genuine commitment to confidentiality. As the district’s benefits coordinator, she helps employees make the best decisions to receive the maximum benefit for their chosen plans. Mrs. Dunker does not shy away from advocating for district employees. She ensures that the Bernards Township Personnel Department is a safe and trusting place where staff can feel heard and valued.
Librarian/Media Specialist
Vanessa Abbadessa of Dumont Public Schools was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the librarian/media specialist category.
Vanessa serves as a library media specialist in four K-5 schools within the Dumont Public School District, but her impact extends far beyond the walls of the library. Her technology expertise helps staff and students navigate the digital landscape. Vanessa also writes and integrates curriculum, bringing stories to life and encouraging critical thinking. Her carefully curated book collections celebrate diversity, promote social emotional learning, and more. Students know that the library is a safe, welcoming space because of the inclusive and imaginative environment Ms. Abbadessa has cultivated.
Paraprofessional/Aide
Daisy Pepling of Pompton Lakes Public Schools was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the paraprofessional/aide category.
An ESL program paraprofessional at Lenox Elementary School for 26 years, Daisy bridges languages, cultures, and hearts with unwavering dedication. She is responsible for connecting families to their children’s educational journey. Daisy’s kind, playful spirit and selfless nature is infectious with staff and students alike. Mrs. Pepling is a reminder that the most important metrics are measured in smiles, in parents who feel welcomed, in children who see their heritage valued, and in a school community that truly embodies the word “family.”
School Nurse
Cathleen Reardon of Red Bank Borough Public Schools was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the school nurse category.
Cathleen has served as the school nurse at Red Bank Primary School for 13 years. “Nurse Cathy” is always thinking of what can be done to improve the general health and well-being of students, their families, school staff, and the community as a whole. She provides not only critical healthcare, but emotional support and basic necessities like clothing, food, and hygiene supplies to those in need. She builds trusting relationships with families, advocates for students’ health needs, and ensures no child ever feels unseen or unsupported. Her office is a safe haven, her smile is healing, and her commitment to the well-being of every child and family is unmatched.
School Security Personnel
Brian Boyce of Pequannock Township School District was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the school security personnel category.
Although his official role is a security guard, Brian is a cornerstone of the positive school climate at North Boulevard Elementary School. Brian ensures the safety and security of the building, but also serves as a cheerleader, organizer, substitute, chef, morale-builder, gardener, and role model. He exemplifies what it means to be a superhero in education – working behind the scenes, rarely seeking recognition, but making a profound difference each and every day. Pequannock Township’s superintendent agrees, “North Boulevard is a better school because Brian Boyce is there.”
Technology Professional
Tyler Kazar of Somerville Public Schools was honored as an Unsung Superhero in the technology professional category.
As an AV support specialist at Somerville Public Schools, Tyler ensures that all audio-visual systems are fully functional, accessible, and efficient for every school event, classroom lesson, and district-wide communication. His work extends to community events, ceremonies, and remote learning initiatives that keep families engaged and connected. Tyler is also the advisor of the FIRST Robotics Competition team, which inspires students to collaborate and innovate. Thanks to his work, Somerville Public Schools has become more progressive, efficient, and technologically innovative, benefiting the students and community at large.
