The New Jersey School Boards Association honored a select group of school staff members during its annual Workshop in October 2025. The third annual “Unsung Superheroes in Education Awards” ceremony recognized individuals in pre-K-12 public education before a statewide audience in Atlantic City. The honorees were nominated for working tirelessly behind the scenes — often without recognition — to help ensure New Jersey’s schools run smoothly. Their efforts support safe, nurturing environments for students and help staff and administrators serve as effective leaders.
The association’s weekly online newsletter, School Board Notes, highlights each recipient. This week’s spotlight is on Daisy Pepling, a paraprofessional/aide with Pompton Lakes Public Schools in Passaic County.
Pepling has worked at Lenox Elementary School for 28 years. Her favorite part of the day is welcoming students each morning.
“They say, ‘Good morning, Ms. Daisy!’” she said.
In return, Pepling greets students with a smile to show how deeply she cares. While some arrive with frowns, she said most are happy and ready to learn by the time they reach their classrooms.
For nearly three decades, the Pompton Lakes resident has worked with multicultural students in kindergarten through fifth grade, an experience that has taught her greater patience.
“I have profoundly experienced that compassion and love matter, as well as fostering a secure and loving environment among all children,” she said. “They are the ones who taught me the meaning of love, and for that reason, I let love govern every choice.”
In addition to her primary paraprofessional/aide role, Pepling also serves as an interpreter. She translates individualized education programs (IEPs) and letters and makes phone calls to support multilingual families. Her work with the English language learners (ELL) community helps to enhance engagement and understanding while facilitating smoother communications between families and the school.
She said she hopes to be remembered for the love she shared and the smiles she both gave and experienced.
“Love keeps me moving in the right direction, even when everything in me wants to take the easy way,” she said. “I am always thankful when I can enjoy being a kid.”
Pepling expressed immense gratitude for being nominated and receiving an NJSBA Unsung Superheroes in Education Award.
“I am truly honored. I am humbled and emotional to receive this award,” she said. “This award means a lot to me because what makes me happiest is making others smile and making others happy. I feel emotional and excited about the Unsung Superheroes Award because this is a very special moment in my life. As a child, my grandmother taught me responsibility, humility, hard work and the power of honesty. I’ve tried to live by these values every day of my life with love and appreciation, and it paid off.”
She thanked her husband, George, for his support, as well as district administrators and staff, especially Superintendent Dr. Paul Amoroso, Director of Curriculum and Testing Dr. Jayne Tanis, Gail Mania, Sue Piombo, Erin Veloso, Principal Mike McCarthy and her family.
The NJSBA congratulates Daisy Pepling on this inspiring achievement!
Nominations for the 2026 Unsung Superheroes in Education Awards are open. To nominate a candidate, complete and submit a form by June 30, 2026. Winners will be recognized at the NJSBA Workshop, scheduled for Oct. 19 to 22 at the Atlantic City Convention Center.
