Isabella Lima, a senior who was recently honored as an Unsung Hero by the Union County School Boards Association, is featured in this New Jersey School Boards Association video.
When Lima’s younger brother, Isaac, suffered a June 2021 fall that resulted in a spinal cord injury and left him in a wheelchair, she did everything she could to assist in his recovery, according to Sarah Costa, principal of Roselle Park High School.
Isaac was competing in a cheer competition and attempting to do a back tuck when he fell.
Ever since her brother was injured, Lima has been his biggest supporter, helping him with his studies and making sure everyone sees more than a wheelchair when they see Isaac. She truly is an unsung hero.
In the video, Costa notes, “what a true hero and inspiration Isabella is not only to her brother Isaac but to every single person in Roselle Park High School.” She added that Lima often drives her brother to and from school and, “during the school day, Isabella is truly Isaac’s No. 1 cheerleader.” She added, “Isabella makes sure everyone else sees more than just a wheelchair when they see Isaac, including Isaac himself.”
Of his sister, Isaac said, “She is always there like my right hand – she is amazing.”
Lima “never complains” and has continued to work hard, participate in extracurricular activities, work outside school and apply to colleges all while helping her brother, Costa said.
The daughter of immigrants who came to America from Brazil, Lima will be the first person in her family to graduate from high school and go to college, Costa said.
“Isabella has stated that she has a calling to help people and wants to make a difference,” Costa said. “She is already doing that every single day. You’re an inspiration, Isabella.”