Honoring Passaic County students whose resilience and character carve lasting paths of integrity
by Kimberly Crane
On March 25, 2026, West Milford High School hosted the fourth annual Passaic County Unsung Heroes Awards Ceremony, themed “Flowing with Purpose: The Power of Persistent Character.” The occasion brought together educators, leaders, and families to celebrate students whose resilience and character sometimes go unrecognized.
The event was co-sponsored by the Passaic County Education Association (PCEA) and the Passaic County School Boards Association (PCSBA).
PCEA President Robert Sarti and PCSBA President Judith A. Bassford opened the program, followed by greetings from Passaic County Executive County Superintendent Kesha T. Drakeford and New Jersey School Boards Association President Michael A. Jacobs.
In reflecting on the significance of the event, Sarti emphasized the importance of recognizing students whose contributions are not always measured by traditional accolades.
“This is our fourth year doing this event,” Sarti said. “What makes this event so meaningful is the recognition of our kids who often go under the radar.”
Sarti continued, “In many schools, we celebrate star students and athletes who are maybe 5 to 10 percent of the student population. When we look beyond academic and athletic benchmarks, we find many other incredible stories of students’ resilience, perseverance and strength.”
Inspired by the Great Falls of Paterson and the enduring spirit of the Passaic River, this year’s theme reflected a strength that is steady and unstoppable. Organizers emphasized, “True character is not found in a single, loud moment, but in the persistent, quiet flow of integrity that carves a path through any obstacle.” The students honored embodied that same quiet force, moving through their lives with purpose, determination, and resilience.
Sarti noted that many of the students honored during the awards ceremony have overcome significant personal challenges while continuing to show up for their school communities.
“These students are overcoming challenges, loss, and sometimes trauma, while still showing up every day,” he said. “They inspire not only their peers, but the adults in their lives as well.”
The awards ceremony also underscored the power of partnership. As stated in event materials, the collaboration between the New Jersey School Boards Association, the Passaic County School Boards Association and the Passaic County Education Association reflects a shared belief that when boards of education and educators flow in the same direction, they create a current of support that nourishes schools and inspires students to move toward their own purpose.
For attendees, the evening was both uplifting and reflective, offering a powerful reminder that success is not always measured in grades or accolades, but in perseverance, empathy, and quiet determination. By elevating these stories, the Passaic County Unsung Heroes Awards continue to shine a light on students whose strength of character leaves a lasting impression on their schools and communities.
Kimberly Crane is an NJEA Communications Consultant. She can be reached at kcrane@njea.org.