Student Leaders of the Year

Ian Moritz
South Brunswick High School

Ian has been a leader in his school for the past four years, serving as Freshman class President, Sophomore class President, and now as Student Body President.  He is also involved in many other school activities including Mock Trail, NHS, and Peer Leaders.  He has also excelled athletically as a three year varsity letter winner in both Volleyball and Swimming.

In the words of a fellow Student Council member, “he possesses all of the qualities of a leader; dedication, motivation, respect, energy, positivity, confidence, and responsibility…has taken ownership of many projects on behalf of our Student Council…and radiates optimism from his confident walk to friendly face, infecting others with smiles and energy.”

In the words of his advisor, “Ian is a truly exceptional young man who has grown to be an exceptional officer...a born leader that you could immediately see was destined to be part of Student Council in the way he spoke to peers to make everyone feel included…in all of my years as an advisor I have never seen an officer with such creative ideas and high goals.”

Dillon Sumanthiran
Community Middle School

Dillon has been a leader in his Student Council for the past three years, now serving as its’ President.  He is also involved in many other school activities including the Band, Yearbook.  He also somehow finds the time to be the school mascot, and lead anchor for the morning school television show.

In the words of a fellow Student Council member, “I have always been awestruck at the nobility and kindness that he exemplifies everyday…his wisdom extends beyond his years and has been the driving force of leadership in our school...changing our school for the better in multiple ways.”

In the words of his advisor, “Dillon is a self-directed individual with fresh and innovative ideas…his high academic achievements mirror the pride he exudes with each undertaking he chooses. Dillon stands head and shoulders above his classmates as a mature student, effective communicator, and a natural dynamic leader.”  

Arran Gross
Belvidere
High School

Arran has been a leader in the Belvidere High School Student Council for four years, serving as its Executive President for the past two years. He is also involved in the Jazz Band and Marching Band, having been Drum Major for the past two seasons. He was a co-founder of the Science Club, charter member of the Leo Club, as well as participating in Extended Learners and Theatre Arts. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, and a four year member of the school's Golf Team.

In the words of Student Council Executive Treasurer Daniel Krych, "Arran has always been the student going the extra mile in life. Despite his busy schedule he has always been able to lend a helping hand, getting to know every person in our high school. By attending School Board meetings, having meetings with the principal, and using his time to help others, he has changed our school for the better. He always puts others ahead of himself, all he wants for the student body is to have a better high school experience."

In the words of Advisor Joan O'Neill, "Arran is a confident, sophisticated young man. What sets him apart from the typical student is his work ethic and dedication to school and community. He is not content with mediocrity, he strives for perfection. His personal dedication, commitment, and passion have brought the student government to the next level."

Brady Hudik
Bordentown Regional
Middle School

Brady has been a leader in the Bordentown Regional Middle School Student Council for all three years, serving as dance committee chaiperson in seventh grade and currently as president in eighth grade. He has been involved in the school play and chorus, as well as the school soccer and basketball teams. At his school he also organized a "Movie Night" fundraiser for homeless children and coordinated a teacher-student basketball game. At the school Pep Rallies, he motivated his fellow students as the school mascot.

In the words of a fellow Student Council member, "Brady does an amazing job of bringing the student body together. He works hard to accomplish any tasks that are put upon his shoulders, he is a great example to all, and treats everyone in the school fairly. You never see him slack off or stop trying, he keeps working until everything is right."

In the words of Advisor Patty Ridolfi, "Brady is a positive role model and listens with a kind heart to every person he meets in the hall or outside of school. He has been influential in promoting and attaining an excellent working relationshop with school administrators and staff members through his pleasant demeanor and professionalism. He is well respected by peers and adults alike."

Erin Lauer
Phillipsburg High School

Erin has been a leader in the Phillipsburg High School Student Council for four years, and currently serves as its President. She is also a member of the school Lacrosse Team, S.A.D.D., National Honor Society, People to People Student Ambassadors, and many other activities. Also active in her community, she has been coordinating chair for NORWESCAP Food Drives, Read Across America, and National Youth Service Day. Erin has also served NJASC as a Junior Counselor at the annual Leadership Training Conference (LTC) for the past five years.

In the words of Student Council Vice President Dara Kate Barto, "Erin has taught me more about leadership this past year than I have learned in all my years with Student Council. She has taught me the importance of patience, tolerance, and passion as she ceaselessy performs private acts of kindness and compassion which have inspired and shown me what it means to be a true leader."

In the words of Principal Greg Troxell, "Erin is an outstanding student who is highly courteous, consciuous, and sincere. I have personally witnessed her keenly observe, take risks, and show courage to support positions on issues that may go against the norm. Her teachers and classmates have noticed her outstanding demeanor, and hold her in the highest regard."

Sidharth Ghoshal
Hillsborough Middle School

Sid has been a leader in the Hillsborough Middle School Student Council for the past two years, first as treasurer and then becoming president. He has been active in many school activities such as Debate Club, Jazz Band, Robotics, Club, and One Person Makes a Difference. He has served as a leader not only in Student Council, but in Boy Scouts and at the National Youth Leadership Conference. He has participated in several community activities including fundraising for orphanages in India, pure water in Haiti, and projects to stop trichloroethylene poisoning.

In the words of Student Council member Thomas Klein, "Sid is a role model for all that serve on the Student Council. He is always the kid who will take notes for you when you are sick, or pick up your books when you drop your things. He holds the admiration of the student body at HMS as a whole, and my everlasting respect."

In the words of Principal Dr. Joseph Trybulski, "Sid is an outstanding role model and student leader. He is a formidable advocate for the inclusion of student voice in the leadership of public schools. He is a mature and responsible leader with a sincere drive to promote the positive ideals of student government."

Craig Leppert
Manchester Township
High School

Craig has been a leader in the Manchester Township High School Student Council for four years, and currently serves as its Executive Board President. He has also served as the Captain of the varsity football, basketball, and volleyball teams. He is a two-year member of the National Honor Society and currently serves as its Treasurer. He also is the station manager of TV 21, the school station.

In the words of Executive Board Secretary Zoliminer Puello, "his determination to make a difference in Manchester has been a success, whether it is pushing the football team to its fullest potential as its captain, being a volunteer in the Red Cross Blood Drive, or being a Peer Leader to the freshmen...not only does he help transition students, but he tutors students that struggle with their school work."

In the words of Advisor Jill Ocone, "his enthusiasm and dedication combined with his work ethic, leadership, and academic excellence, truly make him an outstanding candidate for this award...he is an inspiration to many people in Manchester, both in our school and in our community."

Molly has been a leader in the Phillipsburg Middle School Student Council for three years, served as its Vice President in seventh grade and currently serves as its President. She has also served as captain for her school Cheerleading, Field Hockey, and Softball teams. As a church group leader, Molly assists in teaching younger children in her church community. She has also been active in the performing arts, both in the Drama Club and as a three-year member of the Band and Select Choir.

In the words of Student Council Secretary Kelly McGuire, "to be a leader you have to have many qualities - like to be responsible, friendly, and knowledgeable. Molly is the perfect example of all of the above."

In the words of Advisor Ryanne Bigelli, "her dedication as a young member made such an enormous impact on those around her...she encouraged large numbers of students to become involved in our programs and activities. During my time as a Middle School teacher, I have never seen a student act with such passion, commitment, and maturity."

Justin Rand
Lacey Township
High School

Justin has been a leader throughout his high school years, as President of Student Council, captain of the Varsity Football and Basketball teams. His excellence on the field earned him a News 12 Statewide Scholar-Athlete award. His excellence in leadership started a Winter Coat Drive, raised money for the "Oceans Of Love" cancer support organization, and can be seen on a regular basis in the weight room when he works with and mentors underclassmen.

In the words of Advisor Patricia DeFelice, "he is able to balance academics and co-curricular activities very well." This is an understatement, as he is ranked 6th out of a class of 420 with a 4.7 GPA, has been on the Honor Roll for all four years, serving as an active member of NHS, and represnted his school at the Hugh O'Brien ("HOBY") Youth Conference - all while he has "been instrumental in returning school spirit to Lacey Township High School."

Lauren Nunes
Lopatcong
Middle School

Lauren has been a leader in the Lopatcong Middle School Student Council for three years, and currently serves as its President. She has coordinated many events including Talent Show, School Spirit Day, Almost Anything Goes, Mini-LTC, Street Cleanup, and Dress Code Fashion Show. In the words of Advisor Kenney Lutz, she "has moved our Student Council to the top in all areas and is willing to help others in doing the same."

She leads in academics, and as captain of the school cheerleading squad. Her dedication carries over into commmunity service - she has volunteered at the local food pantry, visits local senior citizen centers to do arts/crafts, and traveled to Newark to participate in a diverstiy project. Both peers and teachers respect Lauren for the devotion and effort that she puts into everything she does.

Dennis Cunard
Wiliamstown
High School

Dennis has led with distinction in many areas throughout his high school years, as President of NHS, captain of the Williamstown Braves Hockey Team, member of Class of 2007 Senate, and Corps Commander of Williamstown's R.O.T.C. program. in all of these roles, he has demonstrated leadership and dedication in immeasurable ways.

Dennis also is involved in Transition Project, where upperclassmen reach out to freshmen and help them acclimate to the school. He also donates his time as a Friend of OTP, working with special needs students. In the words of Student Council Advisor Elizabeth Scott, "while he is a very busy person, he makes time for and sees the benefit of being part of these wonderful activities. His positive attitude and charisma encourage others to get involved."

Alyssa Fishbach
Lopatcong
Middle School

Alyssa has been a member of the Lopatcong Middle School Student Council for three years, and on its Executive Board for two. In the words of her Advisor Kenney Lutz, she "has the ability to get other students involved in school activities and to share the same enthusiasm."

She is also a leader in academics, and on the school cheerleading squad. Her dedication carries over into her current work as Student Council President. She has a keen vision of what needs to be done and how things should be carried out. This enables her to organize and manage large scale projects for the school. Peers and teachers alike respect Alyssa for the devotion and effort she puts into everything she does.