2024 Heroes
Thank you to everyone who nominated a 2024 Hero!
Each year, my office and I receive so many incredible submissions for our annual heroes program. This year was no different. I am moved by all of the New Jerseyans who are making a difference in the lives of others. There were inspiring submissions from throughout the district and heroes were selected based on the information provided by the individual that nominated them.. There were inspiring submissions from throughout the district and heroes were selected based on the information provided by the individual that nominated them.
This year’s list of heroes includes teachers, community leaders, volunteers, veterans, students, and more. All of our heroes are neighbors who we are grateful for this holiday season.
Below you can read about our 2024 Heroes!
Nick Santinelli, Livingston
Nominated by Marcela
"Nick has dedicated his retirement to spending up to 10 hours a day collecting and delivering food donations on behalf of Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors (LNHN) and the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) food pantry to soup kitchens, nursing homes and private citizens in Newark so that no one goes hungry. He has delivered more than 25,000 sandwiches over the last year alone and makes 10-to-12 stops daily, logging 400-to-500 miles in his car each week. Nick always answers the call when leftover food would otherwise go to waste. He is a true hero to our community!"
Wayne Township Volunteer First Aid Squad
Nominated by Frank
"The First Aid Squad are all volunteers that give all of their time to help our community. Wayne is a large town (50,000 people) and these people are there to help, no matter how tired they are, how long they’ve been at work, or how many volunteers they have that day. They deserve to be 2024 Heroes because they show their heroism every day."
Kathryn Hardin, Boonton
Nominated by Adriane
"In 2024 Mrs. Hardin celebrated 50 years as a volunteer on the Boonton Kiwanis First Aid Squad. She is an EMT and Quartermaster at the Squad House and never ceases to go over and above, even during the height of the pandemic. Community members say her calming, professional demeanor is a gift to our community. She defines a hero in countless ways and is a mentor to younger squad members. She never misses the opportunity to help others."
Debbie Leon, Morristown
Nominated by multiple community members
"Debra has tirelessly dedicated her career to transforming lives through the power of literacy. Under her leadership, Literacy Volunteers has expanded its reach, providing critical educational resources to adults who seek to improve their reading, writing, and communication skills. Her passion and commitment have helped countless individuals gain confidence, find employment, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families. Debra’s work doesn’t just impact individuals; it strengthens our community as a whole. By empowering others with literacy, she fosters inclusion, equity, and opportunity for all. Her unwavering dedication makes her a true hero in every sense of the word, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition!"
Henry Struble, Pompton Plains
Nominated by David
"Having volunteered in youth programs in our Township for over 30 years and have interacted with hundreds of young people, Henry is by far one of the most impressive young men I have ever met. A natural leader, Henry goes above and beyond, not for recognition, but because he understands the importance of responding to one's abilities. Henry is an exemplary young man who already understands the importance of community and civic responsibility. He is extremely hard-working, self-motivated, and self-disciplined. His history of giving started when he sold a bike and donated the money to “The Wounded Warrior Project” in June of 2018. Henry was so successful in his efforts that he started hosting bike sales for local and national charities and from there “Bikes by Hank” took off. He has given to many local charities and local families in need. He has also donated to charities outside of Pequannock: homeless shelters, inner city after school programs, environmental protection programs, children’s hospitals, the VFW, veterans’ groups and more. "
Saanvi Kulkarni, Livingston
Nominated by Sonal
"Saanvi is one of the most inspiring, passionate and kind teenagers I’ve ever encountered. Even at a young age she possesses the values, dedication and purpose that surpasses many adults. Saanvi faced the tragic loss of her older brother to suicide when she wasn’t even a teen. Instead of letting anger or pity consume her in her grief, she took this unthinkable event and turned it into a positive legacy in the honor of her brother. She went on a mission to raise awareness of teen suicide, to eliminate social and cultural stigma related to mental health and sexual orientation among other issues. She has made a huge impact in educating communities on these topics and helping parents and teens find resources they need in the hopes of preventing more tragedies like the one her and her family faced. She started an organization called Shiv’s Third Eye for these efforts along with her mom. The impact that it has made not only in Livingston but beyond has been profound and immeasurable."
Connie Alexis-Laona, Montclair
Nominated by Kelly
"Connie is a local ambassador for multiple nonprofits, impacting her community daily with delightful wit and priceless wisdom. Through active volunteerism, she adds value to the lives of so many NJ-11 residents. Connie’s dedication to Montclair Public Library Foundation as a volunteer increases our capacity to serve the Library community. Last year we raised 48% more than the previous year in part because we were able to rely on Connie to show up weekly and handle any task with determination and grace. We are incredibly grateful. Connie’s work ethic is inspiring and her impact is immeasurable."
Barbara Small, Madison
Nominated by Robert
"Barbara has been on the Board of the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, Inc. for over 10 years and currently serves as its President. As Chief Volunteer Office she has been a tireless advocate that has generously donated her time, talent and treasure. She has been a fierce advocate for individuals with mental illness, children exposed to trauma and individuals suffering with addiction. Prior to her retirement Barbara was a CEO of a supportive employment agency committed to securing competitive employment for people with disabilities. Earlier in her career she worked for organizations that advocated for and provided treatment for those afflicted with AIDS. Barbara is highly respected and admired by her colleagues on the Board and staff at the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris. Her quiet and dignified leadership makes a difference every day."
Dr. Leone Meyer, Montclair
Nominated by Francesca
"My mother just retired this past year from a 43-year long career in education. She was a teacher at Verona High School for 26 years, and touched the lives of countless students throughout her time there. She was an exceptional teacher who worked tirelessly to help all of her students as much as possible, managing numerous student organizations and doing home instruction for students that needed extra help. She is an active member of the Montclair community, and a wonderful person."
George Schulz, Woodland Park
Nominated by Jonathon
"My father, George H. D. Schulz, is my nominee for hero. Following a series of hardships and losses in his personal life, George served in the U.S. Army, part of a demanding and dangerous artillery unit during the Vietnam War. Never one to slow down, George has embraced his new community, volunteering, joining groups, playing tennis, and getting in his 10,000 steps each day. He loves singing in the choir of his newly adopted Central Presbyterian Church of Montclair and has twice presented at The Buzz Aldrin Middle School for Veteran’s Day, sharing his experiences from Vietnam. George is loved by all who meet him. He’s quick with a sarcastic joke, always wears a beautiful smile, and upholds the deepest integrity you will find."
Orlando Miranda, Picatinny Arsenal
Nominated by Dominic
"Besides being an amazing father, Orlando is a dedicated hard worker who always does what he can to help others. This year alone he has been a part of countless events assisting veterans in numerous ways. He always strives to do what’s best for him and his community and will learn what he must to be able to help others in the most efficient way. Orlando is the president and founder of Latino Vets of New Jersey which is a non profit that works to better the lives of all veterans in New Jersey but in particular, Latino veterans. Besides that he is very active in his community and has worked with other veteran organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project which also aims to help soldiers who were wounded after being deployed."
Maddie Guthrie, Montclair
Nominated by David
"Maddie and her Husband Garth run Reaching Out Montclair, a boots-on-the-ground charity that just fed over 600 families for Thanksgiving, donated 500 backpacks to back to school, and is on track to help over 1,000 families for the holidays. She's dedicated, and fearless, and operates quietly. The Montclair community depends on her and her husband, and she is truly the best example of a hero."
Doreen Monks, Livingston
Nominated by Rita
"Doreen has worked tirelessly as an ambassador, advocate, and outspoken supporter of those with Alzheimer's Disease. Doreen was diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer's more than a decade ago while she was still working as a neurology nurse. Since then, she has worked to bring Alzheimer's disease into the spotlight with an aim of removing societal stigma around the disease and finding a treatment/cure. Doreen has spoken to multiple elected officials in New Jersey as well as on Capitol Hill, urging them to support legislation that will assist those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Telling her personal struggles has made a huge impact on those she has encountered, allowing Alzheimer’s disease to receive the attention it deserves."
Jodi Eisner, Livingston
Nominated by Lainie
"Since my sister Annie's passing at the age of 20 due to complications from acute myeloid leukemia in August 2023, my mom has worked tirelessly to ensure that no other family has to endure the same tragedy that we have faced. She has become a vocal leader in our community, advocating tirelessly for cancer research fundraising and getting our community signed up for the bone marrow registry to help those in need of a bone marrow transplant find life-saving bone marrow donors. In Spring 2024, my mom created the Annietober 365 Foundation to permanently honor my sister's memory. In our first year of operation, my mom led our foundation to raise over $365,000 for cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and recruit over 5,000 individuals to join the bone marrow registry, resulting in 21 donor matches and 1 life-saving transplant."
Sally Simonfay, Chatham
Nominated by Lynda
"Sally is a high school teacher, wife, and mother of teenagers. Every Monday and Friday she and a friend pack up their cars with food and feed 150-200 people experiencing homelessness in. She also takes care of families that live in some welfare motels, making sure they have everything to survive. At Christmas time, she asks the community to help her bring some joy to underprivileged students from a nearby school. She collects around 500 wrapped, tagged gifts for the students. Sally is Chatham’s hero, she deserves to be recognized."
Mike Post, Bloomfield
Nominated by Tamara
"Mike has worked tirelessly over the last 4 years to provide food to the Bloomfield community and beyond. He first worked as a volunteer and then stepped in to run the Manna Food Depot which opened at Park United Methodist Church during the pandemic. He spends several days a week ordering, organizing, traveling down to the Food Bank, returning to unload the food into the church basement and then getting the food ready for Thursday distribution. I cannot think of a more fitting 2024 Hero."
Julie Raskin, Glen Ridge
Nominated by Pamela
"Julie founded Glen Ridge-based Congenital Hyperinsulinism International (CHI) dedicated to advocating for individuals with congenital hyperinsulinism, a rare disease causing severe hypoglycemia in infants. CHI improves the lives of babies, children, and adults with HI, providing education, information, and support to affected families. Step by step, Julie has built a global HI community of care."
Mia Davenport, Hanover Township
Nominated by Mark
"Mia was the first employee hired by the Rose House more than twenty years ago. The Rose House provides residential support for adults with developmental disabilities. She managed their first group, and was subsequently promoted Director, where she supervises all independent living consumers. Mia set the tone for all Rose House staff, delivering and demanding the warmest, most supportive services."
Joann Carroll, Chatham
Nominated by Liz
"Joann has founded an organization called Helping Hands, NJ which provides essential items to those in need. The organization was formed during the early days of the pandemic, after realizing that people in our own community were struggling to provide food for themselves and their families. It has grown into a huge effort (more than 50 families are supported each week) and the organization also provides clothing and holiday gift donations, and beyond. She is the full package - caring, generous, community focused, and effective at making a difference!"
Alma Schneider, Montclair
Nominated by Iris
"For nearly two decades, Alma has transformed Montclair and surrounding areas into more inclusive and compassionate communities through her tireless advocacy, innovative initiatives, and direct support to families. In 2005, Alma founded Parents Who Rock, LLC, with a mission of raising money, which has helped raise well over $250,000 for a wide range of causes. Her work is deeply rooted in Montclair, where she founded the Montclair Friday Group, a free, confidential support group for parents of children with disabilities. Alma co-founded 1in6 Support, a resource hub for families of children with disabilities, where she facilitates in-person and virtual support groups, offers training for parents and professionals, and organizes events and retreats. Alma is also an appointed member of the People with Disabilities Advisory Committee to the town council of Montclair. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Alma also dedicates her time to teaching social skills and cooking classes to adults with disabilities. Alma volunteers weekly as a driver for Toni’s Kitchen, delivering meals to senior citizens in Montclair and neighboring areas. Her grassroots involvement and tireless advocacy embody the spirit of community heroism in NJ-11 and beyond."
Alfonso Izzi, Wayne
Nominated by Claudia
"For his work in helping small businesses, for his service to our country as a Veteran of Vietnam, and as a person who had so many struggles and kept going. Alfonso lost his wife to breast cancer, lost his business in 2009 to the recession, but this did not bring him down. He continued to persevere through hard times, and help his community doing so. He deserves recognition because he cared for so many and everyone always tells me how much they love my dad, or how he always made them laugh or smile. You can't go anywhere without people asking for him."
Bryn Whittle, Montclair
Nominated by Robert
"My mother is a community fixture in Essex County. She's supported the most disadvantaged populations throughout her career. She supported people living with HIV/AIDS in the late 1990s and early 2000s ensuring they received their benefits as a Senior Staff Attorney at the Community Health Law Project. She served as a municipal prosecutor for the township of West Orange, and pioneered ways to improve police-community relationships for the betterment of the town. Today she serves her local community by staying involved with the Junior League of Montclair-Newark and her church - Christ Church."
Lake Parsippany Fire Department, Parsippany
Nominated by Lorrie
"They are 100% volunteers as long as our town has been here and they are committed and dedicated to keeping it that way no matter if they are short-staffed, under-funded, tired or sick. They keep the 'community' in our close community and keep our taxes down by sacrificing all this, to boot. They actively recruit although with mostly disappointing results which puts them even more in demand. These under-appreciated people are a priceless asset to our community. They are truly a treasure."