Mahwah
June 5, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 9
The Open Your Heart Team, an outgrowth of the Community Problem Solving class at Mahwah High School recently held an event to thank the people who make Mahwah a welcoming and compassionate community. The Everyday Hero Ceremony, which took place at Ramapo Ridge Middle School, honored over 20 of Mahwah’s outstanding role models. Each honoree received a plaque designed by the students. The Open Your Heart team invited Mahwah residents to make the nominations. Several of Mahwah’s most beloved community members were selected based on the positive impact they have had on the community. Honorees included Suzy Godding, who founded the Mahwah Elves in the wake of Hurricane Sandy; Elena Sgambati, an English as a Second Language teacher at Lenape Meadows Elementary School, who was nominated by her principal; and Cary Chrisomalis, who helps nonEnglish speaking families to make appointments and get medical care despite the language barrier. Susan Clair, a paraprofessional, was nominated by a student in Mahwah High School’s Life Skills Class, which serves students in special education. A student from the Bergen County Special Services School wanted to thank MHS cafeteria worker Lucyna Sroga for brightening up his lunch period and helping him practice counting money. Darryl Secor, owner of Secor Farms, was nominated by his niece for his continued (continued on page 12)
Top photo: The Marine Moms and the NJ Military Moms, who have sent thousands of care packages to servicemen and women. Juan Mendez, who received their care packages while he was in Iraq, was on hand to thank the women. Bottom row: Elena Sgambati; Lt. Philip Tangel and Sgt. Robert Curtis. (Photos courtesy of Samantha Coburn.)
‘Everyday Heroes’ recognized at recent ceremony