By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
Yanela Cruz and Emily Velez receive Outstanding Student Awards
Two Manville students were recognized by the Business Education Alliance Inc. and the Somerset County School Boards Association at their annual Outstanding Student Awards on March 11.
The awards were held at the Somerset County Vocational-Technical High School with their families, principals and teachers attending.
Manville High School student Yanela Cruz and Alexander Batcho Intermediate School student Emily Velez were among the recipients from Somerset County representing the Manville School district. Teachers Leslie Strauss from MHS and Michelle Rupon from ABIS were also the honored educators who nominated the young women.
The program was a collaborative effort by the Somerset County School Boards Association and the Business and Education Alliance with sponsorships from PNC Bank, the Somerset County Education Association, New Jersey Education Association and Ricoh USA.
”We are honored to have with us 28 of the most outstanding students you will meet anywhere,” Andrew Zangara, president of the Somerset County School Boards Association and the Manville Board of Education who served as host for the banquet, said. “These are the students who don’t capture our headlines; we call our ‘unsung heroes.’ They represent high ideals of citizenship, they make a difference in the lives of others, and some have faced challenges that would hold back many adults. These students whose performance in school and community best reflects the attitudes necessary for success in academic, business and life settings.”
”I nominated Yanela because she is a charismatic determined young lady who not only strives for excellence in all that she does but she is concerned about helping her fellow classmates and school community,” Ms. Strauss said of her nominee. “She sets high standards for herself, and has high aspirations for her future.”
Yanela is involved in several school activities at MHS. She is the student council president, Yearbook editor, National Honor Society public relations, in the Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America and French Club.
Ms. Strauss’ comments were bolstered by MHS Principal Don Woodring.
”Yanela was the first student I met on my first day at Manville,” he said. “She is the student responsible for leading the Pledge of Allegiance and the announcements every morning. Yanela is a reliable and helpful student when I need a student volunteer; she is a student that I can depend on. It is an honor to have a student with the character and work ethic that Yanela exhibits every day.”
At ABIS, Ms. Rupon noted Emily’s hard work in her nomination.
”Emily always has a positive attitude regardless of how difficult a situation may seem and she never gives up,” she said. “She takes pride in her work and consistently gives 110 percent effort. Her commitment to ABIS, her basketball team, and her peers is undeniable.
”And, overall, she’s just a really sweet and intelligent girl who takes a leadership position both in the classroom and on the court,” said Ms. Rupon.
ABIS Principal Dr. James Brunn was happy Emily was chosen for the awards.
”Emily is a cerebral, affable, caring and industrious student,” he said. “She is helpful to her classmates and other students. As a member of the successful girl’s basketball team, she helped lead the players to the championship game.”
Each recipient received a certificate and book as their names and achievements were read.

