JACKSON — Two high school seniors from Jackson have been recognized by Ocean County officials for their exemplary work in and out of the classroom.
Antonio Segui and Nicholas Hetzler were selected as recipients of the Ocean County Student Recognition Awards, which are sponsored by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ocean County Association of School Administrators (OCASA).
“We should never underestimate the importance of recognizing someone even for the smallest achievement or accomplishment,” Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato said.
Coronato, OCASA President Vincent Smith and Executive Ocean County Superintendent of Schools Todd C. Flora were on hand at the Frog Pond Elementary School in Little Egg Harbor on May 6 to hand out awards and prizes to the 37 students who were recognized as “Unsung Heroes.”
“Always remember, life is what you make it. And as the recipients of these awards, you have already shown us that whatever you put your mind to, you can accomplish,” Coronato said. “It is not always the monumental accomplishments that make people notice us. Sometimes it is the tiny little things that make you shine and be recognized.”
Like other students from throughout the county who received the award, Segui and Hetzler were selected for their efforts to improve their lives in and out of school.
Jackson Liberty High School administrators said Segui has been accepted into college to pursue a major in graphic arts and maintains a GPA of 3.58.
“During his four years at Liberty, [Segui] has separated himself from many students academically as well as socially,” the administrators wrote when nominating the teenager. “He has proven to be a motivated, organized and hard-working young man. Antonio is well respected by his classmates, teachers and school administrators.”
Administrators said Segui volunteers at the Oceans of Love charity organization in Toms River and at the Jackson Food Pantry.
“Antonio continues to overachieve, and we are confident he will reach his academic and personal goals by his sheer determination and passion for learning,” the administrators wrote.
Administrators said Hetzler has faced challenges during his academic career at Jackson Memorial High School.
Hetzler has been diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia, which affects his gross and fine motor skills and his speech articulation.
Administrators said Hetzler’s case manager learned the young man wanted to attend a four-year college. With that goal in mind, the teenager worked with his educational team to research, train and implement new technology that allowed him to be more independent and confident in the classroom.
Today, Hetzler uses a power chair to move around the high school. He has shown proficiency with software that allows him to complete economics and physics assignments. Hetzler recently achieved his goal of gaining acceptance into college.
“Nick has developed the skills to advocate for himself, skills he will need as he navigates the start of his adult years,” the administrators wrote. “The individuals Nick will leave behind at Jackson Liberty High School have no doubt he will overachieve, defy expectations and be very successful in his future life endeavors.”
“To take the time to recognize students who go above and beyond in both their scholastic and personal lives is so important. I am proud of our students for setting such a positive example for their fellow students and for all of us,” Jackson Superintendent of Schools Stephen Genco said.