NORTH BRUNSWICK — Neal Gaeta received the Young Adult Peer Advocate Award.
A senior at North Brunswick Township High School with a 4.09 GPA, Neal is taking Advanced Placement Government and Politics, Literature and Composition, Calculus AB and psychology in his senior year. He has studied Advanced Placement and honors classes in past years.
He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Government Organization, the Mock Trial team, the Waksman Student Scholars Program to research independently the field of molecular biology and bioinformatics, the New Jersey Farm Bureau, the North Brunswick Township Youth Council and the Municipal Alliance Committee.
Neal was selected as the 2015 Municipal Alliance Volunteer of the Year for Middlesex County.
He played varsity basketball since 2012 at the high school. He has worked as an umpire for the North Brunswick Baseball/Softball Association since 2012.
He volunteers with the North Brunswick Summer Enrichment Program, North Brunswick Buddy Ball, the high school’s blood drives and the Franklin Food Bank.
Neal was employed by Suydam Farms during the summers of 2013-15 as a farmhand.
He served as a local canvasser for the North Brunswick Democratic Organization from 2012 to the present.
“I’ve gotten to know Neal since he’s been about three years old,” said Councilwoman Cathy Nicola, “As great as his resume is … his character is even greater.”
After receiving his award from Councilman Carlo Socio, liaison to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, Neal said, “I’d like to thank the council for this proclamation, Lou Ann [Benson] and the Department of Parks & Recreation for all you’ve done through the years, and also Cathy [Nicola] for your support.
“And also, my family, for driving me around and for supporting me throughout the entire process.
“Thank you. I’m very honored,” he said.
On behalf of the Parks & Rec Committee, Socio said, “We’d like to congratulate you on all your work.”