NORTH BRUNSWICK — Township officials recognized two standout students during the Sept. 26 council meeting.
Rachael Carrion was named a North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services (DPRCS) Scholar/Athlete/Artist for the month of September.
Rachael is a sophomore at North Brunswick Township High School (NBTHS) where she is enrolled in all honors and/or advanced classes. Her GPA is 3.84.
Rachael is a member of the high school’s Student Government Organization where she served as a class representative her freshman and sophomore years.
She helped organize the 5K for the Care to Walk Club and also supports the group with production work for the Alchemist Theatre Group.
Rachael began swimming competitively at age six with the Nob Valley Swim Club and has been part of the DPRCS Rapids Swim Team since age 9. She also swam with the Riptides for six years where she qualified twice to swim in Nationals. She is a lifeguard for the township and has assisted with swim lessons. She swims for the high school varsity team and also plays lacrosse for the school.
Rachael attended her first leadership training conference with LTCNJ, which is a program of the New Jersey Association of Student Councils.
She has been a Girl Scout since first grade where she helps raise money for a local women’s shelter. She and her family donate their time with the Ronald McDonald House in New Brunswick by cooking for families.
Rachael completed the Rugged Maniac 5K obstacle course two years ago and has completed an ocean mile swim and several 5Ks, including Purple of Pappas, the MS Walk, Alzheimer’s Walk and Care to Walk.
Jordan Leonardo is a senior at NBTHS where he was taken courses in anatomy, physiology and advanced algebra.
He has been a member of the Student Government Organization as well as Prevention Using Student Help.
He participates in swimming, cross country and spring track at NBTHS. He has varsity lettered as a freshman, sophomore and junior. He has received the Outstanding Athlete Award and made All-Conference, All-Division in swimming. He placed sixth overall in the 100-meter backstroke and sixth in the 100-meter freestyle at the Greater Middlesex Conference. He has also qualified for the Meet of Champions in the 200-meter freestyle relay. He is the co-captain of the swim team and is ranked within the school’s top 15 list for the 100-meter backstroke.
Jordan has been recognized by the Board of Education for Exceptional Achievement in Interscholastic Competition.
In cross country running and spring track, he was named the NBTHS champion in 2014. In 2015 at the McQuaid XC Invitational, his personal record was 16:47, and he was the Essex County Junior Class champion. Jordan placed third at the Bloomfield XC Invitational in 2016 and was a member of the NBTHS undefeated cross country team.
Jordan has also worked as a lifeguard, has participated in the NBTHS blood drive as a donor and competes in mud runs and triathlons.