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May 21, 2025- It's fast becoming tradition that Unsung Heroes� an event from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office that celebrates young men and women who have risen above unique or adverse circumstances� is hosted at RWJBarnabas Health Arena with an assist from Toms River Regional Schools.

Ocean County Prosecutor's Office agent Michael Colwell emceed the event, and Superintendent Michael Citta led with comments and was followed by OCASA President Dr. Thomas Farrell. Each welcomed the 33 honorees, their families, school advocates, and the many local superintendents and school leaders in attendance. Administrative assistant for the superintendent's office, Geralyn Gallucci, was the glue putting everything together, and her work spent planning and preparing was manifested in a beautiful event that, as always, proved genuinely inspirational.

Among those 33 Unsung Heroes were three district students. From from High School South, Nicholas Jusino;

from High School East, Beatrice Russomano;

and from High School North, Fatima Chacon Pleitez:

"This is bigger than the Academy Awards, bigger than the Grammys," Colwell told the 2025 Unsung Heroes. "Because this is all about you."

Advocates spoke glowingly about the honorees, each of whom has triumphed through adversity, whether medical, emotional, academic, or the trauma of profound personal loss. The common themes were resiliency, positivity, and kindness.

T.E.A.M volunteers helped distribute food and cater to guests, High School North musicians provided the tunes, HSN chorus members Sophia Santarsiero and Nina DeBellis sang the Star Spangled Banner, and the Junior ROTC presented colors.

"Take a moment to reflect on your achievement," Ocean County Prosecutor Brad Billhimer wrote to this year's Unsung Heroes in the event's program. "Remember this feeling. This feeling can propel you to even greater heights."

Additional photos from the event are below. Congratulations to all of the 2025 Unsung Heroes!