Eight Saugus students honored with Unsung Hero Award

Graduating senior Alex Wallace is “determined to help others in the future,” according to a teacher at Saugus High School. He plans on attending Bridgewater State University in the fall to study Psychology and Liberal Arts. As a Students in Action Club member, Wallace was a social justice activist and leader and helped make positive change at Saugus High through events like the Self Care Fair.

Nevaeh Rogers, another member of the Saugus High Class of 2025, has been called a “leader and friend to students with disabilities.” She’s “always willing to lend a helping hand and always has a patient and positive attitude,” according to a member of the faculty. Rogers plans to attend Merrimack College in the fall for Nursing.

Wallace and Rogers topped the list of eight students in Saugus Public Schools who received the “Unsung Hero Award” from the Saugus Business Education Collaborative (SBEC) during a special ceremony last week (May 28) in the Saugus Middle High School cafeteria. The Unsung Hero Award is based on a variety of factors, including academic effort, character, maturity, personality, standing among peers and staff, school citizenship and contributions to the entire school community.

“We understand what it means to do important work behind the scenes,” said Brooke Miles, Fuel and Ash Manager at WIN Waste Innovations in Saugus. “We turn trash into energy, working hard in places most people never see … That’s why sponsoring the Unsung Hero Awards means so much to us. You are doing the right thing, helping others, not looking for attention or praise.”

The students received a star-shaped trophy, Amazon gift card and citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives from Rep. Donald Wong.

Other students honored this year include:

Saugus Middle School student Arthur Freitas – a future member of the graduating Class of 2029: “Arthur exemplifies the qualities of a model student … Arthur helps create a learning environment where others thrive. His presence clearly makes the classroom better.”

Saugus Middle School student Ava Newbury – a future member of the graduating Class of 2029: She “balances academics and athletics with discipline and focus. A role model to her peers through her maturity and positive attitude.”

Belmonte STEAM Academy student Ryder Cutelis – “Whether offering a helping hand, spreading kindness or simply doing what’s right when no one is watching, you embody the spirit of an unsung hero.”

Belmonte STEAM Academy student Ava Najem – “Role model Belmonte student! Whether Ava is helping to organize Belmonte’s beautiful library, or supporting younger students during enrichment, Ava is a confident leader in all that she does.”

Veterans Early Learning Center student Maeve Chiaravallotti, seven years old – “My goals: sing well and be a pro at gymnastics.” Her favorite subjects are art, gymnastics and music. She loves family, friends, Taylor Swift and the color lilac.

Veterans Early Learning Center student Kai Torres, seven years old – “My goals: When I grow up, I want to be a police officer.” His favorite subject is math. His favorite place is the zoo and his favorite animal is the lion.