Saugus Unsung Hero Awards 2024

Seven students honored for their work to make Saugus Public Schools a better place to learn

By Mark E. Vogler

The good deeds and contributions of unsung heroes that lead to the betterment of their communities often go unnoticed. But Saugus Public Schools spent more than an hour Tuesday (May 21) in the spacious lobby of the Saugus Middle High School Complex celebrating seven talented students who make the world a better place for their classmates without getting the credit they deserve.

“You should be very proud,” School Superintendent Michael Hashem told the recipients of this year’s Saugus Unsung Hero Awards. Hashem called it “a tremendous honor,” and “a job well done.”

The students sat at several tables with their families, munching on pizza and sandwiches as teachers and their principals summed up their contributions and why they were being cited for special recognition. This year’s honorees:

• From the Veterans Early Learning Center – Pedro Amarilla and Gwen Thurston.
• The Belmonte STEAM Academy – Reese DelMuto
• Saugus Middle School – Luis Fung Chen and Victoria Vannah
• Saugus High School – Jordan Chantha and Kathryn De Souza

Each of the students received a star-shaped trophy and citations from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, the Massachusetts Senate and the Saugus Board of Selectmen.

The event is organized annually by the Saugus Business Education Collaborative and Saugus Public Schools. WIN Waste Innovations again sponsored the event. The Unsung Hero Awards program seeks to recognize academic effort, character, maturity, school citizenship and contributions to the Saugus community.

Peter Rossetti Jr., a member of the Saugus Business Education Collaborative, noted that the students being recognized are “the kids who aren’t necessarily the smartest kids in the class … but ones you can always count on.”

“Two incredible seniors”

The two High School students selected as this year’s “Unsung Heroes” are top senior students in the Class of 2024 who will be receiving their diplomas next Friday night (May 31) at the school’s 153rd commencement exercises.

“She’s a true leader behind the scenes,” Saugus Middle High School Principal Brendon Sullivan said of Kathryn De Souza, who ranked third in this year’s graduating class, with a 4.6 grade point average. De Souza plans to attend UMass Lowell in the fall for software engineering and computer science.

Sullivan noted she was a role model and assistant to middle school drama club tech, crew, set design, lighting control and production and an usher. She was a member of Students in Action and was also a Young Feminist Alliance activist. De Souza was a recipient of the National Hispanic Recognition Award and the Smith Book Award.

In introducing Saugus High senior Jordan Chantha, Sullivan called him “a scholar and social justice activist” whose contributions to the school “helped make it a safer and more inclusive place.”

Chantha plans to attend Suffolk University in the fall to study prelaw and international relations as a first generation student. He is fluent in English and Khmer. Sullivan cited Chantha’s work as a volunteer with Bayon Medical Group LLC, providing linguistic needs for patients from Cambodian backgrounds, assisting with scheduling and organizing health. He served as Secretary-General & President of Model United Nations. He was the recipient of the Brandeis University Book Award.

“Two incredible seniors who always represent Saugus High in a positive light,” Sullivan said.

Outstanding Middle School students

Sullivan highlighted the scholastic accomplishments and character traits that led to two members of the Saugus High School graduating Class of 2028 being selected among this year’s “Unsung Heroes.” He said Victoria Vannah “brightens the room with her smile and positive attitude every day.”

Vannah “embodies the spirit of Saugus Middle High School through her many positive character traits, such as empathy, devotion, and positive attitude,” Sullivan added. He noted that she’s an “outstanding student-athlete” who also helps to Build unity, cultivate kindness and transform lives and communities through service.”

The eighth grader organized a clothing drive for Cradles to Crayons – a nonprofit organization that provides free clothes and other basic needs, such as shoes, diapers, coats and backpacks with school supplies to children living in homeless, poverty and low-income situations. She also served as a Project 351 Ambassador, representing Saugus for the 2023-24 year.

Sullivan called eighth grader Luis Fung Chen “a reliable leader in class, always available to offer help to others in any way possible.”

“In the classroom and out, Luis consistently follows through with excellence and without complaint, always striving to achieve success quietly and diligently, both academically and for extracurricular activities,” Sullivan said.

Chen is regarded as an “active and valuable member of the Saugus Middle School Drama Club and Track team … and a talented artist.” He is fluent in English and Spanish.

Role model student at the STEAM Academy

Belmonte STEAM Academy Principal Maureen Lueke observed that Reese DelMuto consistently goes out of her way to help others, putting them above herself. Fifth Grade Teacher Marissa Concannon said DelMuto “demonstrates courage and perseverance in difficult situations, and she is compassionate and selfless.”

“A role model in all areas,” she added, noting that she has “outstanding academic performance” and “strives toward goals without seeking recognition.”

Early Learning Center student stars

Veterans Early Learning Center Principal Michael Mondello noted that he had “two amazing students” at his school, referring to first graders Gwen Thurston and Pedro Amarilla.

Teacher Christina Nicolo said Thurston “has a light in her eyes when she talks about those she loves.” Nicolo said her student “exemplifies what it means to be a role model.”

In presenting the award to Amarilla, teacher Jessica Esposito said she was “blown away by how such a young boy can carry himself with such poise and integrity. He comes in ready and eager to learn every day.”

“He always greets his teachers and principal in the morning … he has great manners,” she said.

Each of the school principals and the classroom teachers had an opportunity to offer their observations about this year’s “Unsung Heroes.” Other officials attending the event offered their observations, too.

“This is a great event because it shines a light on these wonderful children who may not have received recognition over the years,” said Elliott Casey, manager at WIN Waste Innovations in Saugus.

“We are proud to honor these exceptional students for the positive role they play in their schools. They are a credit to their school, their family and their community,” he said.

State Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) observed that the students are doing more than what is expected of them. “When you do more than what you are expected to do, you’re going to come out ahead of the class,” Wong said.

Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta offered a message of encouragement for each of the students, while observing the significance of the award they received. “You are an all-around phenomenal person who does the right thing every day,” Panetta said.