In a heartwarming tribute to the often-overlooked heroes in New Jersey’s educational systems, the The New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) recently hosted the first-ever “Unsung Superheroes in Education” awards ceremony on Oct. 25 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Amongst the plethora of deserving recipients from all over the state was Laura Chegwidden, KHS Cross Country and Track & Field coach.
The Unsung Superheroes in Education Awards were created to shed light on the individuals who work behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth functioning of New Jersey schools. Ten categories of staff members were honored, including crossing guard; custodian maintenance building and grounds; librarian/media specialist; paraprofessional/aide; nurses; and school security guards.
Chegwidden was nominated for this award when a mother of one of her athletes, Will Portman, got her team and team’s parents to write letters explaining why they love Chegwidden as their coach and why she deserved to be a finalist in such a prestigious honor. Portman, who is a junior on both the track and cross country teams, recognizes her hard work and dedication she puts in behind the scenes to improve and progress her teams.
“Coach Chegs is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. She always puts her team first and puts in the work even when nobody sees. She is always creating workouts and running plans for us, or even just giving us motivation when we need it,” Portman stated. Portman also mentioned how much not just he appreciates her, but how much the whole entire team was happy and excited to be able to write letters in order to get her nominated for this award.
“Honestly, when I was told about it [the nomination] I was taken back in such a nice way. It was very humbling, and I felt really honored, it was nothing I ever expected. Especially after reading what people had written in the letters, I was very honored that people thought enough of me to go out of their way to take some time to write about me and put me up for that award.”
Senior track Captain Ella Corigliano was one of the many people who wrote a letter to nominate Chegwidden. She has been one of her athletes for four years and this season is her second season as Captain.
“I feel so happy and very proud that she won this award because she is one of the hardest working and kindest people I know. Her dedication to the team and ability to make the team feel like a family is why she is so special and deserving of this award,” Corigliano stated.
