THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 6, 2025 Page 9 Eight Saugus students honored with Unsung Hero Award G raduating 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 TRUCKS | FROM PAGE 8 Melrose Police Dept. Officer John Doherty readily assisted folks to sit on one of their police motorcycles. Luke Desisto of Wakefield brought his Marine tow truck that had seen battle in Ramadi, Iraq, with the USMC until it was retired in 2012. Saugus Police Officer Dominic Montano and his wife Deanna were on hand together to talk and showcase the Pink Patch Project car. Police presented a dog-sniffing demonstration in which the dog performed remarkably well. Dan Sullivan, a Lynn Firefighter/Paramedic, demonstrated the uses of drones. EXTRAORDINARY STUDENTS: From left, Maeve Chiaravallotti, Ava Newbury, Ava Najem, Ryder Cutelis, WIN Waste Innovations Fuel and Ash Manager Brooke Miles, Superintendent of Schools Mike Hashem, Saugus Business Education Collaborative President Peter Rossetti Jr., Alex Wallace, Kai Torres, Arthur Freitas and Nevaeh Rogers last week during the annual Unsung Hero Award presentation at Saugus Middle High School. The program was organized by SBEC and sponsored by WIN Waste Innovations. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate). 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 Dan had a propped-up monitor screen in his truck that displayed his drone’s activities and whereabouts. With his remote panel, he pulled the drone from the sky and perfectly landed the DJI R3OT Drone on its home base mat. The Action Emergency Management team stepped aside while kids climbed aboard and took over their vehicle. People were walking around, enjoying slices of pizza from J & M Italian American Cuisine of Saugus at a table they had set up. Later, when all tallies were added up, Guy Moley’s Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angels raised $1,000 – $500 went to Breast 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 starshaped trophy, Amazon gift card and citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives from Rep. Donald Wong. Other students honored this Cancer Awareness and $500 to the National Kidney Foundation. “I am so proud of the events we do,” Guy said. “We have been doing these for over 16 years,” he said. “Back in the beginning, it was a night out at Fuddruckers with raffles. Eleven years ago, we began the car shows. And after someone suggested we do something for the kids, we decided to add ‘Touch A Truck.’ No one knew what it was, but Jim Boland, former owner of Fuddruckers of Saugus said, ‘Guy, if you believe in it, I believe it will succeed.’ Six years later, it’s the biggest in Saugus.” 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. Our future Police Chief? Miss Olivia O’Grady, 5, got behind the wheel of a Saugus patrol car. (Courtesy Photo of Joanie Allbee)
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