Three high school seniors from Somerset County were recently recognized as Unsung Heroes for their service, leadership, and character. The awards were presented by the Somerset County School Boards Association, which selects one student from each high school in the county. These students were honored not for traditional academic or athletic success, but for their consistent and often overlooked contributions to their schools and communities.
First, Connor Oranchak, a senior at Hillsborough High School, received the Unsung Hero Award at the April 22 Hillsborough Township Committee meeting. Mayor John Ciccarelli presented a proclamation recognizing Oranchak’s selection. Oranchak is involved in multiple school programs, including Hillsborough High School Theatre, Legacy Show Choir, Mixed Chorale, and the International Thespian Honor Society Troupe. He is a member of the Video and Film Club and has also participated in the Hip Hop Competition Team, the Social Activism and Awareness Club, the Anime and Manga Club, and the 3D Printing Club.
He was selected for the Region Choir and is a member of P.A.L.S. (Peers Assistance Leadership Service). Oranchak volunteers for the school’s morning announcements and serves on the Thespian Committee for Broadway Cares, a national nonprofit that supports people in the performing arts community. The township’s official proclamation described him as a positive presence in the school and a source of inspiration to other students.
Meanwhile, at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, senior Jacob Grabell received the Unsung Hero Award during a ceremony held on March 9 at Hillsborough High School. Grabell volunteers as an assistant Hebrew school teacher at a local synagogue, where he teaches second graders for two and a half hours each Sunday morning. He also coaches youth basketball and soccer through the Bridgewater Recreation Department. As head coach, he leads the teams and communicates with parents.
Grabell’s nomination followed the death of his father, David Grabell, at the start of the 2022–2023 school year. Since then, he has helped care for his younger siblings, Fisher and Logan, and supported his mother, Alexis. Despite these responsibilities, he continued his volunteer work and school involvement. His guidance counselor, Evan Seavey, nominated him for the award and delivered remarks during the ceremony. Seavey highlighted Grabell’s maturity, leadership, and service to both his family and the community.
The March 9 award ceremony was attended by Grabell’s family and school officials, including Assistant Principal Kristia Greenberg, Board of Education President Steven Singer, and Board Vice President Barry Walker. The award was presented by Jean Trujillo, President of the Somerset County School Boards Association and member of the Hillsborough Board of Education, and Karen Cortellino, Vice President of the New Jersey School Boards Association and member of the Montville Board of Education.
Grabell plans to study business in college and is considering Rutgers University and Penn State University. In September 2023, he helped organize a bone marrow donor drive during the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center Day. For his efforts, he received a $1,500 Sharing Network Foundation Scholarship, which he can apply toward his college education.
Finally, Michael Dagostino, a senior at Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School (SCVTHS), was also honored as an Unsung Hero. Dagostino is enrolled in the school’s Culinary Arts Program. He is president of the Environmental Club and a member of the school’s Green Team. He also serves as a Student Ambassador, participates in the Yearbook Club, is a cheerleader, and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society. This organization leads school-wide service efforts, including donation drives and outreach programs.
Dagostino has contributed to several school projects, including the renovation of a school garden and organizing decorations for the winter dance. School psychologist Melissa Norrbom described him as a respectful and dependable student who leads through action. Dagostino plans to study hospitality management at Johnson and Wales University with the goal of managing a hotel.
