Ocean County

Students From BTHS, BMHS Honored As ‘Unsung Heroes’ by Prosecutor’s Office

by
Daniel Nee
June 6, 2023

Brick students honored as ‘Unsung Heroes’ by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. (Photo: OCPO)

Students from both of Brick Township’s high schools have been honored as “unsung heroes” by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, a recognition bestowed upon a small number of county youth every year. The award is earned by young people who are faced with some form of major adversity, and overcome the challenge – often without being recognized.

This year, the two students from Brick who were honored were:

Liam Nelson of Brick Township High School:

Liam Nelson of Brick Township High School:

According to a statement from the prosecutor’s office, Liam was nominated by his teachers to represent Brick Township High School at the Unsung Hero Student Recognition Awards, held in May at the RWJ Barnabas Health Arena in Toms River.

“The four words used by Liam’s teachers to nominate him were, bright, resilient, determined and witty!” the sttaement said.

In the fall of 2020, Liam began to lose his sight. With the help of his teachers at Brick Township High School, Liam quickly adapted and is thriving both in and out of school. Liam has performed on stage and is not afraid to advocate for himself, OCPO said. He works part-time and is busy applying to colleges.

“Congratulations Liam as being recognized as an Unsung Hero!”

Mariah Walling of Brick Memorial High School:

Mariah Walling of Brick Memorial High School:

The five words used by Mariah’s teachers to nominate her for the award, OCPO said, were “empathetic, disciplined, dedicated and hard-working.”

Mariah came to Brick Memorial in her sophomore year. With the help of her teachers and counselors, Mariah embraced her situation as a new student in a new school. She has since made a dramatic improvement in her grades and confidence, and has “proved to be her own champion.”

“Congratulations Mariah as being recognized as an Unsung Hero!