Glen Rock High School senior, Joyce Ahn, has been named the 2026 Unsung Hero, a prestigious recognition presented by the New Jersey School Boards Association honoring students whose compassion, integrity, and quiet leadership make a lasting impact on their school communities.
The Unsung Hero Award recognizes students who model good citizenship, demonstrate quiet strength, and inspire others through their dedication to serving those around them. Rather than focusing solely on academic or athletic achievements, the award celebrates students whose character and selfless actions embody the true spirit of leadership.
Joyce’s commitment to helping others is reflected in every aspect of her life. She has dedicated countless hours as a Special Olympics bowling and swimming coach for athletes with disabilities, volunteered with a Paterson nonprofit organization preparing and serving meals for individuals experiencing homelessness, and served as both a teacher and counselor at Vacation Bible School summer camps. She also volunteers with childcare programs through her church.
Joyce’s service extends well beyond her local community. She participated in a mission trip to the Navajo Nation, where she organized and led camp programs for children, and traveled to Cambodia this past summer on a service trip focused on supporting and uplifting local communities. At Glen Rock High School, Joyce is actively involved in both the Students for Service Club and the Red Cross Club, further reflecting her dedication to giving back.
Balancing a rigorous academic schedule with extensive volunteer work, Joyce approaches every opportunity with empathy and purpose. Her quiet consistency, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to helping others make her a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
“I found out that I was named the 2026 GRHS Unsung Hero through my guidance counselor, Ms. Malone,” Joyce said. “When I first found out, I was honestly very shocked because I never expected to receive this kind of award, so it meant a lot to me.”
Joyce said her passion for service comes from a belief that even small acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact. “Service and giving back are important to me because I think that even the tiniest actions can make a big difference in someone’s life, and because you never know what someone is going through,” she said. “Even if it’s little by little, I try my best to help others in ways that feel genuine and consistent, and it’s something I hope to carry with me into my future career.”
Following graduation, Joyce will attend Boston College, where she plans to major in psychology. She hopes to pursue a future career helping children, either as a pediatric physician assistant or in another child-focused healthcare field. “I’d like to thank my parents and my brother for everything they’ve done for me and Ms. Malone for always supporting and encouraging me,” Joyce said.
Joyce was recognized at the 4.20.26 Glen Rock Board of Education meeting by, left to right, Mr. Gregory Van Nest, Acting Superintendent of Schools; Ms. Michelle Giurlando, GRMS/HS Principal; and Dr. Damali Robinson, GRBOE President. GRPS proudly congratulates Joyce on being named the Class of 2026 Unsung Hero and celebrates the compassion and leadership she brings to both the school and wider community!
