April 3, 2026
By Farah Afifi
Editor
Not all heroes wear capes. Some quietly make a difference each day, like senior Angel Sammarone, who was recognized with the Bergen County Unsung Hero Award on March 4 at Henry P. Becton Regional High School in East Rutherford.
Sammarone said he never expected to win the award, which is based on faculty and staff nominations and recognizes a senior’s quiet contributions to their school and community.
“I got called into the [principal’s] office [on Feb. 4] and thought I was in trouble. I didn’t know what I did,” Sammarone said.
He said he believes he earned the award because he worked with special-needs children and adults through Special Angels Recreation and volunteers at LHS’ media center. He also participates in the high school’s blood and clothing drives and serves as treasurer of the Athletic Training Club and student teaching assistant in Mr. Duus’ U.S. History I class.
“I [assist others] because it fulfills my goal of trying to serve and help my community,” Sammarone said. “It’s an honor to be that person who can make someone’s day brighter.”
Sammarone said the challenges he has faced during high school ultimately made him stronger.
“After going through physically life-altering surgeries [due to football injuries] and [my parents’] difficult divorce, it took time and determination to adapt to a different way of living. Little by little, I pushed myself forward despite the adversity,” Sammarone said.
Duus said Sammarone has a bright future ahead of him.
“He is considering a career in law enforcement. I couldn’t imagine anyone I’d rather have protecting the public than someone like him,” Duus said.
He said Sammarone exhibits leadership and care as a student teaching assistant, leaving a strong impression on those who have worked closely with him.
“I remember a student struggling with an essay,” Duus said. “Angel gave up two full class periods to help them, walking them through everything, and they ended up getting a 100.”
“Watching Angel receive the award was deeply moving. My heart was full as I watched him being honored.”
English teacher and Peer Group co-advisor Mrs. Falco, who nominated Sammarone with his English IV teacher Ms. Biber, said that, whether at a Peer Group Connection outreach during his freshman year or interacting in the hallways, Sammarone has been consistently positive and kind to those around him.
“My first impression of Angel was that he was an exceptionally friendly, warm and welcoming student,” Falco said. “His presence is both calm and uplifting. He has a natural way of making others feel comfortable and valued.”
Falco said she was glad to attend the ceremony honoring Bergen County’s unsung heroes.
“Watching Angel receive the award was deeply moving. My heart was full as I watched him being honored,” Falco said.
Senior Olivia Intindola, who has known Sammarone since eighth grade, said she learned of his award when he called her to share the good news.
“I was very proud of him and very excited for him because I feel like he really works hard for what he wants,” Intindola said.
She said Sammarone provides support during difficult times.
“In my junior year, I was balancing a lot of clubs, SAT prep and testing. He helped me get through it because it was very stressful. He told me to keep pushing and that everything was going to be fine,” Intindola said.
She said it has been a pleasure witnessing Sammarone’s growth as a student and person.
“He’s very outgoing and funny.… He just has the right personality, and he’s always smiling,” said Intindola.
