Jayden Sierra, a senior here at Passaic Prep, has been given the Unsung Hero Award by the County Board of Commissioners and the Passaic County Education Association.
Jayden has been playing multiple sports since he was in middle school and is an active member of various clubs. Jayden is part of the National Honor Society, Passaic football team, and track team as well. He shows leadership, dedication, and motivation to those around him, in and out of the classroom daily. Jayden was recommended for this award by his science teacher, Mr. Lockwood, who believed Jayden is truly an Unsung Hero and who has known Jayden for several years.
Jayden was kind enough to give us a few minutes of his time to answer some questions and let us know more about him.
The Boulevard Online: How did you feel when you got this award?
Jayden: Honestly, when I got the award I was more shocked and thankful than anything else, I felt that for the description of what the award is, there were people other than myself who could’ve also deserved it. So to be the one honored with an award like this and represent our school and community is honestly an honor, a huge thanks to Mr. Lockwood, Passaic Prep, and God for the award.
TBO: What’s something that you hope the underclassmen know about you receiving this award?
Jayden: Something I hope the underclassmen know about this award is that it’s so much more than being just a student. I’ve been an athlete all my life just as much as I have been a good student. But that without being yourself and being genuine throughout your school year it’s not possible. So my takeaway would be to always be yourself and try to get better every day.
TBO: What are some of the things you’ve experienced that led to you receiving this award?
Jayden: Some of the things that I experienced along the way to receiving this award were personal. Not only physically but mentally, and emotionally as well. Ups and downs with friends, to going through some tougher moments with family. All of the things that I’ve gone through throughout high school led me here, to be honest. There are things I wish I could fix but if I don’t end up the person I am now then I wouldn’t. So the experiences along the way to getting the award were hard but worth it.
TBO: What do you hope to inspire others with daily?
Jayden: I hope to inspire others to be open-minded and continue to be the best person they can be. Some days you will do better than before and other days you will struggle. I hope to inspire others that no matter what you face or struggle with, you can continue to believe in yourself even when it may feel like many others don’t.
TBO: What are your plans after high school?
Jayden: My plans after high school are to get into the psychology field and be a therapist. College? I don’t know where, but wherever I go that’s what I want to be involved with. Whether it leads to me being a school counselor or a teacher teaching about psychology, I don’t care as long as I’m able to help others better themselves along the way.
