Clifton, NJ - August 14, 2024 - Last week, ClassLink celebrated the accomplishments of exceptional New Jersey educators at their annual Seaside Celebration for Ed Leaders in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Bringing together educators and thought leaders from across the state—the event gave guests a chance to connect, kick off a new school year, and celebrate their colleagues!
Congratulations to Our Award Winners!
To be a visionary, an educator must have the passion and creativity to design future-focused learning experiences and programs. Each new school year has unique challenges, and NJ educators remain committed to creating innovative initiatives that inspire and empower students and colleagues. At the event, four outstanding individuals who consistently go above and beyond to serve their communities were honored.
“ClassLink takes great pride in celebrating the outstanding achievements of the NJ Visionary Award Winners. At the heart of ClassLink's success lies the invaluable presence of educators—they are the very essence of our existence! We extend heartfelt gratitude for their efforts, their talents, and unwavering commitment to advancing education.”
NJ Visionary Educator Award
Winner: Jessica Estlow (Technology Teacher, Brigantine Public Schools)
Entering her 28th year of teaching, Jessica Estlow teaches K-8 Technology at Brigantine Public Schools. Her passion for technology and cybersecurity education has grown tremendously in recent years. Jessica enjoys collaborating with fellow educators to share highlights of our STEM programs. Additionally, she has been involved in her district’s Mr. Roger's project, which has expanded over time, connecting students through digital design with the community.
NJ Visionary Technology Leader Award
Winner: James O’Boyle (Director of Technology, Hamilton Township Public Schools)
Jim O'Boyle is the current Director of Technology for Hamilton Township School District and has worked there for 6 and a half years overseeing 27 buildings, over 1,800 staff members, and 12,000+ students. Before that, he worked as a Network Administrator in New Brunswick Public Schools and as an IT Support Specialist for Lawrence Township Public Schools. When he's not tackling tech challenges, Jim embraces the joys of fatherhood with his 8-month-old son, is wrapping up his Masters in Education from Rutgers University this fall, and finds balance by channeling his energy into coaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
NJ Visionary Superintendent Award
Winner: Dr. Edward Aldarelli (Superintendent, Edison Township Public Schools)
Dr. Edward Aldarelli, Superintendent of Schools, initially joined the Edison Township Public Schools in October 2020 as the Director of Human Resources. He served as Acting Superintendent of Schools beginning in December 2022 before his July 2023 appointment as Superintendent. Dr. Aldarelli has over 25 years of experience in public education, beginning as an elementary and middle school classroom teacher. Dr. Aldarelli is committed to promoting innovative and sound educational strategies that leverage technology and foster inquiry, discussion, and high levels of engagement for all Edison Township Public Schools students.
NJ Visionary Community Impact Award
Winner: Natalie Tung (Co-Founder & Executive Director, HomeWorks Trenton)
Natalie is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of HomeWorks Trenton, a free community-based after-school boarding program. While earning her teaching certificate as a sophomore at Princeton University, Natalie started HomeWorks by replicating this experience for girls in marginalized communities worldwide. Since 2016, she has built a diverse team of 9 staff members and over 50 volunteers. Together, they have expanded from a summer pilot to a school-year program with 70 participants and raised over $4 million in cash and in-kind donations. Natalie and HomeWorks have been recognized by McKinsey & Company, Camelback Ventures, Barclays, Comcast, Hollister, TRESemmé, Vital Voices, Penn Graduate School of Education, Princeton University, The Rachael Ray Show, New Jersey State Legislature, and more.