EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ, May 4, 2026 -  In keeping with their commitment to inspiring, educating, and motivating youth and students in our state, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) and the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) announce the winners of the annual student Essay Contest and the Areté Scholarship Fund.

Rishitha Nalluri, Ruby Kessler, and Ashley Gaibor won the 2026 Who Belongs in the New Jersey Hall of Fame essay contest, now in its 15th year. Each winner receives a $500 scholarship, which can be used toward participation in a camp, program, or extracurricular activity of their choice.

In the elementary school category, Rishitha Nalluri, a 5th Grader at James Madison Intermediate School in Edison, NJ, won for an essay on Alice Paul, a suffragist, women’s rights activist, and 2010 inductee. Richitha highlights Paul’s lasting impact and explains why her legacy continues to inspire activists today, making a compelling case for her place in the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

In the middle school category, Ruby Kessler, an 8th Grader at Frelinghuysen Middle School in Morristown, NJ, won for her essay on Larry Abrams, Founder & CEO of Book Smiles. Ruby writes that Abrams is a role model with a passion for helping others. By making books accessible to kids, Abrams is building a smart, compassionate way to support communities that lack access to books.

In the high school category, Ashley Gaibor, an 11th Grader at Eastside High School in Paterson, NJ, won for an essay on Cristina Tone, the Assistant Director of Community Outreach at the New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC). Ashley writes that Tone’s dedication inspires the next generațion of Eastside students and Paterson scholars to remain engaged, pursue their education, and become active agents of change.

“NJEA members are proud of the students we educate, and we are pleased once again to partner with the New Jersey Hall of Fame to recognize this year’s outstanding essay contest winners and Areté Scholarship recipients,” said New Jersey Education Association President Steve Beatty. “The students who earned these honors, together with the many others who submitted thoughtful essays, showed a deep commitment to building a better future for us all. We congratulate them and wish them success as they continue their learning journeys.”

The NJHOF also announced Daniel Lanza, Edward Lee, Guesy Amponsah, Juliana Vigilante, Natasha Anderson, and Titus Solomon as the winners of the 2026 Areté Scholarship Fund. Presented in collaboration with ADP, the award is granted to graduating high school seniors who exemplify the ancient Greek concept of actualizing one's highest self through moral excellence of character, regardless of the circumstances or adversities they are likely to face on the path to greatness. The scholarship recipients must demonstrate academic engagement, moral character, a commitment to their community, and a sense of Jersey pride.

“Alongside our sponsors and supporters across the great Garden State, we are honored to recognize this year’s Areté Scholarship and Essay Contest winners,” said Steve

Edwards, President of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. “Empowering the next generation to reach their fullest potential for the greater good remains a core part of the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s mission. We are proud to carry on this meaningful tradition once again this year.”

Daniel Lanza will be graduating from Freehold Township High School. He hopes to work in a managerial role at Disney after attaining his MBA. Daniel credits his mother for being his greatest source of encouragement toward Areté, teaching him the importance of holding his head high and persevering no matter what challenges come his way.

Edward Lee will be graduating from Bergen County Academies. He hopes to divide his career between researching educational inequality and working with nonprofits and community groups to create programs based on those findings. He believes Areté means pursuing knowledge that serves others, achieved by combining his abilities in music, research, and leadership to address educational inequality in tangible, sustainable ways.

Guesy Amponsah is graduating from Irvington High School. She believes Areté means having the courage to keep going when things are hard, the patience to keep improving even when progress feels slow, and the determination to serve others even when it is inconvenient. Whether mentoring younger students, leading donation drives, or pushing herself academically, she strives to live Areté in every action.

Juliana Vigilante is graduating from Pascack Hills High School in Montvale. Juliana finds a strong connection between teaching swim lessons and Areté. She believes Areté is a dynamic, living commitment to adaptability. Through teaching, she has learned that excellence is not a destination, but a fluid, consistent commitment to the growth and confidence of others.

Natasha Anderson is graduating from Hoboken High School. She plans to use science to address global inequalities, working with philanthropic organizations in developing countries. She believes Areté means observing an issue and taking action relentlessly, despite the obstacles that may come your way.

Titus Solomon is graduating from Saint Joseph High School in North Brunswick. His dream is to work with industry professionals to make an impact on the energy crisis. For Titus, Areté means pushing yourself to be better and using the knowledge you gain to improve your community.

The winners of the Essay Contest and the Areté Scholarship Fund will be celebrated at the NJHOF's induction ceremony later this year, marking their outstanding accomplishments and promising futures. Each recipient will also receive an exclusive tour of the New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream as part of their award package. The 2027 application window is from October 1, 2026, to April 1, 2027.

About the New Jersey Hall of Fame 

Because everyone needs a hero, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted 17 ceremonies for over 260 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. The NJHOF endeavors to present school children with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence. The NJHOF is thankful for the support of its many sponsors, including our lead sponsor Hackensack Meridian Health, without which none of our endeavors would be possible.

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