Everyday, students at Lakeland Regional High School quietly and consistently work hard to make a difference and inspire others behind the scenes. LRHS had the opportunity to celebrate two of those students at the 2025 Unsung Hero Awards on March 10 at Manchester Regional High School. Unsung heroes make significant contributions to the community often behind the scenes. Their work usually goes unnoticed by many, but these awards allow for the unsung heroes to get recognized for their ability to constantly go above and beyond in their everyday lives not expecting anything in return.
Congrats to seniors James Sigafoose-McLaren and Gian Lambiase, this year’s Unsung Heroes.
James Sigafoose-McLaren
Sigafoose-McLaren is an unsung hero. Throughout his time at LRHS, he has shown his dedication and perseverance in overcoming hardships and obstacles. That is why he was nominated by school counselor, Mr. Brian Mulhern. Sigafoose-McLaren has a disability that makes him sight impaired. This has caused many obstacles throughout his four years, but Sigafoose-McLaren’s dedication allows him to not only jump over these obstacles, but jumps above and beyond them. Mr. Mulhern shares, “His dedication to jumping over obstacles makes him different from anybody else as he shows as an inspiration for many around him.”
Sigafoose-McLaren shows the attitude of being an unsung hero everyday. Mr. Mulhern says, “McLaren has a happy personality and always tries to make others happy.”
Sigafoose-McLaren was very surprised when he found out he was nominated. He tells the Ledger, “I was happy and also confused when I found out I was nominated for this award.” Sigafoose-McLaren goes on to say how he was not expecting to be recognized; however, he thinks that he deserves this award as he put a lot of hard work into his education for the last four years while overcoming very difficult obstacles to reach that goal.
Sigafoose-McLaren says that after high school he plans to attend college and eventually get a job.
Gian Lambiase
Gian Lambiase is an unsung hero. Throughout his whole career at LRHS, Lambiase grew as both a student and person and exceled in his academics.
School counselor, Ms. Dianalyn Matlosz, nomiated Lambiase and says that he was “the obvious choice for the Passaic County NJ SBSA Unsung Hero Award.”
On the academic side, Lambiase’s technology engineering teacher Mr. Randy Coren shares, “In my classes, Gian demonstrated a strong work ethic, sought out challenging projects, and pursued independent learning opportunities beyond the scope of curriculum.” He stressed that Lambiase’s curisoty and drive is what sets him apart in his class. Ms. Geri Batelli, Lambiase’s English teacher, also commends him on having a strong work ethic.
Beyond academic, Ms. Matlosz shares that Lambiase shown “exceptional leadership qualities,” being both a mentor and tutor to many students. Ms. Batelli echoes this by saying he encourages and assists others, making him a “vital part of his school community” through his “selfless contributions.”
Lambiase is the hero without a cape, defying expectations, and charging through the obstacles to help others that may be struggling. His selflessness, dedication, and caring nature truly make him a hero throughout the school. Ending on a high note, Lambiase is graduating number 11 in his class!
