𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝; 𝐌𝐜𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐀𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭
LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ — Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins was named a 2026 New Jersey Visionary Superintendent during the sixth annual Seaside Celebration for Ed Leaders on Aug. 6 in Asbury Park.
The award, presented by ClassLink in partnership with the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA), recognizes superintendents whose vision and leadership are reshaping opportunities for students and their school communities.
Transformational Leadership
Award organizers cited Perkins' "transformational leadership" and commitment to equitable access, student voice and measurable achievement across one of New Jersey's most linguistically and culturally diverse school districts.
The recognition highlighted expanded multilingual programs and early childhood access, Linden High School's state-of-the-art student-run television studio, one of the nation's largest Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps programs and expanded opportunities through Special Olympics grants.
Organizers also pointed to improved reading proficiency across all student subgroups, Apple Distinguished School status for all 11 Linden schools and a district graduation rate exceeding 90%.
"It's not about the title, but it's about the impact," Dr. Perkins told the gathering of education leaders. "Each day we're here for our students and our community, and it is a true pleasure to have this award and the opportunity to say that Linden – we are doing great things."
Kindness Sparks a Movement
McManus Middle School student Sayuri Nakanishi also took center stage, receiving the Community Impact Visionary Award after a personal act of kindness grew into a districtwide movement.
Sayuri handwrote 105 appreciation letters, one for every staff member in her school, from teachers and secretaries to custodians and other employees, to make sure they knew they were seen and valued.
Her gesture inspired the district's student leadership team to expand the effort into a broader kindness campaign. Students wrote hundreds of letters to teachers, school staff, City Hall employees, nursing home residents and community members throughout Linden. Every graduating senior also received a letter in their graduation packet.
With her proud parents, siblings and principal looking on, Sayuri reflected on the belief behind her act of kindness.
"I feel like everybody deserves a chance to be recognized and to know that they matter in our community," she said. "Everyone needs somebody there for them whether they realize it or not."
The annual Seaside Celebration for Ed Leaders recognizes educators, administrators and others making an impact on New Jersey's schools and communities.