LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOL, NJ (Oct. 20) — Linden High School library and media information specialist Maria Pereira Colish received the New Jersey School Boards Association’s Unsung Superheroes in Education Award Tuesday morning (Oct. 20O at Workshop 2026 in Atlantic City.

Colish, an LHS alumna, was honored in the librarian/media specialist category, one of 12 recipients recognized during the ceremony in the Achievement Arena at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

“It’s never about the title. It is always about the purpose,” Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins said afterward. “Each one of these recipients put children first from their hearts to their actions.”

For Dr. Perkins, Colish’s recognition carried particular meaning: a Linden graduate serving the district that educated her. “We are just proud of Maria to represent Linden Public Schools as a Tiger,” she said.

Joining Dr. Perkins were Assistant Superintendent Annabell Louis and Laura Venezio, the district’s K-12 English language arts supervisor, who nominated Colish.

The ceremony took place on the second day of the four-day conference. Under the theme “Charting the Path, Empowering Journeys,” the Oct. 19-22 event brings thousands of New Jersey education leaders together for professional development, collaboration and updates on policy, legislation and funding, equipping district teams to better serve students’ diverse needs.

Beyond the Books

In presenting the award, NJSBA Executive Director and CEO Dr. Timothy Purnell described a librarian whose influence extends into classrooms and beyond the school day.

Colish runs an after-school book club that gives students opportunities for discussion, connection and personal growth through literature. She also collaborates with teachers to support instruction, recommend resources and promote literacy initiatives.

“Maria has transformed the library into a dynamic hub of learning, creativity and collaboration that inspires students and supports teachers every day,” Purnell said.

Her responsibilities reach further still. Alongside her work in the LHS Library Learning Commons, Colish serves as Kean Scholar Academy liaison and coordinates the International Baccalaureate program’s Creativity, Activity, Service component, known as CAS.

Venezio sees those contributions firsthand. “She works so hard for our district, as well as our department,” Venezio said, describing Colish as a central resource for colleagues and a positive presence in the school. “It was a pleasure to nominate her, and I was thrilled when she won.”

Colish welcomed the recognition with modesty. “I’m feeling honored. It feels nice to be recognized for sure,” she said. “But, you know, I always say, I don’t do anything different than so many.”

The Heartbeat of Schools

That sentiment echoed the morning’s broader message. Now in their fourth year, the awards spotlight employees whose contributions often happen behind the scenes.

The other 11 honorees represented administrative and secretarial support; bus transportation; cafeteria and food services; coaching and advising; crossing guards; facilities, maintenance and grounds; human resources; school nursing; security; technology; and paraprofessionals and aides. Their contributions ranged from building school spirit and mentoring students to maintaining safe learning environments and responding to medical emergencies.

“They are the heartbeat of our schools,” Purnell said.

Colish’s recognition reflects Linden’s Strategic Priority 3: Staff Excellence & Professional Growth, while her literacy initiatives and instructional support advance Priority 1: Student Learning & Academic Excellence.

Those connections take shape in everyday work: teachers finding resources for their classrooms, students exchanging ideas through books and colleagues learning from one another. They also bring the district’s ROAR values of Opportunities, Achievement and Relationships into practice, supporting its mission to empower learners through essential skills, collaboration and growth.