Zhaoxiang Chen, a senior at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, was honored with the 2026 Unsung Hero Award during the Union County School Board Association awards celebration on March 13. 

The Unsung Hero Award is given out annually by the Union County School Board Association in coordination with the New Jersey School Boards Association. The award recognizes one graduating senior from each high school in Union County who has made outstanding contributions to their schools and community.  

Eight years ago, Chen and his family moved from China to the United States. Chen soared through the Multilingual Learners program in Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools and demonstrated exceptional perseverance, determination, and compassion, SPFHS Principal Dr. Warren Hynes said. 

Chen has helped his family through challenges in the United States, from navigating doctors appointments and tax forms to family illness. 

Despite these challenges, Chen has excelled academically while remaining deeply involved in the school community. He is an active member of Student Council, the volleyball program, and the Mandarin Club. Chen and his brother created a group chat for ESL students to share helpful information and support those adjusting to a new environment.  

Chen also serves as one of the coordinators of the school’s Peer Tutoring program, providing academic support to fellow students during lunchtime. Through his leadership, the program expanded to ensure all students have access to extra help outside the classroom without the need for paid tutoring.  

“Zhao has demonstrated the true qualities of a hero,” Hynes said. “We are incredibly proud of the dedication, empathy, integrity, collaboration, and excellence Zhao has brought to the classrooms and hallways of SPFHS.”  

Given his passion for helping others succeed, it may come as no surprise that Chen aspires to become a teacher one day. Chen will attend Boston College in the fall. 

“After that, SPF is requesting first dibs in interviewing him for a teaching job,” Hynes joked in a speech at the awards ceremony. 

Chen was supported at the ceremony by his parents, Hynes, and Superintendent Dr. Joan Mast, as well as members of the Board of Education, including Dr. Karen Kulikowski, Sonali Barve, Stephanie Suriani and Amy Boroff. 

Congratulations, Zhao!