The recipients of the Congressional Award, this year’s U.S. Service Academy nominees and the winners of the 2018 Sixth Congressional District High School Arts Competition were announced recently by Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., the Democrat representing the sixth congressional district. Students representing several local high schools were honored at the reception, conducted at Rutgers University. In addition, distinguished guests discussed the importance of the fields recognized.

During the event, William Salcedo, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties spoke about the value of community service and volunteerism and the benefits it has on the entire community. Brigadier General Edward Chrystal Jr., Land Component Commander, New Jersey Army National Guard, spoke about the value of military service and commitment to serving our great nation.