This award recognizes one outstanding Middle Level Advisor and one outstanding High School Advisor who have distinguished themselves in their school as well as at the state and/or national levels. It also honors the dedication and service of ALL Student Council Advisors to their schools and the communities they serve.
The online nomination form is posted on our website in the early Spring and typically due in early September. The State Officers review all submitted nominations and select the award winning administrator at their September executive meeting. The award is presented at the Fall Conference in October.
The nomination form for the 2027-2028 Advisor of the Year Awards will be posted in February 2027.
The deadline for submitting this form and all attached Letters of Recommendation for the 2027-2028 Advisor of the Year Awards will be September 10, 2027.
JOSEPH GARCIA-DZIUBA, NEW BRUNSWICK HS
2026-2027 High School Advisor of the Year
Throughout his 11 years as an educator, all of them serving as a Student Council Advisor at New Brunswick High School, Joseph Garcia-Dziuba has been a mentor and leader who has redefined and expanded what the student leaders of his school and community are capable of building and achieving. His commitment to Student Council and student leadership have made a meaningful impact on the culture of his school...
In the words of Student Council President Jayden Alberto, "He has redefined what it means to be a student in our school, always finding a way to brighten someone’s day by simply giving them the chance to be great and being in our corner cheering us on no matter what."
In the words of Principal Dr. Cary Fields, "He sets high expectations while giving students the confidence and independence necessary to become effective leaders, and commitment to students does not end when an event is over, a school year concludes, or a student graduates."
In the words of colleague Andrew McDermott, "He understands that true leadership, especially in a school setting, is providing students with the tools they need to be leaders themselves…his time in this role has redefined and expanded what our student leaders are capable of building and achieving."
We congratulate Joseph Garcia-Dziuba and the New Brunswick High School community on his statewide honor as our 2026-2027 High School Advisor of the Year, while recognizing the hard work and dedication of ALL advisors throughout the Garden State!
JENNIFER VANZANDT, PALMYRA JUNIOR HS
2026-2027 Middle Level Advisor of the Year
In 23 years as an educator, with the most recent 11 years serving as a Student Council Advisor at Palmyra Junior High School, Jennifer VanZandt has done an exceptional job engaging, motivating, and mobilizing members of the Student Council to take ownership of their ideas, develop leadership skills, and make meaningful contributions to school and community...
In the words of Student Council President Cecelia Ostroff, "She demonstrates inclusivity with Student Council being a student-centered environment, leading openly as students who vary from the most recognized to those who aren’t very involved in the community are all given a chance to develop and show their leadership."
In the words of Principal Daniel Licata, "She frequently and professionally encourages students to pursue leadership positions both in-district and at the state level, their lively discussions about school improvement spills out into the hallways."
In the words of Colleague Melanie Sharkey, "She strives to make a lasting, positive impact on every student she serves; through her dedication and service she has positively influenced our school culture and broader community, fostering a strong sense of belonging and school spirit among our students."
We congratulate Jennifer VanZandt and the Palmyra Junior High School community on her statewide honor as our 2026-2027 Middle Level Advisor of the Year, while recognizing the hard work and dedication of ALL advisors throughout the Garden State!
A list of past state Advisors of the Year is provided below, since this award was first presented in 1990. Several of our State Advisors of the Year have also been recognized by the National Student Council with the Region 2 (DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA) or National Warren E. Shull Adviser of the Year Award.
Lou Miller, Executive Director
(201) 731-2500
lmiller@njasc.net
Alex Mazella, Executive Director
(609) 388-1079
amazella@njasc.net
New Jersey Association
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