ClassLink Announces 2024 N.J. Visionary Award Winners

ClassLink celebrated the accomplishments of exceptional New Jersey educators at its annual Seaside Celebration for Ed Leaders in Asbury Park, New Jersey on August 7, 2024. Bringing together educators and thought leaders from across the state, the event gave guests a chance to connect, kick off a new school year, and celebrate their colleagues.

To be a visionary, an educator must have the passion andClassLink founder and CEO Berj Akian speaks at the annual Seaside Celebration for Ed Leaders awards ceremony. creativity to design future-focused learning experiences and programs. Each new school year has unique challenges, and N.J. educators remain committed to creating innovative initiatives that inspire and empower students and colleagues. At the event, four outstanding individuals who consistently go above and beyond to serve their communities were honored.

“ClassLink takes great pride in celebrating the outstanding achievementsAttendees at the annual Seaside Celebration for Ed Leaders award ceremony hosted by ClassLink in Asbury Park, New Jersey. of the NJ Visionary Award Winners. At the heart of ClassLink's success lies the invaluable presence of educators—they are the very essence of our existence! We extend heartfelt gratitude for their efforts, their talents, and unwavering commitment to advancing education," said Berj Akian, Founder and CEO of ClassLink.

N.J. Visionary Educator Award

‍Winner: Jessica Estlow, Technology Teacher, Brigantine Public Schools

Entering her 28th year of teaching, Jessica Estlow teaches K-8 Technology at Brigantine Public Schools. Her passion for technology and cybersecurity education has grown tremendously in recent years. Jessica enjoys collaborating with fellow educators to share highlights of our STEM programs. Additionally, she has been involved in her district’s Mr. Roger's project, which has expanded over time, connecting students through digital design with the community.

N.J. Visionary Technology Leader Award

‍Winner: James O’Boyle, Director of Technology, Hamilton Township Public Schools

Jim O'Boyle is the current Director of Technology for Hamilton Township School District and has worked there for 6 and a half years overseeing 27 buildings, over 1,800 staff members, and 12,000+ students. Before that, he worked as a Network Administrator in New Brunswick Public Schools and as an IT Support Specialist for Lawrence Township Public Schools. When he's not tackling tech challenges, Jim embraces the joys of fatherhood with his 8-month-old son, is wrapping up his Masters in Education from Rutgers University this fall, and finds balance by channeling his energy into coaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

N.J. Visionary Superintendent Award

‍Winner: Dr. Edward Aldarelli, Superintendent, Edison Township Public Schools

Dr. Edward Aldarelli, Superintendent of Schools, initially joined the Edison TownshipEdward Aldarelli, Classlink's 2024 New Jersey Visionary Superintendent Award winner. Public Schools in October 2020 as the Director of Human Resources. He served as Acting Superintendent of Schools beginning in December 2022 before his July 2023 appointment as Superintendent.  Dr. Aldarelli has over 25 years of experience in public education, beginning as an elementary and middle school classroom teacher. Dr. Aldarelli is committed to promoting innovative and sound educational strategies that leverage technology and foster inquiry, discussion, and high levels of engagement for all Edison Township Public Schools students.

N.J. Visionary Community Impact Award

‍Winner: Natalie Tung, Co-Founder & Executive Director, HomeWorks Trenton

Natalie is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of HomeWorks Trenton, a free community-based after-school boarding program. While earning her teaching certificate as a sophomore at Princeton University, Natalie started HomeWorks by replicating this experience for girls in marginalized communities worldwide. Since 2016, she has built a diverse team of 9 staff members and over 50 volunteers. Together, they have expanded from a summer pilot to a school-year program with 70 participants and raised over $4 million in cash and in-kind donations. Natalie and HomeWorks have been recognized by McKinsey & Company, Camelback Ventures, Barclays, Comcast, Hollister, TRESemmé, Vital Voices, Penn Graduate School of Education, Princeton University, The Rachael Ray Show, New Jersey State Legislature, and more.

About ClassLink

ClassLink is a global education provider of identity and analytics products that create more time for learning and help schools better understand digital engagement. As leading advocates for open data standards, we offer instant access to apps and files with single sign-on, streamline class rostering, automate account provisioning, and provide actionable analytics. ClassLink empowers 21 million students and staff in over 2,800 school systems. Visit classlink.com to learn more.