Heartland Heroes
While New Jersey’s Heartland is filled with hidden gems, our biggest treasures are the people who make our region a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.
We created “Heartland Heroes” to shine a spotlight on individuals and groups of people who have made a special contribution to New Jersey’s Heartland. Heartland Heroes will be recognized here and in New Jersey’s Heartland social media. They will also receive a special “Heartland Heroes Certificate of Appreciation,” as well as a token of gratitude from New Jersey’s Heartland.
If you know someone or a group of people who deserve the title “Heartland Hero,” please let us know by clicking here to submit their information!
Chris Barnard Receives New Jersey’s Heartland Hero Award
New Jersey’s Heartland is proud to announce Chris Barnard as the Heartland Hero for January and February 2024. Barnard has been a dedicated leader in Egg Harbor City, NJ, youth Read More
Paul Sparano Receives New Jersey’s Heartland Hero Award
New Jersey’s Heartland is proud to announce Paul Sparano as our Heartland Hero for this month. Sparano is a staunch supporter of his Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Atlantic County) community, Read More
Bridgeton Mayor Albert B. Kelly Receives December 2022 New Jersey’s Heartland Hero Award
Whether through his professional, public sector, or volunteer roles, for decades, Bridgeton Mayor Albert B. Kelly has been assisting individuals from all walks of life through his dedicated work in Read More
Bruce Land Receives November 2022 New Jersey’s Heartland Hero Award
With Veterans Day being celebrated this month, New Jersey’s Heartland is proud to honor Bruce Land of Vineland, NJ, as our November 2022 Heartland Hero. The former New Jersey Assemblyman, Read More
Marisol Soriano-Cruz Receives October 2022 New Jersey’s Heartland Hero Award
Marisol Soriano-Cruz is an advocate for families and her community of Bridgeton, NJ, going above and beyond to help families reach their goals and to ensure children receive the best Read More
Ryan Smith Receives September 2022 New Jersey’s Heartland Hero Award
Image of Ryan Smith above provided by Press of Atlantic City. Ryan Smith has gone the distance for 12 years as the head coach of the Egg Harbor Township High Read More
Donna O’Leary Receives August 2022 New Jersey’s Heartland Hero Award
Donna O’Leary is a champion on and off the field. As the head coach of Salem High School’s Rams field hockey team, she has made a lasting impression on countless Read More
Dareck Chandler Receives July 2022 New Jersey’s Heartland Hero Award
Dareck Chandler is known as a “local superhero” in Bridgeton. Chandler plays a positive role in the community from sports coaching to life coaching. We are proud to announce Dareck Read More
Ryan Gamber Receives Father’s Day Edition June 2022 New Jersey’s Heartland Hero Award
A father of two, and recovering from a recent double lung transplant, Ryan Gamber’s perseverance continues to be an inspiration for his family and his entire South Jersey community. We Read More
John Fuqua Receives May 2022 New Jersey’s Heartland Hero Award
With a focus on engaging Cumberland County’s youth population and promoting opportunities for its most disadvantaged individuals, John Fuqua recently founded the nonprofit organization, Life Worth Living. John is our Read More
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