Award Will Honor ‘Unsung Hero,’ Arts Educator From Montclair

MONTCLAIR, NJ — An "unsung hero" in Montclair will get some well-deserved recognition for making the community a better place to live.

On May 7, the Russell Berrie Foundation will recognize unsung heroes from across New Jersey for their “compassion and selfless dedication to others” during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award.

A top prize of $50,000, four awards of $25,000 and 14 awards of $7,500 will be presented this year. The award has now given $3.75 million to 380 people, each of whom has an inspiring story to tell about how they made a difference in their communities.

Sharron Miller of Montclair, founder of Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts, is among this year's awardees.

"For over 25 years, Sharron has expanded arts education access for thousands of underserved New Jersey young people – primarily children of color," organizers said.

Miller will receive a $7,500 award for her efforts.

According to a news release from the foundation and Ramapo College of New Jersey:

“This past year, as communities across New Jersey and the country faced an array of challenges caused by the pandemic, concern over racial injustice unrest and natural disasters, unsung heroes stepped up to help feed, comfort and educate their neighbors, and in other ways protect public health and safety.”

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