Student Wins County Caring Award

Photo courtesy Freehold Regional High School District

  HOWELL – Jonna Crocker, a senior at Howell High School, one was one of six recipients of the 2022 Monmouth County Guidance Director Association’s Caring Award.

  Every year, Monmouth County selects one student from each of the High Schools to receive this award. The award is voted on by the high school’s guidance department for a student who has volunteered their time, effort, dedication and has made a difference in their community.

  In order to qualify, each student created a video showing how they made a difference in their community.

  Jonna started the Fighting H.A.R.D. Foundation with her sister Alexandra in 2015, helping kids with rare diseases and chronic illnesses to not feel alone.

  “Knowing the journey firsthand, we knew that we wanted to make a difference and help other kids dealing with similar experiences during their tough journeys,” Jonna said.

  The foundation raises funds towards care packages, dinners for families after ‘hard’ days at the hospital, travel expenses for families who need to go out of state for their medical care and medications or treatments that are not covered by insurance. In addition, they also provide emotional support through trivia game nights, support group sessions, child life services and connecting families together which builds lifelong friendships for many of these kids.

  “I am extremely honored to be selected as Howell High School’s Recipient of the Monmouth County Caring Award. With the help of our local school districts and the support of the Howell community, we have been able to help so many children with rare diseases and chronic illnesses right here in our own town. We look forward to continuing the growth of the foundation so we can help more families in Monmouth County and beyond who are Fighting HARD! I am proud to be a member of the Howell community and could not be more grateful for the support of our organization,” Jonna said.

  Additionally, the following Monmouth County high school students were also picked for the Guidance Director Association’s Caring Award:

  • Colts Neck High School – Rafaella Lambrinos
  • Freehold High School – Keshav Muralidharan
  • Freehold Township High School – Gianna Vaccaro
  • Manalapan High School – Rosanna Hefter
  • Marlboro High School – Brandon Bayer