Working for the past 6 years at Manasquan High School is school nurse, friend and confidant to the students, Susan Tellone-McCoy. After the Manasquan school district suffered through the tragic deaths of 6 members from the school community, Susan became an integral part of the fabric that held the school together during that difficult time.

Empowered to helping her students cope, Susan crusaded for a campaign at Manasquan High School called, “Friends Helping Friends.” This campaign is meant to empower the students to reach out to one another if they are struggling in their lives. Through this campaign, Susan and her students have worked to create a website, supply wristbands, and started a hotline so that students can talk or seek help.

Susan is very proactive with the students, working with them to organize events to gain community support. Always willing to help her school, staff and community, in 2009 Susan was named “Person of the Year” by the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide. She serves on many committees in the county for teen suicide prevention and has recently authored a grant called Project Serve (School Emergency Response to Violence). Susan you are a beacon of hope for your students and community and as a result of your efforts have changed the lives of so many.