The Middlesex County Commissioners Meeting held on July 17, 2025, featured a series of significant presentations and recognitions, highlighting the contributions of dedicated public servants and the achievements of local students.

The meeting commenced with a heartfelt tribute to Mickey, a long-serving employee who has dedicated 44 years to Middlesex County. Mickey's career has spanned various roles, including supervising golf courses and serving as the bureau chief of solid waste management. His commitment to public service and community support was acknowledged, particularly his involvement in local fundraising efforts. As he prepares for retirement, the commissioners expressed their gratitude for his unwavering dedication and humanitarian efforts.

Following this tribute, John Denadev presented the 2025 New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) County Service Award to Barbara Cortez, the Middlesex County surrogate. Denadev praised Cortez for her enthusiasm and active engagement within the NJAC, noting her significant contributions since joining the organization. He emphasized the importance of county professionals in maintaining strong advocacy for local governance.

The meeting also celebrated the achievements of local students through the NJAC Foundation's scholarship program. This year, the foundation awarded over $110,000 in scholarships to graduates of county vocational technical schools. Denadev highlighted the importance of supporting education and recognized the contributions of various corporate sponsors, including Amazon and SHI International, which have made these scholarships possible.

Several students were honored with scholarships during the meeting. Shara Dunn received the Amazon scholarship, while Nicholas Potti was awarded the SHI International Scholarship. Other recipients included Sydney Dowling, Thomas Castucco, Kayla Romero, and Miguel Garcia, each recognized for their academic achievements and future educational pursuits.

The meeting concluded with a group photo of the scholarship recipients and the board, celebrating the accomplishments of both the honorees and the community. The commissioners expressed their pride in the students' hard work and determination, reinforcing the county's commitment to supporting education and public service.