Union County schools honor student and staff: Aiden Conway, Jaylen Saul and Jill Jordan recognized

At its March meeting, the Union County Board of Education presented the John H. Crowder Service Award to Central Academy of Technology and Arts senior Aiden Conway and named two staff members, Jaylen Saul and Jill Jordan, as UCPS Influencers for March 2026.

District 1 member Reverend Kilpatrick introduced the John H. Crowder Service Award, saying it recognizes students who "excel academically and possess a well-established track record of community involvement." The board announced that Aiden Conway, a CATA senior in the Dance Academy who plans to attend New York University, is the March recipient. The board noted Conway's volunteer work (including sewing 100 blankets for neonatal intensive care patients), leadership activities and membership in multiple honor societies.

Dr. Plue presented the UCPS Influencers program and read the names of the March honorees. A nomination submitted by Dr. Angela Foster highlighted Jaylen Saul, a physical education teacher at Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle School, for launching the Monroe Middle School track program and supporting career pathways for students. Shenita Barber read a nomination for Jill Jordan, after-school program coordinator at Shiloh Valley Primary, praising Jordan's organization, student engagement and day-to-day support for staff and families.

Superintendent Dr. Andrew G. Houlihan and board members applauded the honorees. The board issued a formal proclamation recognizing Jaylen Saul and Jill Jordan as UCPS Influencers for March 2026.

What to know: The John H. Crowder Service Award is a monthly recognition presented by the board. The UCPS Influencers program solicits nominations from staff, students, families and community members to honor outstanding employees. The honorees were recognized during the opening portion of the board meeting; no board action was required to approve the recognitions.