10/16/2026
It is that special time of the year once again! Last night, with immense honor, we presented the Make a difference- Mayor’s Award to three outstanding young women from Fort Lee in the City Hall Council Chambers. Congratulations to Claire Jiang, Gabrielle Mamaat, and Melek Elik!
Co-initiated by the Borough of Fort Lee, One World Anchor, and FLCA, this award is now in its 4th year, dedicated to recognizing exceptional high school students who are passionately engaged in and actively advancing community service.
Thank you to all the applicants—we see all of your hard work and dedication. Our community stands united and strong because of volunteers like you. Congratulations once again to all our winners!
Claire Jiang
• Served as Vice President of One World Anchor and founded the Visual Cognitive Lab. Accumulated 300+ volunteer hours.
• Co-hosted Fort Lee’s annual “Share My Talent Show” for 3 years, securing local business sponsorships to engage youth.
• Designed a visual dictionary used by ~150 ESL and neurodiverse students globally, including in Asia and Africa.
• Co-organized the 2025 World Culture Competition, engaging 30+ international participants in art and writing.
Melek Elik
• President of Hero Boxes, collect over 13,800+ essential items, raise $897 for community, led 7 hygiene workshops for 38+ elementary students.
• Volunteered 120 hours at Children’s Specialized Hospital, providing tailored 1-on-1 swimming lessons to 24 children with physical and cognitive challenges.
• Mentored 10 students in India through Enabling Leadership; supported staff and patients at a Fort Lee pediatric office and Englewood Hospital; tutored 20+ students.
Gabrielle Mamaat
• Accumulated 420+ volunteer hours across initiatives targeting food insecurity, environmental protection, youth education, and inclusion.
•Served Secretary and Social Media Manager of the Youth Council of Fort Lee, helping execute the 2026 color run.
• Designed accessible activities for children with disabilities,taught faith formation to 1st–3rd graders at Madonna Church; created gift bags for Bergen New Bridge Medical Center patients.
李堡华联