Sue Roy of West Windsor received a New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award in the category of Community Pillar. “Sue Roy epitomizes the term community service,” says Mickie Jarecki, a fellow West Windsor resident who nominated Roy for the award.
Roy was the president of the Village School PTA for two years. As president, she helped develop educational and inspiring programs for kids and parents and also conceived and implemented the Community Expo and Fair to showcase local businesses and educational programs.
As the Cub Scout den leader for both of her sons’ dens, the scouts have volunteered at Autism Speaks and anti-bullying walks; at local parks and trail clean-ups; and at the West Windsor Senior Center.
At St. David the King Church, Roy is a youth religious education teacher and volunteers at the food pantry. She is a member of the Community Education Parent Advisory Council and has taught arts and crafts classes to elementary school and special needs children, seniors, and parents. Roy is also a volunteer member of the Township Economic Advisory Group.
She also rallies the community to help those in need. Roy organized two donation drives for Hurricane Sandy victims, which resulted in the delivery of tens of thousands of food, clothing, household, and construction items to hurricane victims. When two young families lost their husbands/fathers, Roy organized donation drives and other services to help the families through their loss; and she did the same for a single mother who was stricken with a debilitating disease.
Roy, who also covers municipal and school news for the WW-P News, was raised in River Vale. Her parents, both teachers, were also active in community service through the library, the church, political organizations, and youth sports. Her family participated in activities to help the homeless and the food pantry. Roy was also a Girl Scout and a counselor at the scout summer camp. She continued her community service through equal justice foundations and other public interest groups during her college years.
A graduate of Rutgers University with a major in political science and English, she received a master’s degree in political and public policy. Roy graduated with a law degree from Georgetown University specializing in immigration and crime.
Her husband, Patrick, is a project manager for Trac Intermodal in Plainsboro. Their son, Bryan, 12, is entering sixth grade at Grover Middle School, where his mother will be on several PTSA committees. He recently advanced to Boy Scout Troop 40, where his mother will be on the board of review. Their son, Brendan, 10, enters fifth grade at Village School. He is a Cub Scout in Pack 66.
“I am honored to have been selected for a Jefferson Award as it is important to recognize the contributions of regular people who participate in worthwhile community and volunteer activities that help make the community a better place,” says Roy. “We have so many people in the West Windsor-Plainsboro community who engage in community service and I am happy to be one small part.”
