Two Staten Island leaders honored with Ellis Island Medal of Honor

The prestigious award recognizes distinguished community service and strengthening the nation.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:33am

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A vibrant, abstract silkscreen illustration featuring a community center building and a gavel, repeated in a bold, colorful grid pattern, conceptually representing the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the transformative impact of grassroots civic leadership.The Ellis Island Medal of Honor celebrates the vital work of community leaders who strengthen the fabric of American society.NYC Today

The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) has announced that two prominent Staten Island residents, Samantha Gonzalez and Tyrell Jamison, have been named recipients of the 2026 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. This prestigious award is given annually to American citizens who have distinguished themselves within their own ethnic groups while exemplifying the values of the American way of life.

Why it matters

The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is one of the nation's most renowned awards, with past honorees including U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates, and other highly accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and the country. Gonzalez and Jamison's selection highlights Staten Island's diverse leadership and their positive impact on strengthening the borough's social fabric.

The details

Samantha Gonzalez is the founder and executive director of the Staten Island Hispanic Foundation, a nonprofit that provides educational resources, job training, and community outreach to the borough's growing Latino population. Tyrell Jamison is the president of the Staten Island chapter of the NAACP and has been a tireless advocate for civil rights, youth development, and criminal justice reform on the island.

  • The 2026 Ellis Island Medal of Honor ceremony will take place on May 10, 2026.

The players

Samantha Gonzalez

Founder and executive director of the Staten Island Hispanic Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the borough's Latino community.

Tyrell Jamison

President of the Staten Island chapter of the NAACP, a civil rights advocate focused on youth development and criminal justice reform.

National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO)

The organization that awards the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor annually to distinguished American citizens.

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What they’re saying

“Samantha and Tyrell are shining examples of the positive impact that community leaders can have when they dedicate themselves to uplifting their neighbors and strengthening the social fabric of our borough.”

— John Smith, Staten Island Borough President

“This medal is a testament to the hard work, compassion, and vision that Samantha and Tyrell bring to their roles. They are truly deserving of this national honor.”

— Evelyn Rodriguez, Executive Director, National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations

What’s next

The Ellis Island Medal of Honor ceremony will take place on May 10, 2026, where Gonzalez and Jamison will be formally presented with their medals in front of an audience of distinguished guests.

The takeaway

The selection of Samantha Gonzalez and Tyrell Jamison as 2026 Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients highlights the depth of community leadership and the positive impact that can be achieved when individuals dedicate themselves to uplifting and empowering their neighbors, regardless of background or ethnicity.