Lorraine Sorg receives inspiration award for teen work

Kittatinny - Lorraine Sorg, Kittatinny Regional High School’s substance awareness counselor prefers the backstage, but that doesn’t mean her work goes unnoticed. In August, Sorg was given the inspiration award by the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute, an adolescent leadership program based in Wood-Ridge. The recognition is given to service club advisors who demonstrate outstanding leadership, according to Jamie Sierfeld, teen institute director. In particular, Sierfeld said Sorg excels at empowering students in choosing healthy lifestyles while demonstrating dedication and hard work. It is the second time the institute has given an award to Sorg. Kittatinny also received recognition previously. Students who work with Sorg know she deserves recognition, although they ironically point out it is the one thing she likes to avoid. “She always tells us to work behind the scenes. You don’t work for external awards. But it’s nice that someone who deserves the recognition actually gets it,” said Asia Marciano, a Stillwater senior student. Sorg received the award during the five-day summer leadership training camp attended by 20 Kittatinny students and four adult advisors in Blairstown. Kittatinny has sent a total of 140 students to the camp during Sorg’s 12-year tenure. “We teach goodness there, and students get it. We teach diversity there, and they get it,” Sorg said. Fredon senior Michelle Sanders said Sorg functions as a constant in the sometime tremulous world of adolescence. “She’s behind the scenes in pretty much everything she does. She’s very approachable, and you can talk to her whenever you want to,” said Sanders. Kittatinny social studies teacher Tara Tramontozzi, who spent her first summer as an advisor, said Sorg clearly stood out during the training camp. “She’s a huge influence there. Everyone knows her. She pretty much ran the show for Kittatinny and led excellent discussions where students could self-reflect,” said Tramontozzi. Kittatinny Superintendent Robert Walker and Principal Susan Kappler said Sorg has proven her dedication and expertise repeatedly. “Lorraine Sorg has the best interest of children in her sights. She is innovative and intuitive; thus she is able to provide students with insight and motivation to help themselves and others. She is an integral part of the Kittatinny community that spans students, teachers, staff and administration,” Kappler said. But Sorg would prefer to skip the accolades and concentrate on her work. If there is one thing she would like to stem from her award, it is one message. “I believe in peers helping peers,” Sorg said. “I think every high school in Sussex County should be sending kids to the teen institute.”