40th New Jersey Governor’s Awards in Arts Education
VIRTUAL CELEBRATION
Tune in at 4PM for the LIVE Red Carpet Countdown Event
Hosted by 2020 Recipients Jocelyn Jeffries & Jasmine Livingston
WELCOME
JOIN THE VIRUAL CELEBRATION
Please join us for a special virtual awards ceremony to honor all the nominated arts students and leaders, to formally recognize their accomplishment, and to celebrate the many momentous opportunities to come.
Award Winners
Catherine Park
Catherine Park New Jersey Council of Teachers of English – 1st Place Poetry My name is Catherine Park, and I’m…
Maximilian Wisnefski
Maximilian Wisnefski STANJ — Best Scene Maximilian Wisnefski, a 2020 graduate of Cranford High School, was a participant in the…
Bradley Beach Elementary School – accepted by Sarah Poppe Seeley
Bradley Beach Elementary School – accepted by Sarah Poppe Seeley Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern, PA —…
Paralee Knight on behalf of Wells Fargo
Paralee Knight on behalf of Wells Fargo Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA — Corporate Philanthropy Award…
Colleen Foy on behalf of M&T Bank
Colleen Foy on behalf of M&T Bank Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA — Corporate Philanthropy Award…
Sussex Avenue School
Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA – AIE Residency Champion Award Nelson Alvarez was born in Havana,…
Heather Barberi / The Grunin Foundation
Heather Barberi / The Grunin Foundation Distinguished Service Award Heather Barberi is currently the Executive Director of the Grunin Foundation –…
Louis Mofsie on behalf of Thunderbird American Indian Dancers
Louis Mofsie on behalf of Thunderbird American Indian Dancers Young Audiences Arts for Learning — Arts Education Award Louis Mofsie…
Matthew Schwartz
Matthew Schwartz STANJ – Improvisational Pairs Matthew Schwartz is a senior at West Orange high school. He took home the…
Nadia Jewel Vito
Nadia Jewel Vito STANJ — Dramatic Pairs Nadia Jewel Vito is a junior at Pinelands Regional High school who won…
David Marconi
David Marconi STANJ — Outstanding Teacher David Samuel Marconi has been the teacher of Acting, Technical Theatre, & Film at…
Zachary Laks
Zachary Laks STANJ — Distinguished Service Zach Laks is a New York City-based theater producer and theater manager. Recent projects…
Jordyn Barr
Jordyn Barr STANJ — Best Actress Jordyn, a Junior, would like to thank Mr. And Mrs. DiFrancia, Dr. Atkins, ,…
Matthew Johnson
Matthew Johnson STANJ — Comedic Pair The 2019-2020 school year STANJ season was Matthew’s second in attendance. This year, he…
Javier Martinez
Javier Martinez STANJ — Senior Scholarship My name is Javier Martinez in the graduating class of 2020. I come from…
Jaden Urso
Jaden Urso STANJ – Senior Scholarship Jaden Urso is a high school senior at Northern Valley Regional High School in…
Cole Vitelli
Cole Vitelli STANJ — Best Actor Cole Vitelli is a junior at Hunterdon Central Regional High and has been acting…
Jonathan Levy
Jonathan Levy STANJ — Comedic Pair Jonathan Levy, Class of 2021 attends Pinelands Regional High School in Little Egg Harbor,…
Nicholas DeMartino
Nicholas DeMartino NJ Thespians — Scenic Design Nicholas DeMartino began his theater career his 9th grade year with the musical…
Blair Brown
Blair Brown NJ STATE CONFERENCE OF THE NAACP ACT-SO PROGRAM — Visual Arts – Drawing My name is Blair Brown…
Jamilah Hyman
Jamilah Hyman Visual Arts – Photography My name is Jamilah Hyman. I am an 18-year-old Senior currently attending Bordentown Regional…
Priscilla Pagan
Priscilla Pagan New Jersey Performing Arts Center — Exceptional Promise in Hip Hop My name is Priscilla Pagan. I’m 17…
Gabriella Brown
Gabriella Brown New Jersey Performing Arts Center — Exceptional Promise in Theater Arts My name is Gabriella Brown but I…
Joyce He
Joyce He New Jersey Council of Teachers of English — 1st Place Essay Joyce He is a junior from Livingston…
Ian Hurrel
Ian Hurrel New Jersey Music Educators Association — All-State Jazz Ensemble Ian Hurrel is a senior in the Livingston High…
Sue Mark
Mrs. Sue Mark – Director of Instrumental Music – Rosa International Middle School Master Music Teacher Sue Mark graduated Magna…
Garrett Vanni
Garrett Vanni All State Chorus My name is Garrett Vanni and I am a junior at Kittatinny Regional High School…
Dr. Darlene Russell
Dr. Darlene Russell NJCTE’s English Teacher of the Year Dr. Darlene Russell is a Professor and Fulbright Scholar in the…
Brianna Isabella Castro
Brianna Isabella Castro Student Award for Artistic Excellence and Leadership in Dance Isabella Castro was born and raised in Dover,…
Isabella Verma
Isabella Verma Student Award for Artistic Excellence and Leadership in Dance Isabella Verma is a 16-year-old, junior who attends Paramus…
John Perillo
The George DiBuono Recognition Award Established to honor former President, George DiBouno, whose dedication to arts education in New Jersey…
Alejandro Vargas
Alejandro Vargas DANCE NJ – Student Award for Artistic Excellence and Leadership in Dance Alejandro Vargas is currently 17 years…
Harry Bower
Harry Bower Art Educators of New Jersey – Award for the Distinguished Achievement The Distinguished Achievement award was established to…
Karen Mannino
Karen Mannino Art Educators of NJ – The Claire Flanagan Award The Claire Flanagan Award (covers 2018/2019 school year) Each…
Kristy Lopez
Kristy Lopez The Claire Flanagan Award The Claire Flanagan Award (covers 2018/2019 school year) Each year the Council for Art…
Cierra Blair
Cierra Blair NJ State Conference of the NAACP Act-So — Humanities – Poetry Written I am sixteen years old and…
Nicolas Stewart
NJ Thespians – Musical Group Cicely Tyson School of Performing Arts – performance of “I Know Where I’ve Been, Hairspray”…
Janae Owens
Jane Owens NJ Thespians – Musical Group Cicely Tyson School of Performing Arts – performance of “I Know Where I’ve…
Ashley Tait
NJ Thespians – Musical Group Cicely Tyson School of Performing Arts – performance of “I Know Where I’ve Been, Hairspray”…
Trevor Lavine
Trevor Lavine NJ Thespians – Musical Group Cicely Tyson School of Performing Arts – performance of “I Know Where I’ve…
Nimat Saleem
Nimat Saleem NJ Thespians – Musical Group Cicely Tyson School of Performing Arts – performance of “I Know Where I’ve…
Kimberly Val
Kimberly Val NJ Thespians – Musical Group Cicely Tyson School of Performing Arts – performance of “I Know Where I’ve…
Amber Ruffin
Amber Ruffin Musical Group Cicely Tyson School of Performing Arts – performance of “I Know Where I’ve Been, Hairspray” Amber…
Kaya Walcott
Kaya Walcott NJ Thespians – Musical Group Cicely Tyson School of Performing Arts – performance of “I Know Where I’ve…
Olivia Miller
Olivia Miller Student Award for Artistic Excellence and Leadership in Dance Olivia Miller is a dancer who studies at The…
Patty Nehrbauer
Patty Nehrbauer Art Educators of New Jersey — Anthony Guadadiello Service Award Hi, my name is Patty Nehrbauer and I…
A’Niyah Bishop
A’Niyah Bishop Student Award for Artistic Excellence and Leadership in Dance A’Niyah Bishop is a senior Dance Major in the…
Asbury Park Dance Festival Team
We believe in the power of dance to MOVE and INSPIRE a community. ASBURY PARK DANCE FESTIVAL brings WORLD RENOWNED DANCERS AND COMPANIES to the…
Caitlin Brannigan
Caitlin Brannigan First Place Story Caitlin Brannigan is a junior at the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest, NJ.…
Katherine Vandermel
Katherine Vandermel 2nd Place Poetry – New Jersey Council of Teacher of English (NJCTE) Katherine Vandermel is a junior (class…
Tajae Chevannes
Tajae Chevannes Monologue – STANJ Hello my name is Tajae Chevannes, I live in Paterson New Jersey. I’m 16 years…
Gaten Matarazzo
Gaten Matarazzo Dramatic Pairs – STANJ Gaten Matarazzo is a Senior at Pinelands Regional High School and a member of…
Steve Runk
Steve Runk Distinguished Service Award “Being a member of the Young Audiences board has been a rewarding experience, and I…
Quinn Cappiello
Quinn Cappiello Student Award for Artistic Excellence and Leadership in Dance Quinn Cappiello is a 17-year-old emerging dancer who has…
Justin Hong
Justin Hong New Jersey Music Educators Association – All State Chorus Justin Hong is a senior that currently attends Leonia…
Kelvin Zheng
Kelvin Zheng New Jersey Music Educators Association – All-State Orchestra Kelvin Zheng is a violist from East Brunswick, New Jersey…
Daniel Son
Daniel Son New Jersey Music Educators Association – All-State Orchestra Daniel Son, 17, is a graduating senior at Ridgewood High…
Anna Rehberg
Anna Rehberg New Jersey Music Educators Association -All-State Chorus Anna Rehberg is a graduating senior from Montville Twp. High School…
Nasir Baker
Nasir Baker New Jersey Performing Arts Center — Excellence in Hip Hop Nasir attended NorthStar Clinton Hill Middle school 5-8th grade…
Joe Nalieth
Joe Nalieth STANJ – Improvisational Pairs Joseph Nalieth is a senior at West Orange High School. In his time at…
BRYCE CLEMENSON
Bryce Clemenson NJ STATE CONFERENCE OF THE NAACP ACT-SO PROGRAM — Humanities – Poetry Written Bryce Clemenson is a 16…
Olivia Leto
Olivia Leto New Jersey Music Educators Association — All-State Chorus Olivia Leto is a senior at Mahwah High School, class…
Stephany Santiago
Stephany Santiago Dance New Jersey – Student Award for Artistic Excellence and Leadership in Dance Stephany Santiago is a high…
Larissa Leigh
Larissa Leigh NJ Thespians – Costume Construction Larissa Leigh attends Robbinsville High School and is part of the graduating class of…
Sadie Coords
Sadie Coords Art Educators of New Jersey – High School Scholarship Award My name is Sadie Coords, and I am…
Anaïs St. Amant
Anaïs St. Amant Art Educators of New Jersey – High School Scholarship Award My name is Anaïs St. Amant and I am a…
Jillian Hauer
Jillian Hauer Art Educators of New Jersey – High School Scholarship Award My name is Jillian Hauer, and I will…
Molly Gaston Johnson
Molly Gaston Johnson Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA – Arts Education Award In April 2020, Molly…
Andrea Colby
Andrea L. Colby Young Audiences Arts for Learning Nj & Eastern PA — Distinguished Service Award Andrea L. Colby is a…
Jeremy Shinder
Jeremy Todd Shinder STANJ – Dramatic Monologue JEREMY TODD SHINDER is a senior at Northern Valley Demarest who just performed…
Jeremy Shinder
Jeremy Todd Shinder STANJ – Dramatic Monologue JEREMY TODD SHINDER is a senior at Northern Valley Demarest who just performed…
Julia Longo
Julia Longo Student Award for Artistic Excellence and Leadership in Dance My name is Julia Longo, and I am 17…
Nicole Snodgrass
Nicole Snodgrass New Jersey Music Educators Association – Master Music Teacher Nicole Snodgrass has been the choral director at Cherokee…
Jocelyn Jeffries
Jocelyn Jeffries NJ Thespians – Film Jocelyn Jeffries is a Junior at Northern Burlington High School, troupe 4762. She has…
Brianna Roberts
Brianna Roberts NJ STATE CONFERENCE OF THE NAACP ACT-SO PROGRAM – Performing Arts – Vocal Classical Brianna Roberts is an…
Jasmine Livingston
Jasmine Livingston NJ STATE CONFERENCE OF THE NAACP ACT-SO PROGRAM – Performing Arts – Poetry Performance Poetry Performance Jasmine Livingston…
Elianna Bohonyi
Elianna Bohonyi Student Award for Artistic Excellence and Leadership in Dance Elianna or better known as Elly is 16 years…
Jeanne Turpault
Jeanne Turpault NJ Thespians – Makeup Design Jeanne Turpault is a senior at Hopewell Valley Central High School. She has…
Brianna Izquierdo
Brianna Izquierdo Student Award for Artistic Excellence and Leadership in Dance Brianna Izquierdo is a 17-year-old senior who currently attends…
Andrea Lim
Andrea Lim All-State Band Andrea Lim is a senior from Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan, NJ. She…
Allison Cordero
Allison Cordero Art Achievement Award Hi, my name is Allison Cordero and I am a junior at Randolph High School.…
Benjamin Swinchoski
Benjamin Swinchoski All-State Band Benjamin Swinchoski is a senior at Biotechnology High School who resides in Wall Township, New Jersey.…
Brenden Peraza
Brenden Peraza Visual Arts – Drawing I was raised in a somewhat rough household, the fact that I was raised…
Mikayla Griffin
Mikayla Griffin NJ State Conference of the NAACP ACT-SO Program — Performaning Arts – Poetry Performance Mikayla Griffin is a seventeen-year-old…
Ruth Donagher
Ruth Donagher NJ Thespians – Lighting Design Ruth Donagher is a senior at West Orange High School and is very…
Blair Brown
Blair Brown NJ STATE CONFERENCE OF THE NAACP ACT-SO PROGRAM – Visual Arts – Drawing My name is Blair Brown…
Garrett Vanni
Garrett Vanni New Jersey Music Educators Association – All-State Chorus Bio: My name is Garrett Vanni and I am a…
Bianca Agnes
Bianca Agnes NJ Thespians – Costume Design Bio: I am a Senior in the class of 2020 at Gloucester County…
CLASS OF 2020
CELEBRATING YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Each year, it is our honor to welcome 100 arts students and 20 leaders to celebrate with their loved ones and our arts community during the annual awards ceremony. While the awards looks quite different this year, our #NJARTSEDPROUD spirit remains the same.
The virtual ceremony includes award winning storyteller Queen Nur as the Master of Ceremonies, remarks from state officials, messages from our alumni, and performances from past and present award recipients.
Congratulations, Class of 2020.
JOIN US FOR THE VIRTUAL EVENT
The 2020 Awards
Alumni Master of Ceremonies
PERSPECTIVES
Ricky Persaud Jr.
Dr. Dale Schmid
Bob Morrison
Eisa Jackson
Kevin O'Brien
Shayne Miller
PAST & PRESENT RECIPIENT
PERFORMANCES
CLASS OF 2020
EVENT PROGRAM
The annual publication of students’ and leaders’ names, listed by nominating organization
LET’S CELEBRATE TOGETHER
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VIRTUAL PHOTOBOOTH
Yard Signs & T Shirts
Celebrate with us at home
VIRTUAL Awards 2020
BEST WISHES
Messages from our Friends & Sponsors
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES
- Submit your Congrats to the Class of 2020
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- Ally Cordero, this prestigious award could not have been given to a more humble, dedicated, hard-working and prolific artist. Your documentation of your personal, cultural and intellectual experiences provides a glimpse into your journey as a young woman, student and artist that is beyond your years and profoundly inspiring. I am so proud of you! - Mercedes Ingenito, Visual Arts Teacher Randolph High School
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- I know this time has been hard, but I just want to say congratulations you made it and what is happening will be over soon. - Ashley Taitt
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- Anna - We are so proud and love you so much! You have been such a trooper through this and can only wait for your future achievements. Love, Mama
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- Congratulations Anna So very Proud of you. - Pattie-Jo Siegel
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- Congratulations on a well earned award. We are extremely proud of you. You thrilled us with your talents throughout high school. Our only regret is that we will never see you on that Montville stage. Continued success at Rutgers. We will always keep you in our prayers. - Luv, Babci & Pop.
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- Congratulations to GCACT-SO students Blair Brown and Bryce Clemenson Governor's Awards in Arts Education 2020 winners, proud of you both!! - Carol Dove
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- Congratulations Priscilla, you are an amazing and talented student. Your Payne Tech family is proud of you. Keep up the great work. - Anibal Ponce
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- Priscilla, You are truly a Star! Payne Tech is so proud of you! From Ms. Emily Bonilla Vice Principal & Arts Supervisor - Priscilla Pagan
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- Congratulations, Priscilla Pagan - Carmen Colon-Burgos
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- Priscilla Pagan, I am so, so proud of you! Congratulations! Keep dancing and keep dreaming! - Mrs. Smith
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- Way to go Anna! So proud of you! - Love, Daddy.
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- So proud of your accomplishments, Priscilla Pagán! Continued success in your future endeavors! ~Señorita González
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- Congrats Olivia Miller!! You are an amazing young artist!-Mrs. Stahl
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- Anna - So proud of you and your dedication to your singing! I’ve got a feeling this is only the beginning of even more great things to come for you! Congratulations on this prestigious award!! Love you! - Christine Stabile
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- Congratulations to my beautiful and talented niece Priscilla we are so very proud of you and all your accomplishments. GOD BLESS! - LOVE TITI DENISE, TASHA & ARIANNA
