Princeton, NJ. May 7, 2025—On May 7, 2025, Senator Andrew Zwicker attended a Young Audiences Arts for Learning (YA) performance at Riverside Elementary School in Princeton, NJ. The teaching artist, Ssuuna, a dancer, drummer, singer, and songwriter from Uganda, performed for first-grade students. Ssuuna’s assembly, titled Eda Ne Kakati (From the Past to the Present), inspires students to compare cultures and to learn the importance of respecting cultural differences. During the performance, students, faculty, and Senator Zwicker participated by playing Ugandan instruments, singing, and dancing.

For the next week, students will work closely with Ssuuna in a workshop called Origins of Uganda’s Rhythms and Dances. They will learn traditional drum rhythms and dances from varied regions of Uganda. They will perform what they learn for their family members and the school community next week. This residency program is a favorite among students and is supported by the Riverside School PTO, which organizes and fundraises to support special initiatives in the school. 

Senator Andrew Zwicker is a scientist and educator at Princeton University’s Princeton Plasma Physics Lab and a supporter of arts and education in his district. He currently serves four counties and 14 municipalities, including Princeton. He was thrilled to attend an in-school performance to understand how the arts support young people and the school leaders in New Jersey. 

Additional representatives joined Senator Zwicker, including YA President & CEO Michele Russo, YA Board Members Barbara Coe and Gil Blitz, YA Vice President for Institutional Advancement Ann Betterton, YA Director of Marketing and PR AnnMarie Gervasio, YA Development Manager Kerri-Ann Munoz, Art Pride Director of Advocacy Operations Vincent Hall, and STONO Public Affairs Managing Principal Jay Redd. Riverside Elementary Principal Max Achtau, Strategic Communications Specialist for Princeton Public Schools Krista Gaylon, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts Patrick Lenihan, PTO Co-Presidents Sheppard Kauffman and Joy McPartland, and first-grade teacher Kirsten Bertone welcomed students, teachers, and guests to the performance at Riverside School.

After the performance, two fifth-grade student ambassadors, Lila Depenbrock and Martin Rivera, took the Senator and the group on a tour of the building and showed them the STEAM, arts, and band classrooms. They excitedly showed the Senator their instruments and artwork, including a collaborative mural they are working on in the lunchroom. Riverside School and the Princeton Public School District have a deep commitment to arts education.

In the last five years alone, Princeton Public Schools has partnered with Young Audiences to welcome 21 professional teaching artists into all elementary schools in their district. The district has hosted 17 assembly performances for 3,400 students and 116 workshops for 2,900 students. 

“It was such a pleasure to have Senator Zwicker visit this morning. His interest and genuine connection to the students were beautiful to witness, and his willingness to improvise, participate in music making, and be playful is a testament to the ways we all connect through the arts. His leadership is so important and valuable,” shared Michele Russo, President & CEO, YA.

Photos from the event can be viewed here: https://app.air.inc/a/b8259oI23.

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About Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey and Eastern PA

Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA, established in 1973, is the leading arts-in-education resource in the region, offering teaching artist-led performances, workshops, residencies, and professional learning programs to schools across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. With an extensive roster of professional teaching artists spanning various art forms, Young Audiences has impacted more than 15 million children in its 50-year history. Committed to inspiring young minds and fostering inclusive learning environments, Young Audiences strives to ensure that every child receives rich and meaningful arts experiences. Through diverse and accessible programs, the organization aims to strengthen arts education, meet curriculum standards, and enrich cultural life in communities throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit yanjep.org.