On Friday, May 2, Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ and Eastern PA (YA) proudly recognized outstanding arts supporters with the AIE Arts Champion Governor’s Award as part of the statewide Governor’s Awards in Arts Education. This prestigious accolade was presented to Seth Boyden Elementary School in Maplewood, NJ, in recognition of their exceptional dedication to arts education through the AIE Program.

The school was honored with the AIE Arts Champion Governor’s Award for its steadfast commitment over five years to long-term residencies, fostering creative collaboration between students and teaching artists. The award was presented by Wendy Liscow, Executive Director of Arts Ed NJ, at a culminating performance held at Seth Boyden Elementary School. Liscow was joined by Michele Russo, YA President and CEO; Michael Roberson Reid, YA Arts Education Manager; and AnnMarie Gervasio, YA Director of Marketing and PR.

“We have been astounded by the youth performances and artistry. We have been in awe of the administrators, educators, teaching artists, and families and guardians who have carved out the resources, nurtured dreams, developed skills, and cultivated professional-level experiences for the youth! Together, you are proof of what’s possible when arts education is given space to thrive,” said Wendy Liscow, Executive Director of Arts Ed NJ.

In addition, she shared the Governor’s accolades, “On behalf of the State of NJ, I proudly congratulate the 45th Class of the NJ Governor’s Awards in Arts Education….Since 1980, the initiative has promoted awareness and appreciation of the arts by recognizing the talent, creativity, resilience, and leadership of award winners from across the state…

As Governor, and an arts enthusiast, I commend the partners and supporters of the NJ Governor’s Awards in Arts Education initiative for their endless dedication to our State’s rich and diverse arts community.  I am also equally proud to congratulate this year’s award recipients for their individual artistry and contributions to NJ as a whole,”  Signed, My very Best, Phil Murphy, Governor.

The residency cultivated a sustainable arts culture within New Jersey schools, benefiting students, faculty, administration, and the broader community. This year marked the culmination of Seth Boyden’s residency commitment, symbolizing a model of partnership, collaboration, and creativity. 

The school completed a five-year residency program. They spent one year with Quynn Johnson and Ryan Johnson of SOLE Defined and four years with Maxine Lyle from Soul Steps. More than 375 students at the school learned about the African-American dance form of stepping. On May 2, the students performed an original musical for the school community. The musical, Step Show: The Musical Jr.: A Musical Revue 2025 was written and directed by Maxine Lyle and included step performances, original songs, musical interludes and information about the art of stepping by 4th and 5th grade students.

Seth Boyden Elementary School implemented various strategies to enhance its arts programming, such as professional development for teachers, increased investment in residency programs, establishment of school-wide arts initiatives, and engagement with local community partners.

“We are committed to students having in-depth, dynamic, and personal experiences of the arts, with the guidance and support of artists,” said Michele Russo, President and CEO of YA.

AIE has been a collaborative effort between the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Young Audiences, alongside partners Morris Arts and Count Basie Center for the Arts. We are deeply thankful for the steadfast support and collaboration of the Arts Council.”

The NJ Governor’s Awards in Arts Education is co-chaired by Arts Ed NJ and the New Jersey Department of Education. Statewide award sponsors make up the NJGAAE Planning Council to support the program and select awardees through approved processes. Young Audiences is a proud partner in celebrating and enhancing the impact of the arts in New Jersey schools.

View photos from the event here: https://app.air.inc/a/b89KRT5FX.

Contact: 

Michael Roberson Reid

Arts Education Manager

Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ and Eastern PA

866-500-9265

mreid@yanjep.org

###

About Young Audiences Arts for Learning

Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ and 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 artists spanning various art forms, Young Audiences has impacted over 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.

About the Governor’s Awards

The Governor’s Awards event is a partnership of the Arts Ed NJ, the Department of Education, Art Pride New Jersey Foundation, the Department of State and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support is provided by: the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics; Art Educators of New Jersey; Art Administrators of New Jersey; Dance New Jersey; New Jersey Council of Teachers of English; New Jersey Speech and Debate League; New Jersey Music Educators Association; New Jersey Performing Arts Center; Writer’s Theatre of New Jersey; Speech and Theatre Association of New Jersey; New Jersey Thespians and Young Audiences of New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.