ARTS EDUCATION AWARDS
The Monmouth Arts 2026 Arts Education Awards
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Monmouth University, Rechnitz Hall - DiMattio Gallery
PAST HONOREES
2025
ARTS EDUCATION LEGACY AWARD
Lynn Reich, Former Monmouth Arts Board President and Art Educator
COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF ARTS EDUCATION (INDIVIDUAL)
John McEwen, New Jersey Theatre Alliance
Outstanding Educators in Visual Art, Literary Art and Performing Arts
Frank Mainieri, Long Branch High School
Christine DeMarisco, Asbury Park High School
John Lebitsch, Forrestdale Middle School
2024
COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF ARTS EDUCATION (ORGANIZATION)
Robyn Schindler, Paint the Stars Art Therapy
COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF ARTS EDUCATION (INDIVIDUAL)
Sam Giustiniani, Count Basie Center for the Arts
Outstanding Educators in Visual Art, Literary Art and Performing Arts
Anthony Greco, Rumson Country Day School, Marlboro High School & Count Basie Center for the Arts
Jessica Merrigan, Henry Hudson Regional School
Mary Dansereau, Neptune High School
2023
Community Arts Education Organization
Axelrod Performing Arts Center
Arts Organization Advocate Leader
Kelly Barratt, Center for the Arts at Monmouth University
Outstanding Educators in Visual Art and Performing Arts
Scott Napolitano, Howell High School
Lawrence Edwards, Shore Regional High School & Monmouth University
2022
Community Arts Education Organization
Domenica Donna Como, Color Chips
Arts Organization Advocate Leader
Jeremy Martin, Long Branch Public Schools
Outstanding Educators in Visual Art and Performing Arts
Brittany James, Inspired Minds Fine Arts School and art629 Gallery
Dr. Michael Penna, Ph.D., Collier High School
2021
Community Arts Education Organization
Middletown Arts Center
Arts Organization Leaders
John Dias, Michael Hurst, & Kate Cordaro, Two River Theater
Community Champion of the Arts
Dr. Ryan Brandau, Monmouth Civic Chorus
Arts Education Advocate
Norma Tolliver, Main Ave Galleria
Outstanding Educators in Visual Art and Performing Arts
Jill Alexander, Wall High School
Cindy Dwyer, Mater Dei Prep
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2019
Community Arts Education Organization
Two River Theater
Arts Organization Leader
Bruce Gallipani, Rockit Live! Foundation
Community Champion of the Arts
Nicholas & Shayne Mishoe, Company of Dance Arts
Arts Education Advocate
Heather Brown Cadalzo, Inspired Minds Fine Art School
Outstanding Educators in Visual and Performing Arts
Kate Okeson, Rumson-Fair Haven High Regional High School
Benjamin Ringer, New Jersey State Youth Orchestra
2018
Community Arts Education Organization
Jennifer Chauhan & Allison Tevald, Project Write Now
Arts Organization Leader
Mark Hyczko, Freehold Downtown Concert Series
Community Champion of the Arts
Michelle Burrell, Asbury Park Technical Academy of Dance
Arts Education Advocate
July Nagy, Algonquin Arts Theatre
Outstanding Educators in Visual and Performing Arts
Tonya Lee, Art Instructor, Monmouth University
Eric Gross, Music Educator, Freehold High School
2016
Community Arts Education Organization
Belmar Arts Center
Arts Organization Leader
David Levy & Leslie Backlund, Co-Presidents, Guild of Creative Art
Community Champion of the Arts
Sarah Hilton, Arts Educator, Oasis
Arts Education Advocate
Richard McKenna, Senior Vice President of Sales, Hatteras
Outstanding Educators in Visual and Performing Arts
Judy Raybon, Visual Arts Educator, Collier Youth Services
Gerald Romano, Director of Bands, Monmouth Regional High School