Monmouth Arts Hosts Arts Education Awards Ceremony to Honor Community Leaders and Students
- Monmouth Arts
- May 12
- 3 min read
May 12, 2025—Red Bank, NJ—On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Monmouth Arts hosted its annual Arts Education Awards ceremony, which honors outstanding educators, community leaders, and high school students for excellence in the arts.
The event, held at Monmouth University’s Rechnitz Hall DiMattio Gallery, welcomed over 140
guests. It began with opening remarks from Executive Director Teresa Staub, Board Vice
President Jim Geise, and Fred McKitrick, Chair of the Department of Arts & Design at
Monmouth University.
“It was a truly inspiring evening celebrating the impact of arts education in our community.
We were proud to honor exceptional educators and leaders, present scholarships to
students pursuing the arts in higher education, and witness outstanding performances by
some of our most talented young artists. Events like this affirm Monmouth Arts's vital role
in nurturing creativity and supporting the next generation,” said Teresa Staub, Executive
Director.
Board Vice President Jim Geise added, “If you’re creating, you’re already a part of something
bigger. You’re part of the future of the arts, and Monmouth Arts is incredibly proud to support
you every step of the way.”
The ceremony highlighted individuals and organizations' contributions and dedication to
Monmouth County and its arts community. The 2025 honorees were presented with the
following awards:
Outstanding Educator in Literary Arts
Honoring Christine DeMarsico, English Teacher, Asbury Park High School
Outstanding Educator in Visual Arts
Honoring Frank Mainieri, Art Teacher, Long Branch High School
Outstanding Educator in Performing Arts
Honoring John Lebitsch, Instrumental Music Teacher, Forrestdale School
Community Champion of Arts Education
Honoring John McEwen, Executive Director, New Jersey Theatre Alliance
Arts Education Legacy Award
Honoring Lynn Reich, Community Volunteer and Retired Educator
Monmouth Arts also presented this year’s Emerging Artists Scholarships to high school seniors who will continue their artistic journeys through higher education. These scholarships were made possible through the generous support of Sarah Fischell, the friends of Victoria J. Snoy, and Margean Gladysz. The following are this year’s recipients:
Emerging Artist Scholarship for Literary Arts
Presented to Chloe Scardino, Communications High School
Victoria J. Snoy Memorial Scholarship for the Arts
Presented to Quincey Jones, Red Bank Regional High School
Emerging Artist Scholarship for Performing Arts
Presented to Hayden Bercy, Howell High School
Monmouth Arts would like to thank all the talented students who performed and showcased their work throughout the ceremony and gallery, including the Wall High School Guitar Ensemble, Chloe Scardino, Quincey Jones, Hayden Bercy, Avery Kliewe, and the Howell Middle School South Players.
The 2025 Arts Education Awards not only commemorated leaders, students, and supporters of the arts but also included touching remarks by the night’s honorees that encompassed the main goal of the event—to promote the importance of the arts within our communities.
As John McEwen, this year’s Community Champion of Arts Education, stated, “No matter what
field you go into, you’re a better person because of the arts.”
Monmouth Arts is proud to champion arts education and creative expression throughout the
community. To learn more about its programs—or to support its mission of enriching lives
through the arts—please visit monmoutharts.org.
About Monmouth Arts
Monmouth Arts is a leading, not-for-profit arts advocacy organization that delivers needed
programs and services to artists, member organizations, and art affiliates to ensure the arts
thrive in every corner of Monmouth County. The work of the Monmouth Arts supports local art
programs, the pursuit of personal expression, and community development through creative
placemaking, resulting in positive economic, social, and cultural outcomes. Learn more about
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