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Monmouth Arts Hosts Arts Education Awards Ceremony to Honor Community Leaders and Students

  • Writer: Monmouth Arts
    Monmouth Arts
  • May 12
  • 3 min read

Crowd at art exhibition, people chatting, colorful attire, artworks on walls, "monmouth arts" backdrop visible, lively atmosphere.

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


Five people smiling and holding awards in front of a "Monmouth Arts" banner. They're dressed formally, displaying certificates and trophies.
2025 Arts Education Awards Honorees from Left to Right: John Lebitsch, John McEwen, Lynn Reich, Christine DeMarisco, Frank Mainieri

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


Three young adults smile, holding certificates in front of a "monmouth arts" backdrop. The mood is celebratory and joyful.
2025 Scholarship Recipients From Left to Right: Hayden Bercy, Chloe Scardino, and Quincey Jones

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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