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The New Jersey Governor’s Awards in Arts Education (NJGAAE) have been recognizing outstanding artistic achievements of students and educators since 1980. The program is organized by Arts Ed NJ, initially started by the Alliance for Arts Education New Jersey and the State Department of Education. Notable figures like Maria Dizzia, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and Gaten Materazzo III have been awardees. The awards highlight the arts and culture sector’s importance, involve high-ranking officials, and serve as a prestigious honor. The program aims to acknowledge arts excellence, increase awareness, and recognize achievements in schools and organizations supporting arts education. Eligible recipients include students, educators, and leaders who have shown exceptional dedication and contributions to arts education in New Jersey.

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2024 Awardee

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Aritra Ray

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Chloe Cho

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Ava Clarke

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Leanna Joju

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Julia Morrin

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Shamar Thomas

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David Phalon

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Mable Blischke

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Kendall Mcdonough

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Morgan Taurgrasso

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Katrina Erdin

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Evan Wyckoff

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Trey Barnum

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Mackenzie Crimmins

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Roman Gatti

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Zachary Falkenstern

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Jordin Gayle

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Patrick Lenihan

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Sandra Toll

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Amaya Clary

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Taleen Mcomber

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Patryk Chojnowski

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Julio Enrique Badel

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Lisa J. Conklin

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Valerie Negra

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Troy Larkins Johnson

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Raylisa Leonor Uceta Duran

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Enydia Lynn Haynes

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Arthur Esaw

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Ariyah Autumn Lamin

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Pharaoh Naggie

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Olivia Huttinot

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Awardee

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Nominating Organizations: Learn More About the Awards

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“The last show our school did was completely virtual, and I can remember literally being on the opposite end of my room, singing and dancing without a care in the world… Even though we weren’t together, we were still able to create something beautiful, and to be honest with you, that’s all that really matters. Especially now during a pandemic. That only proves the importance of arts education…Just being able to sing with people or play an instrument, it’s absolutely amazing that even though we are so, so far apart, through the amazing things that our state does for arts education, we are still able to have some kind of normalcy.”
Gianna AlbaneseStudent at Cedar Grove High School, 2021 Award Recipient
“I think if there’s anything we’ve learned from the past year, it’s how important art education is. It keeps us alive, it gives us community, it shows us that we can still be connected even when it seems like we’re so disconnected. And if I have any advice for future generations it would be to persevere through any obstacles you may face, especially in the arts. If you have a passion for the arts, don’t give up. Keep trying to find ways to create.”
Grace PetersenStudent at Chatham High School, 2021 Award Recipient
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Frequently Asked Questions

The awards will resume in 2025
TBD
No, Individuals cannot nominate. Please review the handbook for more information on the awards and contact a participating organizations with your recommendation.
Business professional attire.
It is a free and public event.
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A Program of Arts Ed NJ 

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The Governor’s Awards in Arts Education began in 1980 to promote awareness and appreciation of the arts, recognizing the creativity, talent and leadership of the award winners. Each year, awards are presented to approximately 20 educators and 80 students. National and statewide organizations select the students for their exemplary work in creative writing, speech, dance, music, theatre and visual arts and the leaders for their exceptional commitment and contribution to arts education. The program also recognizes arts educators and arts education advocates, whose leadership has helped nurture the development of students in the arts across the state.

432 High Street Burlington, NJ 08016

info@artsednj.org

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. The cooperating organizations, award sponsors and individual members of the planning council dedicate their time to make sure that excellence in the arts is rewarded, and work tirelessly throughout the year to plan this special event. The Governor's Awards in Arts Education ceremony are a major collaborative effort of the arts, education and state government.