New Providence Board Honors Students For Excellence in Arts

More than 20 students were awarded for their excellence in music and art at the meeting Thursday night where the board applauded the students for their efforts and encouraged the continuation of education in the arts.

Susan Vogel, who distributed the awards, said the level of talent was incredible and that the district takes pride in the accomplishments of the students – many of which reached statewide bands and choirs.

“Membership in these groups are hard-won and prestigious,” she said.

Parents, some with flowers but all with cameras, clapped for their kids as each one was given a certificate of accomplishment for their talents.

The students awarded for excellence in music are:

• Jonathan Sales – High School All-State Band
• Eric Roper – CJMEA High School All-State Mixed Choir
• Ivan Wolansky – NJ Junior High Honor Choir
• Sandeepan Mukherjee – NJ Elementary Honor Choir
• Jade Navarro - NJ Elementary Honor Choir
• James Nicholason - NJ Elementary Honor Choir
• Anjlee Sidhartha - NJ Elementary Honor Choir
• Ritika Sidhartha - NJ Elementary Honor Choir
• Anna Surman - NJ Elementary Honor Choir
• Gabriella Tullo - NJ Elementary Honor Choir
• Jamie Currie - High School All-State Mixed Choir
• Rohan Mallya – CJMEA Intermediate Orchestra
• Tori Ortega – CJMEA High School Women’s Choir
• Will Roper -  CJMEA School All-State Mixed Choir
• Christian Venturella – CJMEA Intermediate Orchestra
• Alan Wang – CJMEA Intermediate Band
• Cindy Weng – CJMEA Intermediate Orchestra
• Annie Zhou – CJMEA Intermediate Orchestra              

“New Providence is very proud of their achievements and encourages them to continue with their music education,” Vogel said.

The students awarded for excellence in art are:

Kristoffer Castaldo, Jenna Cavanagh, Kevin Dackow, Sony Han, Laura Lopez, Jenna Madden, Courtney Rosenkrantz and Patrick Skalski – all whom received gold keys from the Scholastic Art and Writing awards, a national competition for students who exhibit originality and personal vision in their works.

“I am so proud,” said Jessica Kleinman, whose niece received a gold key award. “We always knew she was talented but this will encourage her to continue with the arts, and it really helps her grow.”

After the kids left, the board discussed several action items, including the mandatory report about harassment and bullying in the schools. The board did not release any information about specific incidents, but did indicate the school district logged eight reports of harassment or bullying — two in the high school, four in the middle school and one each in Allen W. Roberts School and Salt Brook School.

The board also passed a resolution for Teacher Recognition Week during the week of May 6.

Board member William Dibble said the teachers, many who also engage in extra curricular activities with the students, continue to provide excellent instruction and counseling, and are deserving of a week of recognition.