Student Wins National Merit Award for Dance

It was a day to remember for many students, but for Cranford's Jennifer Fleissner, this one was extra special.

After winning a state merit award two years ago in the Photography category, she now has furthered her accomplishments by winning  in the Dance category at the local, county and state level, as well as going on to win national honors as a merit winner of the National PTA Reflections Program. There were seven national awards handed out -- impressive considering that the competition came from all fifty states.

This past Sunday, she performed her award-winning dance, along with her two dance partners, Lauren Costa and Courtney Curci, at the New Jersey PTA State Awards Ceremony for the Reflections Progam held at the Liberty Science Center.

For this award, the Hillside Avenue school student spent over a year choreographing the dance. The dance and song used follows the theme of this year's competition, which is "Together We Can" -- and has special meaning to Jen that if everyone works together -- especially with people with special needs -- great things can be accomplished.

Jen said "It wasn't easy, but all my hard work paid off. It is always nice to to see some recognition."

PTA Reflections program was designed to encourage students to challenge themselves and create projects on every state level,

Fleissner is Cranford's first National Merit Award Winner,

Watch the video here to see exclusive interviews, the award ceremony and the award-winning dance!

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