Oak Knoll Celebrates Creative Arts During Annual Arts Recognition Ceremony

Nearly 30 students were recognized on Thursday, April 21, 2022, for their leadership, outstanding achievement, and dedication to the creative arts at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child during the school’s 29th annual Arts Recognition Ceremony.

Student arts leaders, faculty advisors, directors, administrators, and parents gathered in the Mother Mary Campion Center for the Performing Arts, and in classrooms throughout the Upper School on campus. 

Oak Knoll’s Creative Arts Council President, Janet Pearce ’22, of Morristown, said that one of her goals was to reintroduce and center her work around more art service opportunities. 

“This year, student artists participated in pursuits, including the Memory Project, a non-profit through which they made portraits for children in Cameroon, and Tiles for Overlook Medical Center with beautiful illustrations and calligraphic messages thanking healthcare workers for their steadfast efforts during such trying times,” said Pearce. “Today, we are here not only to celebrate these accomplishments but also those of the many other fine artists, dancers, musicians, writers, and performers this year at Oak Knoll but to also encourage your participation in the arts. Whether as a gifted contributor or enthusiastic patron, we welcome you to become a part of Oak Knoll’s richly talented student body that is eager to share its creativity with and through every individual.” 

At the arts recognition ceremony, students earned awards for achievement, dedication, and leadership representing the following extracurricular activities: Aquila, Chamber Orchestra, Chimes, Concert Choir, Dancers, Dramatica, Ensemble, Freestyle, Photo Club, the Musical, Scribes, Stage and Lighting crews, and Untucked.

“The Arts Celebration is always a wonderful culmination to the yearly accomplishments of our many arts organizations,” said Creative Arts Director Will Cardell. “Our talented fine and performing young artists never cease to amaze me in their creative achievements and their willingness to share the richness of their work with the Oak Knoll community. This year is no exception, and I surely speak on behalf of all our directors and advisors in offering my gratitude to these wonderful students.” 

The award recipients for Oak Knoll School’s 2022 Arts Recognition Awards include:

Leadership Award -Recognizes students who have guided their organizations with vision and purpose

  • Rory Weldon ’24 of Summit – Photo Club
  • Cara Dolan ’24 of Mendham – Dancers
  • Janet Pearce ’22 of Morristown – Scribes
  • Sarah Jordan ’22 of Chatham– Aquila
  • Michaela Castano ’25 of Essex Fells – Lighting Tech Crew
  • Alysa Ali ’22 of Watchung – Ensemble
  • Samantha Liberato ’23 of Millington and Jenna Thauer ’23 of Ridgewood – Concert Choir Council
  • Alex Huegel ’25 of Essex Fells – Musical (Cast Award)
  • AvaClaire Lago ’25 of Summit –Musical (Production Staff Award)
  • Sarah McManus ’22 of Chatham and Caroline Nestor ’22 of Madison —Freestyle
  • Elizabeth Eck ’22 of Summit–Untucked
  • Sarah Maher ’23 of Westfield—Dramatica
  • Paula Sefia ’22 of Newark
  • Elizabeth Eck ’22 of Summit—Chamber Orchestra

Service & Dedication Award – Recognizes students dedicated to their group’s endeavors and shows a willingness to help others.

  • Mary Kate Bolster ’23 of Madison – Musical (Cast Award)
  • Vanessa Brum ’23 of Hillside – Ensemble
  • Megan Fehrenbach ’22 of Millburn – Freestyle
  • Keira Ardise ’25 of Madison – Aquila
  • Alex Huegel ’25 of Essex Fells – Dramatica
  • Gwyn Healy ’25 of Morristown –Lighting Tech Crew
  • Danielle Delano ’24 of Summit – Photo Club
  • Siobhan Stack ’22 of Bloomfield – Scribes

Outstanding Achievement – Recognizes students with outstanding talent and who also demonstrate genuine curiosity about their art form.

  • Nesa Shamdasani ’24 of Little Falls – Photo Club
  • Agatha Cabrera ’24 of Bedminster – Musical (Cast Award)
  • Grace Ritter ’25 of Chatham– Aquila
  • Lauren White ’25 of Summit – Bel Canto and Dramatica
  • Betsy Keenan ’22 of Summit – Freestyle
  • Courtney Coyle ’23 of Verona – Scribes

Congratulations Royals!