Excellence in the Arts

The first week of October was certainly a week to
CELEBRATE Excellence in the ARTS!!!

Mrs. Bivona & Mrs. Slutzky at AENJ

Mrs. Bivona at the Excellence in the Arts Award

On Monday, October 1, 2007. Judy Slutzky, Principal of Mount Prospect School received the The George DiBouno Recognition Award from the Art Educators of New Jersey (AENJ) at the AENJ Fall Conference. This award was established to honor former AENJ President, George DiBouno, whose dedication to arts education in New Jersey was marked by a realization of the power of leadership in education to move the arts to the forefront. This award is for those who are "within" the field of education, but not Art Educators.

As President of AENJ I was fortunate enough to present this award to Mrs. Slutzky. Here is just a little bit of what I said in my speech.

"Mrs. Slutzky leads by example…she always makes sure that the Arts get equal billing at all school events!!! That lets us know and the community know that the ARTS are important! She has supported and continues to support my leadership role in AENJ 100%. I could not do all that I do without her! She makes sure that I attend this Conference and the National Art Education Conference each year. All of this allows me to become a better leader. My hope is that I give back to Judy by being a leader at Mount Prospect School!!!"

Then on Tuesday October 2, 2007 - Mrs. Slutzky and I were together again, to celebrate my award at the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission's Excellence in the Arts Awards. The reception was held at Twin Brooks Country Club in Watchung, NJ. There were 2 performing groups and 4 art educators recognized!!! The Excellence in the Arts Awards celebrate the arts in Somerset County and highlight and honor some of the most outstanding artists and arts organizations for their exemplary leadership in and dedication to the fine and performing arts in the county. Honorees show exceptional commitment and dedicated service to the arts, exemplifies talent and professionalism as an artist, educator or arts advocate and most importantly, is an inspiring role model to the community.

It is truly an honor to receive this award in Somerset County. It means so much to me to be recognized by my community - my students, their parents and my co-workers! I hope to instill a passion for art in all the young artists at Mount Prospect School!!!

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