Young Audiences Arts for Learning Honors Arts Champions

Young Audiences Arts for Learning (YA) recognized outstanding arts supporters with their Arts Champion Awards. The honors include the Arthur Factor Arts Champion Award, the Arts United Award, the Distinguished Service Award, the Philadelphia Champion, and the AIE Arts Champion Governor’s Award.

Hip Hop Fundamentals performs at a community event at Brainerd Elementary School. The event was the culmination of a residency led by Karen Wislocky, School Counselor.

The Arthur Factor Arts Champion Award recognizes arts education work focused on social-emotional learning, wellness, and healing. This year, Karen Wislocky, School Counselor at Brainerd Elementary School in Mt. Holly, NJ, was named the Arthur Factor Arts Champion for her support of YA’s work. She has been a partner with YA for two years and supports the Mental Health America (MHA) program. She was selected for the award for her dedication to supporting students’ mental health through the arts. 

The Arts United Arts Champion Award recognizes a commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion, as reflected in ongoing impact. YA recognized Pillar Elementary School, and teaching artist Jeannine Osayande.

Pillar Elementary School in Livingston, NJ, received the award for their continual dedication to ensure students who receive Individual Education Plan (IEP) services experience both performance and hands-on workshops as part of their school day. 

Jeannine Osayande accepting the award at a culminating event.

Jeannine Osayande, an interdisciplinary choreographer, educator, performer, and cultural expert of West African Diaspora and African-derived dance and drum traditions, received the 2026 Arts United Arts Champion Award. Through the beauty and genius of African and African American Folklore Traditions, Jeannine Osayande artfully facilitates Anti-Racism curriculum and programming through the lens of the Black diasporic experience. Jeannine Osayande & Dunya Performing Arts Company have provided arts education programming for more than 40 years and have worked with YA since 2016.

Teacher leaning over a table, guiding four students as they work on papers and supplies in a classroom. (Group learning scene)

TAHIRA leading a workshop at Avery D. Harrington School.

New this year, the Philadelphia Champion award was presented to Avery D. Harrington School in recognition of their partnership with YA, supporting creative experiences for their students. Since 2024, Avery D. Harrington School has been working with YA teaching artist TAHIRA and her Stories of Africa residency program. The staff at Harrington are committed to holistic learning opportunities that combine intellectual and cultural development, which makes them a strong partner for TAHIRA and her focus of teaching students the origin and purpose of stories in the African diasporic experience.

Adrienne Ostrander (center) and members of Garden State Percussion

The Arts Champion Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate sustained, innovative contributions to arts education. This year, the award went to teaching artist Adrienne Ostrander from Garden State Percussion for her commitment to student learning and dedication to YA programs. Adrienne is a timpanist and percussionist who has served the community as a member of the Garden State Percussion Trio for more than 40 years. She’s been responsible for the management and outstanding artistry of the Trio.

The AIE Arts Champion Governor’s Award is presented to schools that show a steadfast commitment to the arts with a three-year long term residency program. This year, the award was given to Middle Township High School in Cape May Courthouse, NJ, in recognition of its exceptional dedication to the arts in collaboration with teaching artist Gail Scuderi. The New Jersey Governor’s Awards in Arts Education, co-sponsored by Arts Ed NJ, the New Jersey Department of Education, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, have celebrated outstanding artistic achievements among students, educators, teaching artists, and community partners since 1980.

In honoring these exceptional individuals and institutions, YA reaffirms its dedication to fostering creativity, promoting equity, and enriching the lives of students through the power of the arts.