Young Audiences Arts for Learning Honors Arts Champions

Young Audiences Arts for Learning (YA) recognized outstanding arts supporters with their “Arts Champion Awards” at the annual meeting on June 10, 2025. The four honors include the Arthur Factor Arts Champion Award, the Arts United Award, the Distinguished Service Award, and the AIE Arts Champion Governor’s Award.

Peri Nearon, retired Executive Director, Division of Disability Services at the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services

The Arthur Factor Arts Champion Award recognizes arts education work focused on social-emotional learning, wellness, and healing. This year, Peri Nearon, retired Executive Director, Division of Disability Services at the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services, was named the Arthur Factor Arts Champion for her support of YA’s work that increases positive perceptions of Disabled identities, increases inclusion and equitable educational experiences in schools, and builds connected communities.

The Arts United Arts Champion Award recognizes a commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion reflected through ongoing impact. YA recognized the ensemble, Segunda Quimbamba, and teaching artist Hector Morales this year.

Segunda Quimbamba received the Arts United Arts Champion Award for their work advancing multilingual arts education in classrooms and immersing students of all backgrounds in culturally authentic Afro-Latino and Caribbean music and dance traditions, and uplifting the arts beyond the classroom.

Segunda Quimbamba

Hector Morales, Peruvian drummer and percussionist, received the Arts United Arts Champion Award because his artistry, assemblies, workshops, and professional learning programs demonstrate how the arts encourage teachers, students, and community members to deepen their understanding of creative practice and Afro-Peruvian culture while also activating new possibilities for themselves and others. He is a model for how the practice of percussion & music supports an increased awareness of emotional and sensory vocabulary, as well as provides daily routines for enhancing mental health and wellness.

Hector Morales

The Arts Champion Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate sustained, innovative contributions to arts education. This year, the award went to teaching artist Maxine Lyle from Soul Steps for her commitment to student learning and dedication to YA programs. Her inspiring work teaching students the African American art of Stepping has been a catalyst for growth among students, inspiring confidence and creativity.

Teaching artist Maxine Lyle from Soul Steps (center) with Shella Mesidor-Villard (left); and Krista Maciorowski (right).

The AIE Arts Champion Governor’s Award is presented to schools that show a steadfast commitment to the arts with a three-year residency program. This year, the award was given to Seth Boyden Elementary School in Maplewood, NJ, in recognition of its exceptional dedication to the arts in collaboration with teaching artist Maxine Lyle from Soul Steps.

L to R: Anna Dunbar; Wendy Liscow, Executive Director of Arts Ed NJ; Shannon Glander, Principal of Seth Boyden Elementary; Shella Mesidor-Villard; Maureen Davenport; Maxine Lyle of Soul Steps – YA Teaching Artist; Alison Poe; Michele Russo, President and CEO of YA; Michael Roberson Reid, YA Arts Education Manager. Photo courtesy of Young Audiences.

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.