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Hunterdon County honors student artists for achievements at 2025 Teen Arts Festival

FLEMINGTON, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners formally recognized three local student artists and a school drama club during its July 15 meeting, celebrating their outstanding performances at the 2025 New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival.

The honorees included Joaquin Arce, Kathryn Connaughton, and the Voorhees High School Drama Club, each of whom received top honors in their respective artistic disciplines.

The New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival is a prestigious annual event that showcases student talent from across the state in areas such as music, poetry, visual arts, and theater.

“These students’ artistic talent and success on a statewide level brings great pride to our community,” said Commissioner Director John E. Lanza. “Their achievements highlight the strength of arts education in Hunterdon County. We are proud to recognize them for not only their individual accomplishments, but for representing Hunterdon County with such distinction.”

The students were honored with official proclamations for the following achievements:

  • Joaquin Arce earned the Bronze Award for Vocal Solos
  • Kathryn Connaughton received the Gold Award for Poetry
  • The Voorhees High School Drama Club received a Gold Award for Small and Large Musical Theater

The Board commended each recipient for their creativity, skill, and dedication, noting that their performances reflected both artistic excellence and the supportive educational environment of Hunterdon County.

Commissioners extended their congratulations and best wishes to all the honorees for continued success in both artistic and academic endeavors.

(Photo: Director Lanza with Teen Arts Festival Poetry honoree, Kathryn Connaughton. Courtesy Photo for WRNJ)
(Photo: Director Lanza with Teen Arts Festival Poetry honoree, Kathryn Connaughton. Courtesy Photo for WRNJ)
(Photo: Director Lanza with Teen Arts Festival Vocal Solos honoree, Joaquin Arce. Courtesy Photo for WRNJ)

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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