Hoboken Public School District’s Theatre Celebrated at Montclair State University’s Annual Foxy Awards Ceremony
Hoboken Public School District’s Theatre Celebrated at Montclair State University’s Annual Foxy Awards Ceremony
Hoboken’s Commitment to Inclusive, High‑Quality Theatre Education Shines at Statewide Ceremony
Hoboken, NJ, —(June1, 2026) Hoboken Public Schools Theatre earned statewide recognition at Montclair State University’s prestigious Foxy Awards Ceremony, an annual celebration honoring excellence in middle and high school theatre across New Jersey. This year’s ceremony highlighted the extraordinary achievements of Hoboken’s students, educators, and creative teams, reaffirming the district’s commitment to high‑quality, inclusive arts education.
The Hoboken Middle School Junior Thespians were honored with three major awards:
- Patrick Benson: Recipient of the Jo Anne Fox Middle School Theater Teacher of the Year Award, recognizing an educator whose leadership, mentorship, and passion for theatre profoundly shape students’ artistic and personal growth.
- Benjamin Marshall: Honored for his enthusiasm and commitment as a stage crew member for Romeo and Juliet Together (and Alive!) at Last, demonstrating the essential role of technical theatre in bringing productions to life.
- Emma Wills‑Umdenstock: Recognized for outstanding lighting design for this year’s production of Romeo and Juliet Together (and Alive!) at Last, showcasing creativity, precision, and technical artistry.
At the district level, Hoboken Public Schools Theatre received two additional distinctions:
- Recognition Award for building an inclusive and thriving Elementary School Theatre Department
- District‑Wide Production Award for the collaborative staging of Newsies, a production that united students and educators across the district.
Additionally, Hoboken High School students Molly Lamb and Kevin Melendez—both nominated for their performances—were selected to perform in the ceremony’s opening musical number, representing Hoboken with professionalism and artistry on a statewide stage.
Hoboken Public Schools extends heartfelt congratulations to every student, educator, designer, technician, and family member who contributed to this year’s achievements. Their artistry, leadership, and commitment ensure that theatre remains a dynamic and essential part of the Hoboken Public Schools experience.
About the Foxy Awards
The Foxy Awards, presented annually by Montclair State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance, celebrate excellence in New Jersey middle and high school theatre. Named in honor of Jo Anne Fox, a beloved theatre educator and advocate, the awards recognize outstanding achievements in acting, directing, design, technical theatre, and overall production. Each year, hundreds of schools participate, making the Foxy Awards one of the state’s most respected platforms for elevating student artistry and honoring the educators who help shape the next generation of performers, designers, and creative leaders.