Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/27/2023
In keeping with their commitment to inspire, educate, and motivate youth and students in our state, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) and the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) have announced the winners of the annual student Essay Contest, as well as the Areté Scholarship Fund.
Mackenzie Booker and Yana Javenska won the 2023 essay contest titled Who Belongs in the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
In the middle school category, Mackenzie Booker, a fifth grader at Charles Harker Elementary School in Swedesboro, New Jersey, won for her essay on First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who was born in Hammonton, New Jersey. Mackenzie’s essay focused on Dr. Biden’s efforts to advocate for all Americans and work to increase educational opportunities as an educator herself.
Yana Javenska, a tenth grader at Bergen County Academies in Elmwood Park, was selected in the high school category for her essay on suffragist and journalist Alice Stone Blackwell, who was born in Orange, New Jersey. Yana’s essay described Alice Stone Blackwell’s tireless efforts to further women’s rights and equality.
“NJEA is proud to partner with the New Jersey Hall of Fame to recognize the achievements of these students,” said New Jersey Education Association President Sean M. Spiller, who is also a high school science teacher in the Wayne public school system. “Our partnership has contributed to the successful educational journeys many students have since taken because of the Areté Scholarship Fund program. The scholarship program inspires our students and affords them the opportunity to see that with hard work, determination, and opportunity, the fulfillment of dreams is possible.”
The essay contest is open to all New Jersey students from 4th-12th grades and divided into two age categories: intermediate (grades 4-8) and high school (grades 9-12). Applicants need to write an essay of no more than 500 words describing who should be inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. The winning students’ nominations will be forwarded to the New Jersey Hall of Fame Academy for consideration for induction into the 2024 class.
The Hall of Fame also announced Max Druckman and Keely Balfour as the winners of the 2023 Areté Scholarship Fund, a $5,000 award granted to two graduating high school seniors each year.
“We are proud to recognize this year’s recipients of the Areté Scholarship and the NJEA Essay Contest, which are vital components of the Hall of Fame’s mission,” said Jon F. Hanson, Chairman of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. “On behalf of our board of trustees and many supporters throughout New Jersey, we applaud these students.”
Max is graduating from Freehold Township High School in Freehold, New Jersey. He plans to attend Tufts University and major in International Relations. Max’s interest in international relations comes from his passion in geography from an early age, winning a middle school geography bee twice, and love of traveling. Max hopes to achieve his Areté through connecting and unifying people through understanding their similarities over their differences.
Keely is graduating from Montclair High School in Montclair, New Jersey. She is set to attend Yale University in the fall. She plans to major in History (Global Track) and hopes to attend law school to fulfill her dream of becoming an environmental, civil rights or immigration lawyer. Keely’s resilience and relentless determination to overcome any obstacles that have stood in her way have exemplified her Areté.
The scholarship is named after the ancient Greek concept of Areté of actualizing one’s highest sense of self with a moral excellence of character regardless of the circumstances or the adversities one is likely to face on the path to greatness. The recipients of the scholarship must demonstrate qualities such as academic engagement, moral character, a commitment to their community, and a sense of Jersey pride.
The winners of the Essay Contest and the Areté Scholarship Fund will be honored at the NJHOF’s induction ceremony later this year.
Because everyone needs a hero, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey, and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted 14 ceremonies for more than 200 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. The NJHOF endeavors to present school children with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence. The NJHOF is thankful for the support of its many sponsors, including Hackensack Meridian Health, without which none of our endeavors would be possible.
EVENT PREVIEWS
"The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit" returns on June 9th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- GK Digital Ventures, in partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), has announced the return of "The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit," set to take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Following its acclaimed inaugural edition, the second annual summit arrives at the most significant moment in U.S. soccer history: New Jersey is hosting eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — including the Final — placing the Garden State at the center of a global spotlight.
Wine & BBQ Fest to Take Place in Sewell June 13-14
(SEWELL, NJ) -- FIRE UP YOUR SUMMER! After years of unforgettable summers at Washington Lake Park, the team behind the beloved Washington Lake Park Wine Festival returns to this stunning South Jersey destination—this time with a bold new twist. Get ready to kick off summer in smoky, savory style at the WINE & BBQ FEST, happening June 13-14, 2026 at Washington Lake Park in Sewell, New Jersey, from 12:00pm–5:00pm each day.
Red Mill Museum Village and Hunterdon Art Museum Partner for "The Peace Flag Project"
(CLINTON, NJ) -- The Red Mill Museum Village and the Hunterdon Art Museum, in collaboration with Handwork 2026, invite the public to celebrate the opening of "The Peace Flag Project," a fiber chain of hundreds of community-made flags displayed along the banks of the Raritan River and pedestrian bridge.
UBS Arena To Host International Soccer Watch Party on June 19th
(BELMONT PARK, NY) -- UBS Arena will host an International Soccer Watch Party, a public screening of two of the FIFA World Cup 26 (TM) matches on Friday, June 19 featuring USA v. Australia and Haiti v. Brazil. The fan-focused events will highlight all the excitement the tournament is bringing to the New York Metro area this summer and provide local residents with a unique way to experience these soccer matches together as a community.
Newark Restaurant Week Returns June 19-28 to Showcase the City's Global Flavors during FIFA World Cup 2026(TM)
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Taste the World: Newark Restaurant Week returns June 19-28, 2026, bringing together the city's celebrated restaurants, longtime local staples, and emerging destinations for 10 days of dining timed with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ festivities across the region.
Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.
Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's SUMMERFEST 2026 is set to take center stage in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with four productions running through the summer months. SUMMERFEST will feature, A Taste of Ireland presented by Pace Live, The Wedding Singer, Four Sticks: The Music of Led Zeppelin, and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever.
Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, is a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MORE EVENTS
Click on the listing to bring up its webpage
