NJSBA proudly celebrated the best in student achievement at Workshop 2026 through art, film, live performances, and innovation. t
STEAM Tank Finals
The NJSBA STEAM Tank Challenge finals at Workshop 2026 featured the elementary and middle school divisions, showcasing the creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills of students from across New Jersey.
Six finalists presented their STEAM projects before a panel of esteemed judges during Workshop in Atlantic City. Congratulations to the 2026 winners:
Elementary Division:
- Robert Gordon Elementary, “Fire Safe Teddy”
- Valley View Elementary School, “Spring Stick”
- Oak Valley School, Deptford, “Aqua Armor”
Middle School Division:
- Demarest Middle School, “Reed Claim”
- Garfield Middle School, “In Sink”
- Green Brook Middle School, “Hunger Haulers”
To participate in STEAM Tank 2027, visit the STEAM Tank Challenge web page.
Student Film Showcase
NJSBA’s Student Film Showcase, sponsored by Netflix, screened 21 short student films, movie-theater-style, with freshly popped popcorn. The films selected were the “Best of Fest” in student films, submitted to the Garden State Film Festival and the Count Basie Breakthrough Film Festival. Following the screening, NJSBA’s media producer, Robin Kampf, moderated an expert-led panel discussion addressing ways New Jersey schools can expand their TV and film curricula.
Student Art Gallery
In collaboration with Arts Ed NJ, the Student Art gallery was an exceptional display of artwork in various mediums. Thanks to the following schools who generously provided student artwork, for Workshop registrants to observe.
- Gina Marie Hagerman, Alexander DiGiovanni and Robert Zupko, Ocean Township High School
- Jayme Miller-Dobbins and Stephanie Bock, Oakcrest High School (Greater Egg Harbor School District)
- Tonya Riggins, St. Mary School, Williamstown
- Mira Septimus, Grover Cleveland Elementary School (Rahway School District)
- Corine Czepiel, Franklin Township High School
- Rebekah Sterlacci, Piscataway Public School District
- James Manno, South Orange Maplewood School District
- Steven Coleman, Randolph High School
- Danielle Fleming, Keyport Central School
- Dr. Gillian Furniss, New Roberto Clemente School, Paterson
“We are thrilled to curate the Student Art Gallery at the NJSBA Workshop each year,” said Jace Pastras, Arts Ed NJ’s gallery coordinator. “The exhibition is more than a celebration of extraordinary student talent. It is a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when young people have opportunities to explore their creativity, express their identities, and discover their voices through the arts. By bringing student artwork directly to school board members, superintendents, and education leaders, we hope to inspire conversations about the importance of ensuring every student has access to a sequential arts education.”
To view the gallery of images, click here.
Student Performers
The Workshop opening ceremony features a piano duet from Luke Varghese and Brennan Caltzalco-Montellano, both sophomores at Camden County Technical Schools in Sicklerville, NJ, followed by a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner by singers from Pinelands Regional High School. After the ribbon-cutting, the Pinelands student sang their “Governor’s Award” winning performance of “The March: We Demand Equality” from the musical Suffs.
The South Brunswick High School String Quintet delighted audiences during lunch on Tuesday, and on Tuesday afternoon, the Linden High School Madrigals sang before keynote speaker, Dr. Timothy Shriver.
On Wednesday, the Middle Township Dance Team performed before NJ Education Commissioner, Dr. Lily Laux. The team competes nationally throughout the year.
