BARNEGAT, NJ — Barnegat High School students earned first place in the group category of the Teen Arts NJ Creative Change Makers contest with their project, “Little Free Art Gallery,” according to Barnegat Township School District.
The winning entry came from Advanced Placement Drawing students at Barnegat High School in Barnegat and will be displayed June 1-3 at the New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival at Middlesex College, 260 Woodbridge Ave., Edison.
The Creative Change Makers competition focuses on sustainable art, or creative works that minimize environmental impact, according to the district. Barnegat High students researched sustainable art practices and used those methods in their project. The district said the work includes a solar-powered light that illuminates the gallery at night, along with a QR code and website summarizing each piece of sustainable artwork.
Students named as part of the winning entry are Noah Leonard, Hannah Pachas, Cali Edwards, Madison Strickler, Malaysia Francis and Jadeyn Bodziak.
“We’re excited that all our hard work paid off and that people connected with and appreciated our idea. It means a lot to see something we created resonate with others,” said Nina Polcino, AP Drawing teacher and National Art Honor Society advisor at Barnegat High School.
Polcino said students used several creative processes, including cyanotype, painting with natural dyes derived from fruits and vegetables, and incorporating found objects, or “reclaimed materials,” into their pieces.
Barnegat High School students in other arts programs also will represent the school at the festival.
The district listed Visual Arts students Zavier Banks for “Aren’t You Hooked,” Malaysia Francis for “Desperate Consumption,” Mikayla Zimerla for “Eyes of Purity,” and Kaylee Janssen for “Mourning the Silence of What was Once Your Love.”
In other categories, Barnegat High School Select Choir was named in Small Vocal Music, Barnegat High School Jazz Ensemble in Small Instrumental, and Winter Delaney, Avalon Emmert and Angelina Marone in Creative Writing.
Based on its Teen Arts NJ performance, the Barnegat High School Jazz Ensemble was selected to participate in the 2026 Salute to Ocean County: A Celebration of Arts and Heritage on May 14 at Ocean County College, 1 College Dr., Toms River.
“I am so incredibly proud of all our students and teachers,” said Margaret Reilley, supervisor of the visual and performing arts for grades 5-12 at Barnegat Township School District. “Our students' dedication, creativity and willingness to challenge themselves truly stand out, and this recognition reflects the time and effort they have invested in their work. This achievement also speaks to the commitment and passion of our outstanding teachers, who provide consistent guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for students to grow. They play a vital role in fostering both artistic skills and confidence.”
Superintendent Brian Latwis also praised the recognition.
“Congratulations to all the students on being recognized for their brilliant artwork,” said Latwis. “We are proud to have you represent our school community at the New Jersey Teen Arts festival. And thank you to our dedicated teachers for encouraging these young, talented artists to pursue their creative passions.”
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