Chatham Girl Honored At Mayo Performing Arts Center

CHATHAM, NJ — An 8th grader at Chatham Middle School was honored this week at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown as a Music Student of the Month – Outstanding Vocalists.

This was prior to the Wednesday night, December 13 performance at the Mayo Center by Linda Eder. The students were recognized for their achievements on stage prior to the concert and had the opportunity to meet Linda. Eder is a Broadway actress who made her debut in the musical "Jekyll & Hyde," playing the role of Lucy, for which she was nominated for a Drama Desk Award. She has released 15 solo albums and performed at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Musical Hall.

Ava Chrusciel, Grade 8, Chatham Middle School, Chatham; Nominated by Christie Spriggs

Ava is a talented and committed vocal student who has actively participated in the Chatham district’s choral program since 3rd grade. This year she serves as captain of the CMS Glee Club, sings in the 8th grade chorus and will be performing as “Violette” in the school’s production of “Willy Wonka, Jr.” Ava additionally has participated outside of the school singing in the School of Rock program for the past two years, was cast as an ensemble member in Elefante Music’s summer production of “Annie” and is currently rehearsing for an upcoming performance of “Elf Jr.” as “Jovie” at the Summit Playhouse. She is a dedicated student and has not only shared her vocal talent within our school district but has also provided our younger students a role model to which they can look up to. She is a vibrant and caring individual who’s dedication to her vocal studies truly merits the honor of “Vocalist of the Month."

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts. The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor. Ava will be invited to perform at a year-end recital in June with the other students honored Wednesday night.

The 2017-2018 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

Pictured above is: Front row (L-R) Natalie Paitchel, Grade 8, Mount Olive Middle School, Budd Lake; Molly McCarthy, Grade 12, Madison High School, Madison; Nicole Narvaez Grade 8, Brooklawn Middle School, Parsippany, Ava Chrusciel Grade 8, Chatham Middle School, Chatham; Sinclair Stevens Grade 8, Black River Middle School; Chester

Back Row: Caroline Nieto, Grade 7, Pearl R. Miller Middle School, Kinnelon; Nofia Jarbo, Grade 8, Ridgedale Middle School, Florham Park; Linda Eder (performer); Grace Sittig Grade 8, Harding Township School, New Vernon

Photo credit: MPAC Staff