Cape May County Awards Nearly $30K In Youth Art Program Grants

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ — Cape May County commissioners recognized the recipients of the 2026 Youth Art Program Grants during the board’s June 9 caucus meeting in Cape May Court House, where this year’s awards totaled $29,950. According to the county, the grant program supports arts programming for county residents ages 5 through 18 and funds local schools, scouting groups and arts organizations.

Director Leonard C. Desiderio and the Board recognized the grant recipients at the meeting. The recipients attended, shared brief overviews of their programs and thanked the board, according to the county announcement.

“The Cape May County Board of Commissioners is deeply committed to promoting the arts in our schools and youth organizations,” said Desiderio. “We are proud to present these annual awards in our ongoing efforts to foster creativity and showcase the artistic expression of the young people of Cape May County.”

The 2026 grants included $5,000 for Middle Township Elementary #2 Drama Club, where Christine Sundstrom accepted the award. According to the county, the club engages about 200 students in grades 3 through 5 in a full-scale musical production, and the money will support set construction, props and costuming.

Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School also received $5,000, accepted by Beth Walls. The county said the grant will fund the purchase of a Tufdek stage unit to replace an outdated platform and improve safety for student theater, music and creative performances.

Boy Scout Pack 1079 received $4,950, accepted by Jeffery Doerr. According to the county, the program will engage young children in painting, pottery, mosaic, papier-mâché and mixed media with professional local artists, with funding covering instructors and materials.

Ocean City Theatre Company’s Junior Company received $5,000, accepted by Tallulah and Henry Costal. The county said the program engages more than 100 students in grades 5 through 12 in fully staged musical theater productions, and the grant will help cover rights, royalties, educators and staging for two shows and four performances at the Music Pier.

Lower Cape May Regional High School received $5,000, accepted by Christine Teeney, for the purchase of a 3/4 size upright bass, a digital micro grand piano and replacement bass strings. The county said those instruments will support ensemble experiences for 40 to 60 middle and high school students, who will host two public performances.

The City of Wildwood also received $5,000, accepted by Russel Simmons, for a public art project involving students from Wildwood High School, Wildwood Middle School, Wildwood Catholic and Crest Memorial. According to the county, students will design and paint a mural on the Wildwood Pump Station at Leaming Avenue tied to America 250, military veterans and Wildwood’s music history.