West Orange HS Theater Teacher Earns Prestigious Governor’s Award

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange High School theatre educator Wendy Mapes has earned a prestigious New Jersey Governor’s Award for “Outstanding Teacher of Theatre” by the Speech and Theatre Association of New Jersey.

Mapes received the award on Thursday in the Patriot’s Theatre at the War Memorial in Trenton.

According to the West Orange Public School District:

“Established in 1980, the Governor’s Awards in Arts Education program celebrates artistic excellence and creates visibility, awareness and appreciation for the impact that the arts have on lives and culture. These awards represent the highest honor given in New Jersey, honoring the outstanding creative achievements of students, the promotion and support of arts education by educators and arts organizations.”

Mapes received the award for her exceptional service to the theatre arts, teaching methodologies, discipline, creativity and leadership, district administrators said.

According to district administrators:

“Mapes graduated from Fordham University with a double major in English and Spanish Literature. She took acting courses at Bank Street Theatre in New York City and began acting with a Brooklyn theatre company. She received her Master’s in Theatre from Antioch University and The New Actor’s Workshop, working with legends like George Morrison, Mike Nichols, and Paul Sills. She trained and performed with Magis Theatre Company in several Off-Broadway shows.”

“Everything I’ve learned about life and theatre funnels into my teaching to empower my students to become better performers and more compassionate human beings,” Mapes said.

“Ms. Mapes has given students and teachers the opportunity to flourish in theatre arts, speech and communication,” Principal Hayden Moore said.

“Furthermore, she has demonstrated knowledge, dedication, enthusiasm, and passion for the arts in a nurturing environment,” Moore continued. “This award demonstrates her conviction to the school, students, parents, administration and community.”

“Wendy is an incredibly talented educator who has not only received well-deserved recognition, but who has provided the same opportunity for many of her students at WOHS,” Moore continued.

“She has worked to bring out the talents of her students and bring the theatre program to the next level, as we see each year with the many awards and accolades our students also receive from the Thespian Society and the Speech and Theatre Association of New Jersey,” he concluded.

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