Annual statewide celebration honors student artists, scholarship recipients and the educators and families supporting special education across New Jersey

The New Jersey Association of Special Education Partner Schools (NJASEPS), joined by state education officials and community leaders, honored students with disabilities for their creativity, talent and achievement during the organization’s annual Special Education Week Awards Ceremony on May 15 at The Palace at Somerset Park.

The event celebrated winners of NJASEPS’ statewide student art contest and recognized recipients of the organization’s 2026 Connections for Success Scholarship. NJASEPS represents New Jersey’s private special education schools serving more than 10,000 infants, children and young adults with disabilities.

Students were honored by age group, with first, second and third place winners receiving framed certificates and cash prizes. Claire Marchand-Shame of Windsor Bergen Academy received the ceremony’s top honor, the Grand Prize Award.

NJASEPS also announced the recipients of the 2026 Connections for Success Scholarship, which provides financial support and recognition for graduating students pursuing postsecondary education, career training and other life-enhancing opportunities:

• Essence N., Collier High School
• Jayden H., The Gramon School
• Samuel L., The Newgrange School
• David S., Y.A.L.E. School

“Students reach their fullest potential when they are surrounded by strong support systems – both inside and outside the classroom,” said John J. Mulholland, Jr., CEO of NJASEPS. “It is so important that we continue supporting equitable educational opportunities and the families, educators and communities who help these students grow and thrive.”

This year’s theme, “The Magic of Education,” recognizes the more than 240,000 students across New Jersey who receive special education services and the collaborative network of teachers, therapists, administrators, child study teams and families who help students succeed.

“Special Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of students with disabilities and the people who support them every day,” said Stephanie Summers, chief operating officer of NJASEPS. “These students continue to inspire us through their creativity, resilience and determination.”

NJASEPS was joined by leadership from the New Jersey Department of Education, including Deputy Commissioner Joseph Howe, Ed.D. and Paula Bloom, executive director of the Division of Finance and Business Services.

Since 1985, Special Education Week has recognized New Jersey’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities for students with disabilities and celebrating the professionals and families who support them.

Special Education Week Grand Prize Winner Claire Marchand-Shame of Windsor Bergen Academy (center) proudly holds her winning artwork alongside New Jersey Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Joseph Howe (far left), NJASEPS Board President Rachel Tait (center left), NJASEPS COO Stephanie Summers (center right) and NJASEPS CEO John J. Mulholland, Jr.

Student art contest winners and scholarship recipients at the NJASEPS 2026 Special Education Week Awards Ceremony.

 About NJASEPS

The New Jersey Association of Special Education Partner Schools (NJASEPS), formerly known as ASAH, is a nonprofit organization representing New Jersey’s private special education schools that provide highly specialized services to more than 10,000 infants, children, and young adults with disabilities. Since 1974, NJASEPS has worked in partnership with public school districts, state agencies, and communities to promote excellence, equity, and collaboration in special education across the state.