JEFFERSON — The Jefferson Arts Committee proudly announced its December 2025 Student Artists of the Month (SAM) recipients, recognizing outstanding student artwork from Jefferson Township schools during a presentation held on Wednesday, December 10, at the Jefferson Township Public Library.
Students were invited to describe their artwork during the ceremony. With gentle encouragement from Jefferson Township art teacher Jennifer Tamayne-Hettema, the young artists confidently shared insights into their creative process and inspiration.
December 2025 Student Artists of the Month
- Jonathan Denicoli – Arthur Stanlick Elementary School
- Logan Martin – White Rock Elementary School
- Sydney Morgan – Jefferson Township High School
- Alexa Scholz – Jefferson Township High School
- Declan Davis – Jefferson Township High School
In attendance were Susie Wright, SAM Chairperson, Carol Punturieri, President of the Jefferson Arts Committee, and several district art educators, including Jennifer Tamayne-Hettema (White Rock, E.T. Briggs, and Arthur Stanlick Elementary Schools) and Ellen T. Briggs, who assisted with the presentation and discussed each student’s artwork alongside the artists.
Each month, Jefferson Township art teachers select exceptional student pieces and submit them to the JAC. The selected artwork is displayed for one month at the Public Library, after which the previous month’s pieces are showcased at the Jefferson Township Board of Education offices on Route 181 in Lake Hopatcong. The program culminates each month with an awards presentation, where students receive a certificate and medal recognizing their achievement, surrounded by family and friends.
The SAM program will resume in January, and toward the end of the 2025–2026 school year, all participating students and their families will be invited to a special end-of-program reception and exhibit at Jefferson Township High School. The celebration will coincide with the school’s annual art exhibit and feature a guest speaker.
Participating Art Teachers for 2025–2026
- Jennifer Tamayne-Hettema – White Rock, E.T. Briggs, and Arthur Stanlick Elementary Schools
- Renee Trevenen – Jefferson Township Intermediate School (Grades 6–8)
- Edouard Jacques – Jefferson Township Intermediate School (Grades 4–5)
- David DeVries, Stephanie Wassmer, and Kaia Canales – Jefferson Township High School
The Student Artists of the Month program was conceived more than two decades ago by former JAC President, the late Jack Kelly, to celebrate and encourage artistic talent among Jefferson Township students. Committee members continue to honor his legacy and service to the community.
The Jefferson Arts Committee extends its sincere thanks to the Jefferson Township Public Library for hosting the monthly exhibits and presentations, the Board of Education for displaying student artwork in its offices, the district’s art teachers, and Maria Dunbar, Supervisor of Fine Arts, for their continued support and participation.
