The New Jersey Association of Special Education Partner Schools (NJASEPS), alongside state education officials and community leaders, hosted its annual Special Education Week Awards Ceremony on May 15. Held at The Palace at Somerset Park, the event recognized the artistic talents and academic achievements of students with disabilities from across the state.
NJASEPS, formerly known as ASAH, represents New Jersey’s private special education schools, which collectively serve more than 10,000 infants, children, and young adults.
Centered around this year’s theme, “The Magic of Education,” the ceremony celebrated the winners of the NJASEPS statewide student art contest. Competitors were recognized across multiple age groups, with first-, second-, and third-place finishers receiving framed certificates and cash prizes.
The event’s highest artistic honor, the Grand Prize Award, was presented to Claire Marchand-Shame, a student at Windsor Bergen Academy.
The ceremony also served as the platform to debut the recipients of the 2026 Connections for Success Scholarship. The financial awards provide critical tuition and training support for graduating students transitioning into postsecondary education, technical career training, and independent living programs.
The four 2026 scholarship recipients include:
- Essence N. – Collier High School
- Jayden H. – The Gramon School
- Samuel L. – The Newgrange School
- David S. – Y.A.L.E. School
The annual celebration highlights a massive regional network; more than 240,000 students across New Jersey currently receive specialized education services.
State leadership turned out to support the event, including New Jersey Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Joseph Howe, Ed.D., and Paula Bloom, executive director of the Division of Finance and Business Services.
“Students reach their fullest potential when they are surrounded by strong support systems – both inside and outside the classroom,” John Mulholland, Jr., CEO of NJASEPS said. “It is so important that we continue supporting equitable educational opportunities and the families, educators and communities who help these students grow and thrive.”
Stephanie Summers, chief operating officer of NJASEPS, noted that the state’s ongoing commitment to high-quality specialized instruction dates back to 1985, when Special Education Week was first officially designated. “These students continue to inspire us through their creativity, resilience and determination,” Summers said.
