Toms River, NJ — The Ocean County Vocational Technical School District proudly announces that Tierney Meeker, Principal of the Grunin Performing Arts Academy (GPAA), has been recognized by the New Jersey Educational Theatre Association of the International Thespian Society (ITS) as the 2026 New Jersey Thespian Outstanding Administrator. The prestigious honor was presented during the New Jersey High School Thespian Festival, held on January 17 and 18, 2026.

This recognition celebrates Meeker’s outstanding service, leadership, and unwavering support of educational theatre across New Jersey. The award highlights administrators who go above and beyond to champion arts education, empower students, and foster thriving theatre programs which are qualities that Meeker exemplifies daily at GPAA.

The New Jersey High School Thespian Festival is the largest annual theatre event in the state, drawing students, educators, and industry professionals from across New Jersey. Over the course of two action-packed days, students participate in intensive workshops focused on performance and technical theatre, compete in Individual and Group Events, audition for college and university scholarships, and connect with theatrical vendors and institutions. The festival serves as a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the future of theatre education.

Tierney Meeker’s journey at the Grunin Performing Arts Academy is one marked by dedication, growth, and visionary leadership. She began her career at GPAA in 2004 as a social studies teacher, quickly becoming known for her commitment to students and the school community. In January 2020, she was appointed Vice Principal, where she played a key role in strengthening academic and artistic programs. In January 2024, Meeker proudly assumed the role of Principal, continuing her mission to collaborate closely with GPAA’s exceptional faculty and inspire students to achieve both artistic excellence and academic success. Among her most notable accomplishments is leading GPAA’s participation in Harry Potter at the International Thespian Festival in June 2025, a milestone achievement that showcased the academy’s talent on a national stage.

At the 2026 New Jersey Thespian Festival, OCVTS Performing Arts Academy Thespian Troupe 6185 made an extraordinary showing, bringing 55 students and entering over 90 events. Students earned recognition across a wide range of competitive categories, reflecting the depth and strength of GPAA’s program.

Award recipients and participants include: In Trashy Costumes, Josh McGrath (designer) and Liv Shrestha (model) earned Second Place. Single Monologue participants included Gabe Amoroso, Max DeVivo, Gracie Hammel, and Simon Hardy, while Bridget Bailey competed in Contrasting Monologues. Evan Gabriel earned a Superior rating—the only one at the festival—for Short Film, and Josh McGrath received the festival’s only Superior rating in Directing. Musical theatre honors included Elisabeth Volk in MT Dance Solo, Kennedy Brosnan and Kacey Gacionne in MT Dance Duet, and Musical Solo performances by Gabe Amoroso, Max DeVivo, Josh McGrath, Siahra Perry, and Liv Shrestha. Max DeVivo and Liv Shrestha also performed together in Musical Duet.

Additional honors included the Governor’s Award for Evan Gabriel (Short Film), All-State Thespian recognition for Neveah Oliver, and Democracy Works recognition for Evan Gabriel. Scholarship winners receiving $1,500 per year Drew University Scholarships were Ben Ricker, Kaelyn Siciliano, and Monica LaGrotteria. GPAA was also recognized as a Gold Honor Troupe, presented by Mattea Rosko. Chapter Select awards included Outstanding Performance by an Actress for Annie Caravella and Jessica Conover, Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Member for Gabe Amoroso, Outstanding Student Costume Design for Noah Traina, Outstanding Student Direction for Kaelyn Siciliano, and Chapter Select National Nominee for Yellow Wallpaper. The festival also celebrated Administrator of the Year, awarded to Tierney Meeker.

The Ocean County Vocational Technical School District congratulates Principal Tierney Meeker and the entire Grunin Performing Arts Academy community on this remarkable achievement. Their success at the New Jersey High School Thespian Festival stands as a testament to the power of arts education, inspired leadership, and the extraordinary talent of GPAA students.



About Ocean County Vocational Technical School
Ocean County Vocational Technical School provides an intensive and immersive educational experience aligned with the current and emerging demands of business, industry, and advanced education. We instill the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for students to experience success in entering the workforce, advancing along a career pathway, and achieving career aspirations. Please visit www.ocvts.org to learn more.