Student singers set the stage for Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver at Workshop 2026

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOL, NJ (Oct. 20) — Before the keynote address, a different kind of message took the stage: 15 Linden students, their voices in harmony.

The Linden High School Madrigals opened the afternoon keynote program Oct. 20 at the New Jersey School Boards Association’s Workshop 2026 annual conference at the Atlantic City Convention Center. About 600 attendees filled the Keynote Theater for the student performance and an address by Timothy Shriver, a prominent advocate for inclusion whose work reaches from classrooms to the global Special Olympics movement.

For Linden’s singers, it was a chance to share a stage with a nationally recognized leader -- and show an audience of education officials what their own public school experience has made possible.

Three Songs, One Statewide Stage

Under the direction of Howard Whitmore, the Madrigals performed “Muhona,” “Dos Oruguitas” and “Dance!” Accompanying the singers to the event was Matthew G. Lorenzetti, the district’s supervisor of fine and performing arts and gifted and talented.

The appearance carried their work beyond the school auditorium. A new venue. A statewide audience. An opportunity to represent Linden through the preparation and teamwork that choral performance demands.

Their selections preceded remarks by Shriver, an educator, bestselling author and chairman of Special Olympics and UNITE. His work promoting dignity, belonging and understanding added context to a gathering focused on serving students with different strengths, interests and needs.

The conference theme, “Charting the Path, Empowering Journeys,” also offered a fitting backdrop for young musicians taking their next step as performers.

An Unsung Hero in the Audience

One audience member had already experienced a moment in the spotlight.

Linden High School librarian Maria Pereira Colish watched the Madrigals after being recognized earlier that day through NJSBA’s Unsung Superheroes in Education Awards.

Her recognition and the students’ performance brought two parts of the district’s story together: the educators who help create opportunities and the young people who make the most of them.

District supporters in attendance included Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins, Assistant Superintendent Annabell Louis, Assistant Business Administrator Pam , and Business Administrator and Board Secretary John A. Serapiglia Jr.

Student Talent, Broader Opportunities

The Madrigals’ appearance reflected Strategic Priority 2: Personalized Pathways, connecting students’ musical interests with opportunities to strengthen their skills, build confidence and share their talents beyond the classroom.