The Weehawken High School Theater Department is in the spotlight after securing a prestigious statewide award and a rare international honor, marking a historic chapter for the district’s performing arts program.
Out of more than 300 student entries from high schools across New Jersey, Weehawken High School student Edward Fox has been named a recipient of the Paper Mill Rising Star Student Achievement Award. Only 10 students statewide received this honor, which recognizes exceptional dedication, talent, and contribution to high school theater.
In addition to this major win, Fox earned a highly competitive individual nomination for Lead Actor in a Play for his outstanding performance. While he did not take home the final acting trophy, his nomination places him among the top tier of young performers in the state.
The Launchpad for Future Stars
Often referred to as New Jersey’s version of the Tony Awards, the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards are a massive benchmark for excellence in high school musical and dramatic theater. Earning a Rising Star Award or nomination is more than just a local accolade; it serves as a critical launchpad for young artists. Past recipients have gone on to land major roles on Broadway, in Hollywood, and across the professional arts industry. For a student like Fox, this statewide validation signals a promising future in the performing arts.
Heading to the Largest Stage on Earth
The excitement doesn’t stop in New Jersey. The Weehawken High School Theater Department has achieved a massive global milestone, having been selected as one of only 20 schools in North America to perform at the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland through the American High School Theatre Festival (AHSTF).
Established in 1947, the Edinburgh Fringe is the largest performing arts festival on the planet. Every August, Scotland’s capital transforms into a sprawling cultural hub, welcoming tens of thousands of performers and millions of audience members from across the globe. Being selected as one of the few North American schools to attend is an elite honor, granting Weehawken students the opportunity to showcase their work to international critics, theater professionals, and global audiences.
Why Theater Education Matters
These milestones highlight the vital importance of robust arts programs in public schools. Theater education goes far beyond teaching students how to memorize lines or hit their marks under stage lights. It builds essential life skills: confidence, public speaking, empathy, deep collaboration, and creative problem-solving under pressure. Programs like Weehawken’s provide a safe, inclusive sanctuary where students learn to find their voices and work as a cohesive unit to bring stories to life.
“We are incredibly proud of Eddie Fox and our entire theater department,” said Weehawken Township School District Superintendent, Dr. Eric Crespo. “To have a student chosen out of hundreds for a Rising Star Award, paired with our selection for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, validates the hard work, passion, and creativity our students bring to the stage every single day. Theater education shapes who these kids become, teaching them resilience and empathy. Weehawken Theater is truly on the global map.”
About Weehawken High School Theater Department
The Weehawken High School Theater Department is dedicated to fostering creativity, collaboration, and artistic excellence. Through rigorous production standards and a supportive community, the program prepares students for both local accolades and global stages.