Charles Japheth Ello of Rahway, a member of the Rahway High School Class of 2026, has been awarded the 2026 New Jersey Governor’s Award in Arts Education for Music. This prestigious honor recognizes his exceptional artistic achievements and underscores the value of arts education across the state.
Charles is a four-year member of Rahway High School’s choirs, orchestra, band, and musical theater programs. On any given day, he can be found performing violin, playing percussion with the marching band, singing in multiple choirs, or appearing on stage in school productions. He has also performed piano with the jazz band. Most recently, he was recognized by the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards for his barbershop quartet performance in The Music Man.
A three-year member of the NJ All-State Jazz Choir, Charles earned his place among the state’s top vocalists through a highly competitive audition process. With the ensemble, he has performed at the NJEA Convention in Atlantic City and at NJPAC. He has also been accepted into the NJ Region II (Central NJ) Jazz Choir.
After graduating from Rahway High School, Charles plans to continue his music studies in college, with aspirations to perform and pursue a career in music education.
The New Jersey Governor’s Awards in Arts Education annually recognizes outstanding students, educators, and organizations that elevate and support the arts statewide. Co-chaired by Arts Ed NJ and the New Jersey Department of Education, the program celebrates excellence while promoting the importance of arts education for future generations.
Organization Name: New Jersey Music Educators Association
Award Title: All-State Jazz
Year: 2026
