About Our Honorees

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2026 EDUCATOR OF THE ARTS AWARD

TANYA GLASSMAN

 

Tanya Glassman is a director, choreographer, and educator whose passion for theater and dance spans more than three decades. A proud alumna of St. John Villa Academy and Muhlenberg College, Tanya has built a career that combines artistry, mentorship, and a deep love for sharing the magic of performance.

 

Throughout her career, Tanya has directed and choreographed at numerous Staten Island Catholic high schools, including St. John Villa Academy, Notre Dame Academy, Monsignor Farrell High School, and St. Joseph by-the-Sea. She also serves as choreographer for our ceremony’s opening number. Several of her credits include “42nd Street,” “Anything Goes,” “Into the Woods,” “The Pajama Game,” and “The Wiz.” Her work has always been fueled by the students’ energy, passion, and commitment, which she describes as the heart of every production. In addition, Tanya helped found The Actors Workshop, A Performing Arts School, dedicated to cultivating true “triple threat” performers and nurturing a love of the performing arts across Staten Island.

 

In 2011, Tanya expanded her reach as Artistic Director and choreographer for In The Wings Theater Organization. There, she shared in a mission to provide high-quality theatrical productions while fostering educational programs, workshops, and artistic development opportunities for young adults. Her work helped advance the local culture in theater, music, and the arts, leaving a lasting impact on both performers and audiences. For Tanya, there is nothing more rewarding than guiding young artists, witnessing their growth, and experiencing the joy that live performance brings to their lives.

 

“Tanya is a director and choreographer that in every way demands excellence,” stated former Farrell Players director Andrew Monteleone. “She is one of the few professionals in our community that when you see her name attached to a production that you know before the first downbeat is dropped you are going to see and hear something impassioned, professional, and worth the price of admission. She has the unique ability to elevate casts of any age to beyond audiences’ and even their own expectation. It is that ability to connect to actors, eight to eighty, that makes her extraordinary and invaluable to the edification of a theater community.”

 

“Over my years as choreographer at St. John Villa Academy, I had the pleasure of working with the multi-talented Tanya,” said former St. John Villa choreographer Loretta O’Hara. “Tanya was a true triple threat and in her senior year she starred as the leading lady Peggy Sawyer in our production of ‘42nd Street.’ She has given back to her school and her community, inspiring many talented students. I have been honored to call you my friend & soon YOU will be honored for your contribution to the Arts, and no one deserves it more.”

 

“Tanya taught me everything I know about putting on a show,” said former student and current Moore Catholic director Kristen Pinto. “She always has a clear vision and knows how to get what she wants out of her performers. She has inspired me more than she could ever know and is the reason I am the director/choreographer I am today.”

Tanya has always thought of theater as more than a career, it’s a family tradition, a community passion, and a lifelong love. Through every show, every rehearsal, every class, and every friendship, she seeks to inspire creativity, build confidence, and share the transformative power of the arts with each student, cast member, and audience she encounters.

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2026 SPIRIT OF ST. GENESIUS AWARD

JOHN FODERA

 

The Spirit of St. Genesius Award is given to individuals who have strongly supported our schools’ performing arts programs and have made a lasting impact on our students’ lives. This award recognizes our educators and mentors that have been involved in our schools outside a traditional director/musical director/choreographer role.

 

Mr. Fodera is a native Staten Islander who attended St. Rita’s Elementary School, St. Peter’s Boys High School, and St. John’s University. At St. John’s he received his BA in Political Science and Professional Diploma in administration and supervision. He continued his college education and went on to get his MA in Education from Richmond College in 1972.

 

After Mr. Fodera’s college journey, he went back to the place he called home, St. Peter’s Boys High School as a Social Studies Teacher. He continued as a part of the community going from teaching to the Social Studies Chairman then onto the Dean of Discipline, Principal, and now the President of St. Peter’s Boys High School.

 

During his successful career, Mr. Fodera met his wife Barbara, who also taught for 34 years as a special education teacher at P.S.25. They have three children, Jennifer, Christopher, and Elizabeth.

 

He has received various honors including the Lasallian Educator of the Year (Brothers of the Christian Schools), Teacher of the Year (Staten Island American Legion), 2008 Leader of Education (St. John’s University), 2012 John Kearney Humanitarian Award (CYO), and the Patrick Daly Memorial Award (St. John’s University). He has served on the Board of Advisors for Notre Dame Academy and the Board of Directors for Mount Manresa and St. Joseph Hill Academy. In 2024, for a lifetime of service and dedication to St. Peter’s, he was inducted into the St. Peter’s Boys’ Hall of Fame.

 

Since the Minty Awards inception in 2011, Mr. Fodera has been a steadfast supporter of our programs, students, and the performing arts. Whenever the Minty Organization was looking to organize a cast reunion or alumni tribute, he was always the first one making calls, going the extra mile in ensuring our students and shows got the recognition and support they deserve.

 

“John Fodera is synonymous with St. Peter’s. As a student, teacher, principal, and now president, Mr. Fodera has dedicated his entire life to the advancement of St. Peter’s, and to that end he has been the biggest supporter of the school’s musical theatre program,” said St. Peter’s alum Vincent Innocente. “To bestow this honor on him is truly a fitting tribute to a wonderful man.” 

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2026 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

KIM ONAH (SJHA ’11)

 

Kim Onah began singing at the young age of 8 years old, studying voice and piano at the Staten Island Conservatory of Music. While at St. Joseph Hill Academy, she appeared in “Once Upon a Mattress” and “High School Musical,” in which she performed at the inaugural Minty Awards in 2011. While a student at Hill, she also performed in “Aida” and “Joseph … Dreamcoat” at Xaverian High School.

 

Following her graduation from Hill, she attended Harvard University, where she received a degree in English and Music. During her time at Harvard, Kim sang in and arranged for an a cappella group, The Harvard Callbacks. She also performed work with Oberon @ ART, Loeb Drama Center (Mainstage & Experimental Theater), Farkas Studio, Adams Pool Theater, Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, and the Umbrella Theater in Concord, Massachusetts. 

 

Some of her favorite credits include “Aida” (Aida) and “Guys and Dolls” (Sarah Brown), and the national tour of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” On Broadway, she has performed in “The Notebook” (Swing, u/s Middle Allie) and “& Juliet” (Lady Capulet / Juliet u/s).

 

She’s so honored to be recognized by the Minty Awards, as she discovered her love of the arts through Staten Island theater.

 

“Kim is special: intelligent and talented and charming,” said former Hill Drama director Donna D’Ermilio. “I could also add thoroughly professional and musically gifted - but what I love most is the way she positively glows on a stage!”

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2026 COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT AWARD

DIANE PERUGGIA

 

Diane Peruggia is a native Staten Islander who has dedicated her life to serving and advocating for those in her community. As past Chairperson of the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council, Diane’s advocacy has positively impacted countless individuals. Diane’s commitment to her community is unwavering. She is a founding advisory board member of the Minty Organization and the chairwoman of Community Board 3.

 

At just 17 years old, while attending Saint John Villa Academy, she was appointed liturgical leader for her local parish and volunteered along with her Villa Chanters to lend a helping hand by singing in nursing homes and volunteering at religious education classes. 

 

While pregnant with her second child, Michael, her two-year-old daughter, Alexa, was diagnosed with autism. Inspired by her daughter, and with a vision for enhancing the quality of life for people and families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Diane became a founding member of The Grace Foundation of New York. The foundation is credited with helping people with ASD live fulfilling and productive lives for the past 25 years.

 

She has also represented Staten Island on the New York City Regional Council for the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. In 2010, Diane was appointed to the New York City Department of Education’s (DOE) Panel for Education Policy so that she could use her compassion and understanding of a mother and advocate’s experience to inform decisions on what students in our city need to thrive. She continued her contributions to the DOE as trustee to the retirement system. 

 

Fifteen years ago, at the creation of the Minty Awards, Diane lent her expertise in establishing our organization, assisted in securing venues, and offered her guidance every step of the way. Although her son Michael graduated high school over 10 years ago, she still attends every high school musical to show her support of our schools and students.

 

“I don't know if you'll find someone who wears more hats on this Island, or wears them with more grace, than Diane Peruggia,” stated Minty Organization Executive Director Kayla McBratney. “Her impact is far-reaching, her heart is immense, and her commitment to her community is tireless. I can think of no one more deserving of this honor.”

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OUTSTANDING SHOW AWARD

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE

MSGR. FARRELL, 2013

 

Winner of 5 Minty Awards, including the 2013 St. Genesius Award for Outstanding Musical, Msgr. Farrell’s THE DROWSY CHAPERONE continues to be one of the most beloved shows of the Minty Era. Directed by Andrew Monteleone and choreographed by Phil Colgan (’11), the show also took home awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor (Phil Buccigrossi), Outstanding Featured Actress (Jessica Mannino), Outstanding Featured Actor (Robert Orlando), and Outstanding Chorus. The cast last reunited in 2021 to perform “Toledo Surprise” as part of the Minty Awards 10th Anniversary Celebration.

 

“As a director, not only was ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ one of the most consistently excellent shows over its four-night run, but every step of the rehearsal process - auditions, harmony instruction, choreography, blocking, staging and tech week went the smoothest it possibly could go,” reminisced former Farrell Players director Andrew Monteleone. “Every rehearsal was fun and productive and as we got closer and closer to opening, it was evident that something extra special was being created. We all couldn’t wait to show it to an audience.”

 

“I talk about our production of ‘Drowsy’ more than any other show I’ve been in,” said cast member Kerrin Woll (SJHA ’16).  “I was one of only a few freshmen, and we were instantly welcomed into a loving, dedicated, and wildly talented group of people. Everyone was determined to learn from our creative team and bring the show to life. Most importantly, we always remembered to have fun - and that’s exactly what this show is, fun.”   ​