Wagner College’s own Mickey Tennenbaum was awarded the Carl William Lesch Educator Award at the 2025 Minty Awards Dinner Gala on February 27.
Tennenbaum, a respected educator, director, and actor who has been teaching in Wagner’s nationally ranked Theatre Department since 2007, captivated the audience with his heartfelt acceptance speech. He shared reflections on his lifelong journey in the arts, expressing gratitude for his family—especially his wife, Karen O'Donnell—as well as his many mentors, friends, and colleagues.
Former students honored Tennenbaum with a video tribute celebrating his lasting impact on their lives and careers.
The Minty Awards, founded by Wagner alum Michael Pinto ’10, are a celebrated tradition in the Staten Island community, recognizing excellence and dedication in high school musical theater. The event, hosted by The Minty Organization for the Performing Arts, attracted over 335 guests this year, marking a record-breaking evening for the organization.
With more than $150,000 donated to local school performing arts programs over 14 years, including $20,000 from this season alone, the Mintys continue to play a vital role in supporting arts education on Staten Island.
Besides Tennenbaum’s honor, other awards presented during the evening included:
- Distinguished Alumni Award to Broadway actress Analise Scarpaci, recognized for her accomplishments on Broadway and her advocacy for creating safe and supportive spaces for young theater enthusiasts.
- Community Enrichment Award to Charles Sullivan, who has been involved in Staten Island’s theater scene for over 60 years, celebrating the power of theater to bring people together.
- St. Genesius Prizes awarded to Julianna Baldwin (St. Joseph Hill Academy), Star Papas (Notre Dame Academy), and Alexa Viggiano (St. Joseph Hill Academy) for their outstanding contributions to high school theater.
The Minty Organization’s newly appointed Executive Director, Kayla McBratney, shared her vision to expand the organization’s impact and continue supporting the arts community.
“Under my leadership, I hope to ensure that every theater kid feels like their interests and passion for the Performing Arts are being championed by the Mintys,” she said.
The 14th Minty Awards will be held on June 1 at the St. George Theatre, promising another memorable celebration of young talent and the performing arts.
