Legendary performer shares wisdom, inspiration, and life lessons with Newark students
NEWARK, N.J. – Melba Moore, the Tony Award-winning actress, Grammy-nominated singer, and proud alumna of Arts High School’s Class of 1958, returned to her alma mater this week as the school’s “Principal for a Day,” inspiring students with reflections on her remarkable career and the education that helped shape it.
During her visit, Moore toured the school, participated in student discussions, made morning announcements, attended a student council meeting, and spoke candidly with students about perseverance, self-confidence, education, and the importance of the arts.
“This is really good,” Moore said during the visit. “Even if I just sit and watch, to be in this environment just brings out so much that I don’t even know is in me.”
Moore repeatedly credited Arts High School with helping to build the foundation for her success as a performer and artist.
“I took piano lessons here, I took viola lessons here, I was in the orchestra, I had vocal training here,” Moore told students. “You become a well-rounded musician. It helps you become a well-rounded person.”
“As a graduate of Arts High School, Melba Moore transformed the talents she nurtured in Newark Public Schools into a career that earned her a Tony Award, Grammy nominations, and the admiration of audiences around the world,” said Superintendent León. “By sharing her story with our students, she showed them that greatness happens right here in Newark. We are grateful to Ms. Moore for inspiring the next generation of artists, performers, and leaders who are following in her footsteps.”
“Melba Moore stands among the most distinguished of those alumni, and her willingness to return and spend time with our students speaks volumes about her commitment to giving back,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Her visit allowed students to see firsthand that success is built through talent, hard work, perseverance, and a strong educational foundation. We thank Ms. Moore for reminding our young people that the dreams they are pursuing today can become the achievements that inspire future generations tomorrow.”
Throughout the day, students engaged Moore in thoughtful conversations about navigating fame, staying grounded, overcoming adversity, and finding purpose through the arts. Moore encouraged students to remain authentic, continue learning, and embrace the process of growth.
“You’re in an environment of inspiration,” Moore said. “There was an environment of encouragement and confidence and self-worth of almost everybody here.”
Arts High School Principal Regina Sharpe said Moore’s return gave students a powerful opportunity to connect their own aspirations to the school’s extraordinary legacy.
“It’s important for the students to know who came before them,” Sharpe said. “They are really putting it together that someone who went to school here won a Tony Award and accomplished things that they are dreaming about accomplishing right now.”
Sharpe also emphasized the importance of arts education in helping students discover and express themselves.
“Art is life,” Sharpe said. “Being able to be creative is freedom. It’s a way you can express yourself – your love, your pain, your passion. That’s what life is about.”
Moore reflected emotionally on returning to the school where her artistic journey began.
“To see Arts High the way it is today just makes my heart smile,” Moore said. “To come back here today and have kind of a reawakening, to sit next to you, to be with you, and feel your energy is just such a blessing.”
The visit also highlighted Arts High School’s enduring role as one of the nation’s premier arts education institutions and a cornerstone of Newark’s cultural legacy. Founded in 1931, Arts High School is widely recognized as the first public high school in the United States dedicated to the visual and performing arts.
“Legacy is a big thing for me,” Sharpe said. “Arts High School is a special, special place.”
Arts High School is the country’s first performing arts high school, and it will celebrate its centennial in 2031. In addition to Ms. Moore, other notable alums include Best Actor Oscar Winner Michael B. Jordan, 12-times Grammy Award winning jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter, multi-Grammy-award winning jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughn (who won an Emmy for her television special), and Tony-award winning dancer/choreographer Savion Glover.
“Principal for a Day” is a Newark Public Schools initiative that advances the strengthening partnerships between schools and the broader community. The program invites leaders from business, government, higher education, nonprofit organizations, and the arts to spend a day alongside school principals, observing classroom instruction, engaging with students, and learning about the work taking place in the Newark Public Schools. By building a broader network of advocates for public education and creating opportunities for collaboration, the initiative supports the district’s historic 10-year strategic plan’s sixth priority (Strong Reciprocal Relationships) and reinforces the idea that when schools and community organizations work together to support learning, everyone benefits.