Young Artist Portrays Friend's Late Mother as 'Inspiration' in YMCA Show

The annual Exhibition of Inspirational Women: Who Inspires You? — held this past weekend at the Somerset Hills YMCA — announced its winners granted awards through the Lucia Bocchino Fund, in an artistic endeavor set up by her daughter, Serena Bocchino of Basking Ridge.

Among the winners this year is Michelle Singer of Basking Ridge, a 14-year-old eighth grader at the William Annin Middle School, who did a charcoal portrait of the mother of her neighbor and best friend Kendall Cavaluzzo, who battled cancer for several years before passing away last year.

"She was a strong and wonderful person and she definitely was an inspiration," Michelle on Monday said of Whitney Boye, her friend's mother.

Serena Bocchino said that Boye also worked at the Somerset Hills YMCA. The Basking Ridge-based YMCA, which serves all of the Somerset Hills, has multiple programs to support cancer patients.

Michelle said she chose a picture to recreate a view of her friend's mother in which she appeared most full of life.

"She looked as lively and beautiful as when she was healthy," Michelle said.

After winning first place in the age category for ages 14-17, Michelle said she gave her friend's family the portrait of Whitney Boye, and she said she believes the drawing now is in their living room.

Bocchino said that was basically what each year's show is about: Inspiring women.

Michelle also recently won the contest to design the t-shirt contest for this Thursday's of St. James Men of Charity at St. James Church in Basking Ridge.

The Lucia Bocchino Fund donated awards in five categories. The awards ceremony was held last Saturday.

According to the YMCA, winners are:

5 to 6 years old:
1. Nicole Rodriguez, "Best Friend”
2. Vian Nguyen, “Grandma”
3. Eli Lennox, “Mom”
 
Honorable mentions:

Michael Ferraloli, “Mom”
Alexander Wadsworth, “Mom”
 
7 to 9 years old:
1. Lana Fagan, “Mom ”
2. Calina Montensen, “Mom”
3.Edison Chin, “Mom”
 
Honorable mentions:

Emily Lozowski, “Helen Keller”
Jamie Steinbock, “Mom”
Shree Manivel, “Teacher”

10 to 13 years old
1. Bryant Then, “Mom”
2. Francesca Fazio, “Malala”
3. Yuen Wang, “Ms. Jody Novitsky”
 
14-17 yrs old
 
1. Michelle Singer “Whitney Boye”
2. Jessica Herzog “ Mariel Herzog”
3. Erica Thostesen “Patricia Madama”

Honorable mention:

Ashley Donato, “Marilyn Monroe”