Long Island's Best: Young Artists at The Heckscher Museum 2024 - Zine (English)

The Museum gratefully acknowledges our SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

PRESENTING SPONSOR The Darrell Fund Endowment/Henriette Darrell ARTISTIC SPONSORS

EXHIBITION CATALOGUE SPONSORS

The Milton & Sally Avery Arts Foundation, Inc. Strong-Cuevas Foundation

Inna Gellerman, DDS, Gellerman Orthodontics Callaghan LLP

Prizes and awards generously provided by

Donors to the 2017 Celebrate Achievement Benefit

Celebrate Achievement Best In Show

Frank J. Sposato, Jeffrey Sposato, and Peter F. Cohen Second Place, Judith Sposato Memorial Prize

Robin T. Hadley

Third Place, The Hadley Prize

Jeanne Hewitt

Fourth Place, The Stan Brodsky Scholarship Award

Christopher Renzo Bianchi and the Bianchi Family Renzo & Lynette Bianchi Scholarship Awards

Adelphi University

For The Love of Art Awards

Christine Machtay

Donald and Gloria Horn Scholarship Award and Donald G Horn, Jr Scholarship Award

Cozza Family

The Cozza Family Award

Huntington Fine Arts

Joseph Mack Achievement Award and Huntington Fine Arts Honorable Mentions

The Law Offices of Andrew Presberg

Andrew Presberg Promising Young Artist Award

Additional Thank Yous

Jurors: Meredith A. Brown, Consulting Curator of Contemporary Art

Andrea Wozny, Artist/Filmmaker

Michael Krasowitz, Exhibition Catalogue Photographer

In support of the next generation of Long Island artists, select works of art from Long Island's Best 2024 will be on view May 8 - June 8 in Mitchells' store windows, 270 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743

The Heckscher Museum of Art receives generous support from the Town of Huntington.

This publication is made possible with generous support from NYSCA, The Huntington African American Museum, and The Huntington African American Museum Board Chair Barry Lites.

Spanish language translation is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

The Heckscher encourages students to think outside the box as they work in a broad range of media, styles, and

Now in its 28th year, Long Island’s Best is a hallmark of the Museum’s educational programming This initiative is the only juried exhibition for Long Island high school students that provides the opportunity to exhibit in a museum subjects. Students are challenged to select artwork on view in the Museum as the inspiration or their own work, making creative connections with the generations who have come before them. This year, 69 public and private schools submitted students’ artwork for jurying. 456 entries were received and Consulting Curator Meredith A Brown and guest juror Andrea Wozny selected 87 for display.

ARTIST STATEMENTS, AUDIO, & VIDEO

Each student has written a statement explaining their creative process and providing insight into their work. Explore the exhibition with this booklet and read the statements as you view the artwork! Statements are listed alphabetically by student last name The page number of each student’s statement is in the upper right corner of the label next to their artwork

Select students have also created audio and video content. Access this exclusive content in the Museum‘s digital guide in the Bloomberg Connects app Scan QR code to download Works of art with audio or video have a con and Look Up number on the label next to the artwork.

EXPLORE & SHARE

Experience the entire exhibition virtually! All of the exhibition’s components, including all student artwork, artist statements, and images of the artwork that inspired students, are available on the Heckscher Museum’s website Visit heckscher.org/libest2024 or scan the QR code on the left.

On social media, enjoy artists of the day on the Museum’s Instagram and Facebook accounts and more on TikTok. Follow @heckschermuseum and #hmalibest

YOU DECIDE: Visitors Choice Awards

Two awards have not yet been determined! Museum visitors (both in-person and virtual) will choose the winners! Cast your vote for the Visitors Choice Award in the Museum. Vote for the Virtual Visitors Choice Award at heckscher.org/libestchoice or scan the QR code on the right Voting ends April 28 Winners will be announced on heckscherorg and social media

Nancy Abode

Authentically Textured Oyster Bay High School

My artwork was inspired by Robert Carter's Mama Taught Me Piano and Much More I experienced a warmth coursing through my body as I observed this piece for the first time. The connection between a grandmother and her granddaughter during piano lessons resonated deeply with me. Standing witness to a quiet yet meaningful moment, a scene unfolds before me and my family bathroom becomes a sanctuary of care and artistry. My teenage brother slouches on a stool, embraced by the gentle dance of my mother's hands through his intricate, coiled hair Here, within this sanctum, detangling and moisturizing becomes a choreography of love and celebration of natural beauty. On the table, a plethora of African hair products rest atop a traditional cloth that extends to another design that envelops the entire backdrop, weaving a tapestry of cultural heritage In my piece, Authentically Textured, I felt drawn to explore kindred themes of maternal affection and bond. I strived to capture this by showing the intimate act of a mother tending to her son's hair, while infusing small elements of my culture into the narrative

Chloe Agostini

Family by Chance, Friends by Choice Sacred Heart Academy

Larry Fink’s photograph capturing the tight family bond at Pat Sabatine’s Eighth Birthday Party inspired my work because I absolutely loved the strong family dynamic portrayed I found that I could similarly create a scene filled with unforgettable memories and connections. My work portrays the fun-loving and unbreakable bond between two cousins who thrive off the company of each other and always find a way to make the other laugh and live in the moment This work shows that no matter the age difference or importance of the event, they are always able to enjoy themselves and be grateful for the time they spend with each other, leaving their worries behind Throughout the process of arranging this photo and trying to capture the realness and uniqueness of it, I made sure to not lose sight of the authenticity and character shining through the cherished moment. I allowed the models to have full creative freedom in how they wanted to pose and act I did not want the photograph to seem forced or uncomfortable, but instead I wanted it to be candid and as if they had no idea I was there.

*Achievement Award in Photography

Stephanie Avelar

Mamá Hacinta

Uniondale High School

My grandmother, or as I know her, Mamá Hacinta, is one of the strongest women ever She raised six children in the poverty of El Salvador in a small house high up on a mountain. Through all the struggles they had to go through, she never failed to make sure her children were well taken care of. One of those children was my mother My mother is my best friend and her best friend was my grandmother The piece Mama Taught Me Piano and Much More by Robert Carter inspired me and reminded me of the love shared across generations of mothers and daughters No matter what is going on in life, having a best friend can be the guiding light through your struggles

*Fourth Place, The Stan Brodsky Scholarship Award

Bayla Axelrod

The Daily News

Stella K Abraham High School for Girls

I chose Pat Ralph’s The Visit Home as my inspiration because of how well he captures that moment of relaxation when you’re home I enjoyed her usage of color and patterns on the couch next to the man’s simple clothes. It creates a contrast that makes it visually striking. In my piece, I wanted to portray the feelings of comfort and the ordinary that we experience while doing our daily rituals Often, people look past the simple moments of life and don’t realize how precious those fleeting moments can be. My painting showcases a mundane night of my grandfather reading a newspaper This simple act allows you to experience the broader world from inside the comfort of your own home. Many people in his generation read the newspaper routinely and have developed it into a habit I wanted to capture the feeling of peace that a home can provide after a long day away like my grandfather finding comfort in his habitual act of reading the newspaper.

Bridget Bardong Intertwined

Sacred Heart Academy

Amanda Valdez’s artwork and use of materials inspired me to create a piece that represents the growing relationship between a mother and child. Since the cross stitch was the first one my mom taught me and what began my fascination with embroidery, I decided to incorporate it in my piece I cross stitched a picture of my mom and myself from when I was 4, the same age she started teaching me the basics of embroidery I feel that this reflects Valdez’s portrayal of holding onto her past through the overlapping of the two circles Using a hand casting kit, I took the hand off of an old baby doll and had my mom hold it in the molding gel to create the first set of hands The two hands reflect the appearance of my younger, more inexperienced self holding her hand and being guided through the motions of stitching by my mom. For the other set of hands, I had my mom wear a ring gifted to her by my dad for their 20th anniversary to convey the everlasting love between not only my parents, but between me and my passion for embroidery, which is equally everlasting. Like Valdez, I wanted to convey new beginnings through shapes by incorporating intricate jewelry on my current hand in comparison to the bare wrist of the doll, the open blank canvas of life you face when you’re young Additionally, Valdez’s usage of identical circles conveying the changing dynamics in parenthood inspired me to have only my hands change throughout each mold to stress the fact that despite how I’ve grown, my mother will always be a constant in my lifestatement

*Huntington

Fine Arts Honorable Mention

Dusand Barrow

A memory in Brooklyn Uniondale High School

Robert Carter’s artwork introduced me to new techniques and ideas I never considered before The piece reminded me of the “feeling of home” my grandmother exuded which encouraged me to experiment with my art. I created a collage using printed paper along with oil and acrylic paint I was inspired by the feelings of comfort and warmth in Robert Carter’s piece and it made me reminisce about my own family I showcased these themes through subtle images of what I associate my grandmother with and the idea of home. Her smile symbolizes joy. Love is represented by the background image of my grandparents Innocence is shown through the image of her as a child and music which references Beres Hammond, one of her favorite artists I chose my grandmother as my subject because she is home to me. Her joy, warmth, and love are all things that have shaped me and continue to influence my perception of what “home” is The painting highlights emotional expression and contains slightly glossed over details to show a child’s perspective of a carefree and safe environment at home.

*Huntington

Genesis Bautista Marroquin

Bok Choy Love

Huntington High School

Bok Choy Love was inspired by Helen Torr's painting. I admired the way Torr was able to suggest waves and rippling water through her stylized interpretation of a sea shell, which specifically looks like an oyster shell to me Like Torr, I wanted to focus on nature, lines, contrasting values and neutral tones. I stretched my imagination to decide which materials and objects could meet these requirements I tried mushrooms, radicchio and baby bok choy The baby bok choy produced an effect and composition I liked best after cutting them in half and arranging them abstractly. I used photoshop to accentuate the unique features of my photograph I desaturated the image about thirty percent to align with the neutral color palette similar to Torr’s piece. In addition, I overlaid a sepia tone layer to heighten the focus on the lines, terrain and shape of the bok choy

Lena Beatty

Storge

Northport High School

During my visit to the Heckscher Museum, one of Stella Waitzkin's works stood out to me. The face of the sculpture reminded me of my mother, and the calming expression of the woman along with the earthy tones inspired me to create my piece “Storge” is an ancient Greek word that represents a natural, instinctual love that family members share between one another My own family has shown me unconditional love and I’m dedicating this piece to my mother who has supported me through the hardest periods of my life When I came out as non-binary and transgender, the love and support from my family never swayed. My mother specifically has even accompanied me to doctor’s consultations for gender affirming care I portrayed my mother in this piece to show how her love for me has never changed and she has stood by my side unwaveringly. The figure on the left represents myself as I share an embrace with my mother. The two figures embracing symbolizes the connection, love, support and acceptance that my family has given me This piece is a way of me giving back to my family and showing the love that I have for them.

*Renzo & Lynette Bianchi Scholarship Award

Eitan Beaulieu Free Me

Malverne High School

I was inspired by the photograph Cornell in Window II by Harry Roseman because it gave a feeling of being trapped, defeated, and melancholic. People can sometimes tend to feel stuck at home or in an environment, which holds them back, often making them suffer mentally. In my artwork, I experimented with semi realism to create an emotion on the old man’s face. I implemented erratic strokes to show how the feeling of being trapped may cause your mind to try and do the same thing over and over, which eventually can lead to insanity.

Erick Benitez

Blanca Monteroso

Brentwood Freshman Center

I was inspired by Helen Torr’s artwork to create my own. I was drawn to the warmth of her drawing and the darker paper used for this piece. The warmth made the portrait look more natural and inviting I decided to draw my grandmother for this project because she’s always been an inspiration to me She inspires me with her hard work and perseverance wherever she goes. She immigrated to America with my father and uncle to escape a war in El Salvador She worked very hard to provide for them and she still does today, working two jobs to help our family. She has always been diligent and selfless with a kind soul She inspires me to do better every day, which is why I wanted to use her as a subject in my work and capture her determination as well as kindness.

*25th Anniversary Renzo & Lynette Bianchi Scholarship Award

Raven Canzoneri

Constructs of The Mind Hicksville High School

Blanch’s work at first looks homey and nostalgic, but to me, the mood felt more sad and melancholic I originally interpreted Blanch’s painting to be a simple scene in her house, but the more I looked at it, my perspective changed Instead, I saw an isolated flower, surrounded by familiar objects and surroundings, but still sticking out. The red tones of the petals stood out so starkly against the browns of the background It seemed to fight against it and yearned to be seen In my piece, I portrayed myself on two sides of my makeup mirror This is where I sit everyday when I get ready and I scrutinize all of my imperfections. Thoughts like, “you’re not smart”, “you’re not polite” or, “you’re not perfect enough” run rampant in my head I painted seemingly random hands picking me apart and grabbing me to reveal my insecurities, but once you shift your attention to the second panel, I’m the one feeding my own insecurities. I painted the hands abstractly to look fake with stylized marks and colors while the flower represents the last of my positive or real thoughts The hands that are trying to tear me apart are smothering the flower or the remaining confidence I have left I created this piece as a reminder that when we look in the mirror and judge ourselves, we are our own biggest critics I wanted to create a message of positivity to anyone who may be feeling the same and that we have the power to change our mentalities

*Joseph Mack Achievement Award

*Presberg Promising Young Artist Award

Dakota Capolino

The Sun is Always Brighter Outside Farmingdale High School

Pat Ralph’s artwork deeply resonated with me and I was inspired to explore the idea of inhabiting spaces For this piece, I chose my room as the setting and myself as the subject. In the drawing, I stare outside into the sun while the surrounding darkness seems to consume me. As I’ve grown older, getting stuck in a bad mental state seems practically unavoidable, but I try to stay positive and look out toward better, brighter days I wanted to illustrate the feeling of being soothed by one’s surroundings and how your perspective can shape your environment. Ralph’s piece uses warm colors in her palette and paints a man relaxing peacefully at home I also wanted to explore the concept of feeling comfortable and being one with your surroundings. I illustrated myself with similar colors to portray the feeling of solace that one's safe space can give I hope to leave my negative mental space and live out the happiness that waits for me outside

Lauren Castellano Faces

Cold Spring Harbor High School

Seeing Robert Dash’s artwork felt like love at first sight I was amazed at how he depicted a scene with only two values and simplified shapes. He inspired me to explore this style and create my own piece While reading about Dash’s work, I learned that this scene was very sentimental to him, so I knew I wanted mine to have a personal connection as well. Since the Covid-19 Pandemic, I’ve always felt very self-conscious of my appearance, particularly my face and weight I felt locked up in my house and had nothing to do but watch Tiktok influencers who had better bodies than me. It was disheartening. My painting reflects the way myself and so many other teenagers feel pressured to adhere to unrealistic beauty standards Even though the figure is beautiful, she can’t see it because she always compares herself to others. Through my art, I want to inspire others to believe in their own beauty, inside and out.

Katherine Cha

Comfort of Home Herricks High School

I was inspired by the tranquility and comfort I felt when I first saw The Visit Home by Pat Ralph. For me, home is a place where I can relax and feel at peace, and this artwork portrayed that perfectly to me I felt inspired by this feeling and decided to create a piece that communicated the same sense of tranquility, but instead in my own home. I used pencil to create my own experience of home: beams of sunlight coming through the curtains and my cat quietly looking out at the world from the safety of home

Julia Cohen

Self portrait

John F Kennedy High School

I was inspired by the painting The Visit Home by Pat Ralph The artist’s son is depicted lying on a patterned blanket in what feels like a peaceful and warm space, evoking feelings of calm It reminds me of ultimate comfort, being in a place where the rest of the world fades away In my artwork, I created a similar feeling, depicting myself lying in the grass. My phone is down, my earbuds are in, the music is playing, and my mind is quieted. My tranquility stems from nature, music, and art I was inspired by the artist’s use of pattern and repetition in the blanket and decided to create repetitive flowers and grass in the background of my piece.

*Honorable Mention

Kaitlin Cook

My room

Garden City High School

Lucile Blanch’s artwork brings together color and texture across a variety of objects, including a deer figure, potted plant, and a needlework sampler I interpreted these items as a window into the artist’s life, with the painting emulating the calm and quiet environment found in her home. I wanted to represent a similar notion in my own work, and create a personal still life that reflects me I used oil paint to illustrate well-loved objects in my room I was inspired by Blanch’s use of animal iconography and created an homage to Lucile Blanch’s atmospheric still life while also embracing the vibrance and energy I choose to surround myself with

Emma Dean-Stahl

A.G.I.N.G. (Another Girl Is Now Grown)

Sayville High School

I was drawn to the playfulness of the textiles and inspired by Schapiro’s portrayal of the historically domestic life of women in her piece Berthe Morisot & Me. In my piece, A.G.I.N.G., I wanted to explore the depth and complexity of female relationships and how they foster our growth. It is a collage of the shared uncontrollable chaos, madness, and rage of girlhood, yet the everpresent symbolic existence of women as pinnacles of beauty, comfort, and love. The idea that every girl can’t help but cry on her birthday is a relatable feeling that each birthday is like a death A death of girlhood, security, being cared for, and a more tranquil state of mind Yet our growth is also a passage into feminine validity, community, and a more collective, mutual state of love. My portrayal of the more contemporary yet ubiquitous feminine experience and the ambivalence of growth shows both the mania and healing women grow into and share. The centerpiece depicts a girl (resembling myself) “celebrating” her birthday, surrounded by a background of women in different stages of their lives It is chaos, but it is comfort

*Achievement Award in Feminist Art

Samyrah Demorcy Family Ties

New Hyde Park Memorial High School

Growing up, I was always close to my dad We have a strong connection and are inseparable. Our personalities go well with each other as if it was “copy and paste.” I was inspired by Robert Carter’s artwork to share a bond I have with a family member I wanted to show a moment back in time when I would always say, “Papi, can we take a picture, please?” I used charcoal because it is a medium I excel at and I wanted to show details such as the wrinkles in the clothing

Grayson DeStefano

This Is Me

Lindenhurst High School

I was inspired by Amanda Valdez’s artwork and the unique way she used different art mediums to express the life changes a person goes through over time. The colors Valdez used in her piece reminded me of the colors in the transgender flag, and those particular colors I carry with me daily Being a transgender teenager can be exhilarating, but it is often exhausting. I felt that within New Me as well. In my self portrait, I wanted to focus on my eyes so the viewer can see through me and feel the emotions transgender community feels. I chose to illuminate my face with bright colors similar to what Valdez used in her work. Every day I am thankful for the things I've experienced and the person I have become and I hope viewers can see that in my work

Lianna Dominguez

Rosalie

Division Avenue High School

My first thoughts of Pat Ralph’s painting was a sense of relaxation. The story behind the artwork, her son visiting his childhood home, made me wonder how it would feel to gaze at a loved one relaxing at one’s home It obviously moved the artist enough to render it. This made me think of the way I look at my dog as she lies on the couch My dog is home to me, but what does home mean for her? My piece is a portrait of my dog laying on the couch atop a patterned blanket, surrounded by some of her favorite toys. The toys are well loved and worn out, which are able to embody a home for her. The couch that she always chooses to relax on is able to give her a source of comfort and warmth like her presence in my life is able to give to me.

Adison Eisenberg

Epiphany

Half Hollow Hills High School East

As a high school senior entangled in the intricate web of academics, sports, college applications, clubs, and work, this artwork of a green glass jar on a mirrored table reflects my complicated journey. On one side, there's a veneer of seeming bright perfection, almost masking the shadowy undercurrents of stress and challenges that often remain concealed This side encapsulates the delicate balance of projecting confidence and capability while grappling with the inherent pressures. The contrasting opposing side conveys the weight of these stressors that threaten my mask Yet, amid this darkness, a luminous light trail within the green glass emerges, signifying a path filled with promise My work highlights the imperative of resilience, balance, and forward-looking optimism. Stella Waitzkin experimented with alternative processes and transforming everyday objects into something mysterious and extraordinary I feel my image represents the transformation of a young high school student to an exceptional young adult.

Zoe Eng

All For Naught Manhasset High School

When I first saw Stella Waitzkin’s Small Closet Library, I noticed the contrast between the bookshelf and its contents The shelf appears to be very orderly and neat, while its contents seem more organic or discordant. One thing I especially enjoyed about the piece was the little figurine creature on the middle shelf that resembled a monkey The sculpture inspired my drawings of the monkeys and the one all the way to the right of my piece takes the same position as the sculpture The three monkeys are actually meant to be one monkey in different places, which represents the feeling of being all over the place Atop the bookshelf, I added a broken potted plant The broken pot and plant represent growth and effort that has been destroyed The piece as a whole is a depiction of how one may feel as though all their work and dedication was for nothing. The monkey in the piece creates havoc and ultimately destroys the office. This relates to the frustration one may feel when their hard work has gone to waste The overall piece, meant to be very hectic and chaotic, is also encased by the rigid frame, which is a symbol for how one may feel as though they are trapped and cannot do anything about their wasted effort The confinement of the frame also is meant to depict the emotion of trapped frustration that can not be released and is painfully held inside

*Huntington Fine Arts Honorable Mention

Rahima FNU

Intertwine

East Rockaway High School

Intertwine is a piece that embodies my mind as I go through high school and find myself in my mixed identities As a child, I would think that my culture, my family, my interests, my school life were identities that lived in separate worlds never to collide. Through the years, I would let one take more importance and attention and neglect the others Threads that were meant to be weaved together were left to themselves and nothing else. As I started my art journey, it allowed me to intertwine elements of myself and express parts of myself I didn't know how to I felt inspired by Valdez’s piece, which combines different materials and elements that work harmoniously together I related to the title New Me as well because although I have always been one person, I have finally learned to embrace parts of myself I never have before, intertwining my identities confidently

Keira Fontaine

Funky town

Long Beach High School

My piece was inspired by It Hurts to Wait with Love if Love is Somewhere Else by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. I was immediately drawn to the lively, saturated, repetition of color and shape incorporated throughout his print. In response, I created a geometric cityscape drawing in marker Much like Hundertwasser’s repetition of rectangles and squares, I too used a repetition of shape as seen in my use of dots. In addition, I chose non-traditional vibrant colors for my cityscape to create a lively mood

Dylan Friedman Languish

John F. Kennedy High School

I was inspired by the artwork of Courtney M. Leonard. In the setting of a neglected American, lower-middle class backyard, an orca languishes in an above ground pool, which represents the controversial, yet still popular practice of keeping orcas in captivity. For decades, aquariums and marine parks focused their advertising efforts on marketing their killer whale shows But since more information has been shared regarding the unjust treatment of these animals, the public began to question the safety of the trainers, and the well-being of the orcas themselves The word “languish” means to lose or lack vitality, to live in a state of depression and, even more significantly, to exist in an unpleasant or unwarranted situation, often for a long time That is the reality of the captive orca As per Leonard’s statement “In legal contexts, the word ‘breach’ means violation and infringement…Whales also ‘breach’ when they break the surface of the water.” In a related context, the practice of having killer whales in captivity is a breach of their livelihoods They are highly intelligent beings, unjustifiably captured and placed in a jail for potentially the rest of their lives, to forever languish

*Achievement Award in Social Commentary

Nikole Galgano

A Mother’s Grief

Division Avenue High School

When I first saw Robert Carter’s artwork, I was immediately drawn to its serene quality and the light, color, and shadows It reminded me of all the times I have seen my mom sitting alone and staring at old photos of her parents Although Carter’s piece features a gentle learning moment between family, my imagery took on a more somber tone. My mother’s parents both passed away over the past two years. I could feel and was affected by her grief during these moments of reflection To echo some of the traits found in Carter’s painting, I sat my mom afront a small fire, emitting warmth while casting strong shadows. Cardinals sit on a branch outside the window as a symbol of solid family relationships, and I was sure my angle was directly from the side I took four photographs: one of my mother, the fireplace, the cardinals, and the back wall I married them in Photoshop, then used oil paint over the image on a 300 pound watercolor paper. Final touches were spent perfecting the lighting and shadows to create an atmospheric quality

*Renzo & Lynette Bianchi Scholarship Award

Neha George

Through the Window

William A. Shine Great Neck South HS

My family is very close; we eat together regularly and celebrate every major occasion together This photo was captured outside my house during my parents’ wedding anniversary. I simplified the majority of the photo, other than the figures, so as to draw attention to my family and their enjoyment of each other’s company Our family has always been pretty big, but this does not even comprise a great fraction of them The family members pictured are immigrant parents and their children. Closeness has always been a factor in my culture, even within our extensive families My grandma would keep in touch with each and every family member, even those who I did not know were related to me or how we were related. No matter how distant they are, whether it be by physical distance or blood, my grandmother and other family members made sure to keep in touch This image illustrates the closeness and warmth of my family, and by taking a photo through our front window, opens our lives to the eyes of an onlooker.

Maryam Haji

Multitudes of Self-Perceived Judgment

New Hyde Park Memorial High School

My artwork was inspired by the artwork of Helen Torr. In her work, I interpreted the shell as a symbol of being trapped or suffocated I wanted to encapsulate the feeling of being held under the watching gazes of many others I feel watched, like I’m being hyper-analyzed by every single person around me. But I often wonder if I’m perceiving things correctly when there are so many eyes on me So many individuals to look at, so many to wonder about what they’re thinking. I feel scrutinized. I feel like an abomination of eyes, feeling that they’re all looking at me: watching, judging my every move In my head, it’s like they’re committing a false pretense everytime I even look at them, I don’t feel like it’s genuine. I tried to channel that feeling the best I could into this illustration.

*Adelphi University “For The Love of Art” Award: Graphic Design

Juan Pablo Hernandez Gloss

Long Beach High School

Stella Waitzkin’s Untitled immediately stood out to me with its bright bold colors, and layer of resin which gives the work a shiny, glossy effect. I was also drawn to the work because of the everyday objects that Waitzkin used. The colors, shapes, and shininess of the objects she chose reminded me of candies and lollipops. I wanted to recreate how Waitzkin's work reflects light. Studying how light affects my subject, I used colored pencils and white gel pens to help me to interpret color, light, and details in my own way

*Honorable Mention

Amira Hussein

The Sky Above Bellport High School

I chose Adam Straus’s, American Rustic, as my inspiration for my work, particularly how he composes his landscape – painting over the news and shopping lists, and blending daily life with media In my work, I use newspapers and cyanotype prints for both the sky and landscapes . Focusing on the sky, the colors bring out the significance of each item, and the subtle changes of each day I used newspaper, color, and lines to have the viewer focus on both the subtle changes in the piece that blend with the bigger picture at large.

Brian Jaco City Subway Hicksville High School

Today, more and more, people are constantly caught up in technology, choosing to focus on the world within their phones rather than addressing what is going on around them. My painting is a commentary on this. The two people are so absorbed by their phones that they do not notice the flood of rats invading the subway My goal with this piece was to draw people in with a familiar environment, perhaps calling back to personal memories of traversing the city, and subways filled with people, all in their own worlds As the viewer gets closer, the flood of rats becomes more apparent and quickly becomes all you can see. My painting serves as a depiction of what can happen when we are too self-absorbed When we repeatedly choose self-indulgence over addressing pressing issues, our issues only worsen The horde of rats embodies this idea in the most exaggerated, vile, and fitting manner I could think of. The rats sprawled over the entire subway floor, right by each traveler should make them feel disgusted, scared, or uneasy However, as they are completely entranced by their phones, or accustomed to their rodent passengers, the two do not even bat an eye.

Robin Jones

The Light from Within Bayport-Blue Point High School

I was captivated by Larry Fink’s photograph series, which inspired me to reflect on my childhood photos and memories for my piece I created a portrait of my 6-year-old self with masking tape backed by a lightbox to simulate the inner light and pure joy within a child’s face Fink’s candid approach to photography also inspired me I felt that this led to a more authentic result: capturing people’s raw and sometimes unflattering expressions. In my artwork, I wanted to portray this raw moment in time by depicting an awkward yet happy expression in my 6-year-old self-portrait I also wanted to reference the gelatin silver print process Fink utilized by using masking tape as my medium, lit by a lightbox. The light shining through the layered tape resembles the use of light and dark when developing photographs

*Renzo & Lynette Bianchi Scholarship Award

Julia Kennedy

The Jazz Drummer West Islip High School

I related to Robert Carter’s piece and how the artist portrayed music as a symbol of the home Having grown up in a household of musicians, I am no stranger to music being played anywhere, anytime. One of the most notable sources of this music is my brother, who is an avid drummer I wanted to capture the intensity of my brother’s drum playing, so I adopted bold colors and harsh lines to achieve a pop-art style. I also used an overhead angle to accentuate the motion and energy of drum playing Pulling colors from Carter’s work, I created a bright and contrasting color palette of purples, pinks, oranges, and yellows. Aside from its enticing appearance, I was drawn to this color palette because it evoked the imagery of a chic jazz club My brother’s favorite musical style is jazz drumming, and he can often be heard blasting jazz music as he plays along. Additionally, I added geometric accent lines to evoke the sound of his drum playing through a visual medium. To me, home represents music, and I hoped to convey that through this piece

Laika Khan

To Ontario

Long Beach High School

Robert Carter’s work drew me in because of its intimate portrayal of familial connections and the warmth it exuded. Family is something I value immensely; my artwork often centers around it, attempting to capture the ease that can only be achieved around your closest relations, especially family Carter’s artwork achieves closeness between the two figures through the composition of the bodies, in addition to the light that emanates between them My painting depicts my mother and little sister sprawled and resting within each other's circle, soft light hitting them, to portray that same closeness that Carter produces By starting with an underpainting, I was able to map out the composition of my painting By layering paint on top of the canvas, then experimenting with light and shadow, varying hues of color, and texture, I created the artwork I had set out to achieve: a depiction of support, fellowship, and connection between generations

Alden Kisner

Vibrant Memories

Huntington Fine Arts

As I look out at the harbor, I am captivated by the same beauty and inspiration Arthur Dove saw. As a fellow Long Island native and an aspiring artist, I perpetually learn by interpreting the environment around me The marshland of the causeway in Lloyd Harbor, depicted in my painting, is a staple landscape of Long Island. I have many joyful childhood memories of this place; it is a spot I often visit to find a sense of peace Like Dove in his artwork, I created the opportunity to express a complex emotion rather than portray the technicality of a scene by abstracting the composition. Dove’s emphasis on the symbolism of color contributed to my use of a vibrant palette to represent the lighthearted mood the outdoors brought me Additionally, the abstract nature of Untitled inclined me to simplify shapes, similar to the way Dove did. His use of diagonal lines to create movement and energy inspired the diagonal horizons within my piece Within my work, I expressed my deep connection and admiration for the same body of water that Dove was enthralled by.

*Renzo & Lynette Bianchi Scholarship Award

Keegan Klein

Unity

Centereach High School

I was inspired by Courtney M Leonard’s important thematic messages and powerful imagery. Noticing a specific color palette throughout her work, I too aimed to express my piece through specific colors and imagery. I used a mosaic painting style to paint the deer and the crow to make them stand out among the background The deer in my work represents life and rebirth, using vibrant colors to depict this. Meanwhile the crow, surrounded in darkness, represents death and decay

Kayla Kleinfeldt Baby Blanket

Division Avenue High School

“The Visit Home” was never as serene for me as it might have been for the subject in Pat Ralph’s painting The screaming and fighting I would experience throughout my childhood always made me want to leave as soon as I could In my early teens I almost lost my parents. It had taken this for me to realize how much I was taking for granted I realized that through all the fights and arguments, there was also growth and love I have been exposed to more families and their interactions, and have realized that no relationship is ideal. As I grow, I look back at all the memories that have shaped me into who I am today. How much I have been ripped apart and sewn back together just like my baby blanket In my artwork, I portrayed myself in a somewhat melancholy state being comforted by my sacred baby blanket Atop the table is a spool of thread and needle to symbolize that you should always repair any rips or loose threads I have realized how much my family truly means to me Home is not just a house - it is the place where I grew into the person I am, with the people I love.

Mattie Krakoff

Our Beauty and Pain Massapequa High School

Within this piece I explored the complex layers of my experience as a transgender person, wrestling with the challenge of feeling at home within my own body There is so much stress and pain in my life due to not being able to feel that sense of comfort within myself Others not seeing me for who I really am just makes all of that feel worse. But there is also a sort of beauty that comes with being able to make your own home within yourself I have so much hope for being able to transition and having the experience of really finding home in my body. Inspired by Adam Straus' American Rustic, my piece brings together diverse materials to illustrate the stark contrast between the yearning for comfort and the harsh reality I experience Within this narrative, contrasting imagery of the crown of thorns and Roman laurels emerges, symbolizing the dichotomy of pain and triumph in my journey. The inspiration from Straus deepens with the inherently political nature of the work Using America to represent home is ironic for many trans people due to our reality being shadowed by the unsettling anti-transgender legislation in this country.

Karley Kreuscher Embedded East Islip High School

I was inspired by Courtney M Leonard’s work I was drawn to the way the artist utilized her materials From a distance the audience can see an image of Long Island that she created. But as you look closer and closer into the artwork you are able to see it’s much more than that You can see she used tiny shells to shape the image by hand-crafting and painting each one to create the image of Long Island. For my piece I wanted to try a similar technique by creating the illusion of a full figure made out of something more intricate and smaller The technique I used for my piece was working with different line weights to create an image that mimics the rings of a tree. In my body of work I created drawings of both my fraternal twin and I onto two different wooden tree stumps that came from the same tree Incorporating me and my twin into the rings of the tree stumps signifies and enhances the idea of the natural bonds that we share. The connection we have is embedded, it’s permanently there no matter where we go in life A tree holds properties of growth and change Becoming embedded into the tree shows that we have also gone through both growth and change as well, but the connection we have will still remain permanent

David Lee

Riff of Time

Hicksville High School

I was drawn to Pat Ralph’s color choices and various hues in the painting. Warm colors and smooth brush strokes illustrated her son relaxing in his childhood home As I was looking more closely, I was able to see more details and small brush strokes. I was motivated to create a work that relates to my comfortability and relaxation using similar colors. Guitar has been my go-to when I needed comfort since I was thirteen I tried to demonstrate my long lasting love towards music and specifically guitar I referenced the old man and the boy indicating that even though time passes and many things may change in life, I would never lose my love towards music

Jocelyn Liu

Tranquility Amidst Chaos Manhasset High School

I was inspired by the ambiance that Altoon Sultan created in her painting, how the figure appears calm, yet the mood feels somewhat anxious. I began my piece aiming to portray a connecting idea, a depiction of myself within the frame that seems to trap me I incorporated the teapot seen in Sultan’s piece, while also utilizing the imagery of koi fish as means of juxtaposition. Despite the presence of calamity, shown through the shattered pieces of the teapot, there is also peace I chose the scene to be underwater to recreate the feelings evoked by the woman’s expression, seemingly suffocating or drowning I wanted my piece to portray my inner self that struggles with emotional overload I made a wooden window frame and added green fabric in the shape of a curtain as a way to connect to the window in Sultan’s work The window is also meant to show how people choose to show certain parts of themselves to the public; sometimes one will choose to close the blinds and other times will have them wide open I added clear glue that drips down my piece and onto the windowsill to act as water, representing an overflow of emotions when keeping one’s emotions hidden and bottled up

*Huntington Fine Arts Honorable Mention

Chamille Malcolm

To My Mother Valley Stream North High School

The piece that inspired my artwork was Mama Taught Me Piano and Much More by Robert Carter The first thing that caught my attention were the layers and how the use of bright colors on the foreground clearly contrasts the background, highlighting the importance of the relationship and bond that mothers and daughters share, specifically black mothers and daughters This inspired me to create a piece in which I capture a joyous moment shared between my mother and I when I was younger. My mother is an extremely important figure in my life, as she motivates, empowers, and inspires me every day, and through my artwork, I want to be able to celebrate her significance in my life while also portraying a personal and positive story that can connect with an experience shared by many others

Emily Marckesano

Piece by Piece East Meadow High School

I used a technique called English paper quilting and hand sewed hexagons to quilt together. To personalize this piece, I wanted to gather fabrics from people and items that carry beloved memories. Many came from my grandmother, including some from a dress she made me when I was an infant Two others were from diaper bags that belonged to my mom and my aunt when they had their first kids. Others came from my great-grandmother. My friends also gave me fabrics, including some from a bat mitzvah dress or well-loved clothes Combining these pieces together makes me feel surrounded by love Unique pieces from so many different people that feature so many different stories, all coming together to create one piece

Labdhi Masaliya

Mixed Media

Hicksville High School

My piece was inspired by Amanda Valdez’s incorporation of fabric and sewingsomething I have always wanted to experiment with The title New Me, made me consider all the recent radical changes in my life. In 2020, I moved to Long Island from India In this time I have found myself on a journey of making the US my new home It was a very profound and necessary experience for me because I learned a lot and found new opportunities. My piece reflects this idea of adapting to change, whilst bringing all important qualities and traits from my old life from India to the new life my family and I are creating Parts of my past are being stitched together with my new life My painting mainly consists of pastel colors and muted tones The center consists of a blank diamond shape which is a representation of a new and empty environment and the rest of the sections are filled with the different components of my life The fabric is an important component in this piece since it was something my mother and grandmother used to do back in india. I remember those moments when my mother would sew traditional clothing for me because it gave her a sense of happiness to see me wear something she created and it made me feel very special since I would see her working on something for hours only to make something for me. My memories with my grandmother include vacations to her hometown where she taught me the art of embroidery and patchwork With each new day and year, the various pieces of me will merge together, resulting in what will be the new me.

Janiya McArthur Dinner

Long Beach High School

I drew inspiration from Helen Torr’s Duck, where the main and only focus is just that - a single black and gray duck Torr’s choice to present the duck in darker, muted colors, helps create a contrast against the plain background, as well as highlight the more intricate details. The positioning of the bird makes it look like it was captured in the middle of foraging for food I took inspiration from this and created a frog in the middle of devouring an unlucky fly Emulating Torr, I wanted to keep the focus on the main subjects, creating light washes in the background. In other areas of my work, I utilized the boldness of the pen and ink to create a stark contrast I made the decision to leave the frog (excluding the tongue) and fly black and gray in order to better showcase the intricate stippling technique I used to add texture, gradation, and a 3D effect.

Liza McPherson

The Salvation of Icarus Harborfields High School

I was drawn to Courtney Leonard’s work initially because of the contrast between the cool background and the warm tones in the subject’s skin When I delved deeper into the meaning behind the piece, I was further inspired by how the juxtaposition was not isolated to the colors, but developed a statement on the importance of preservation in the face of crisis Prompted by this message, I created my piece, which turns this concept inward to create a narrative of my journey of self-preservation. The image of water, present in Leonard’s exhibit but also commonly interwoven in literature as an archetype of rebirth, is in this piece representative of new life, and signifies the depths of my own growth over the years. The gold, in contrast with the deep purples and blues from Leonard’s piece, speaks to my hope for the future and all the potential I have still yet to reach.

Madelyn Mejia Shared Dreams

Brentwood High School

My piece was inspired by Romare Bearden’s artwork, Reunion from the series Ritual Bayou. I read about Bearden's experience with The Great Migration and connected it with the diversity in my neighborhood There are regulars that frequent my local bakery in Brentwood where men wait silently to be picked up for work. They have immigrated here from all over, yet share a common story Like Bearden, the figures in my work are shown in a neighborhood landscape I used a bold black outline to give a feeling of impermanence and interchangeability. The outline shows how replaceable they are, disconnected from permanent residents, connected by their cigarette smoke The workers gather at the bakery, as they wait and hope for new opportunities

*Huntington Fine Arts Honorable Mention

Scarlett Millman Dark Room

Half Hollow Hills High School East

Becky Suss’s work inspired me to create an image of my own domestic sphere. The darkroom at my high school has been the breeding ground for my photographic journey I broke down Suss’s Living Room into compositional elements such as line, shape, and pattern. While her painting appears flat and lacks realism, each item in her room holds significant meaning and memories. I was able to utilize darkroom objects including film, reels, old cameras, and negative carriers to depict memories that I have from high school The strips of negatives act as picture frames visually documenting my memories, which plays on the lateral picture frames in Suss’s piece I captured a series of circular elements in contrast to Suss’s repeated rectangles While Suss focused on a space filled with memories of her grandparents, I chose a space that has played a vital role in my development as an artist, photographer, and person

Elena Mingorance

Decline (Peter Crippen House) South Side High School

This mixed media piece depicts the home of an African American named Peter Crippen in Huntington, NY, a fisherman descended from slavery. Peter Crippen was one of few Black landowners in the 1800s in Huntington, and the home remained in the family until the early 21st century In my piece, the cotton is representative of his past and the association with his parents' enslavement, while the seaweed, squid, and hook exemplify what he would have fished for to make a living However, his home has fallen into disrepair and, despite its rich history and home to Crippen, there are calls for it to be torn down. It is the representation of what Long Island has become, the disrespect we have given the environment and the loss of the island’s tranquility, a symbol of the disregarded remnants of a Black man’s history, countered by white privilege in which those who are fortunate enough to preserve their legacy are remembered. Inspired by Courtney M. Leonard’s piece, both works connect to the central idea of the decline of Long Island and the impact of white encroachment on indigenous and underrepresented culture. While Leonard demonstrates the loss of respect given to the island's natural beauty by Indigenous peoples, my work demonstrates the lost history of African Americans on Long Island We lack the standards of living and the moral values of such groups and now are losing an integral aspect of Native American and African American history that define the island.

Natalia Monsale Lounge

Huntington Fine Arts

I found inspiration in Pat Ralph's The Visit Home, particularly captivated by the figure's serene demeanor as they recline upon the couch I wanted to emulate the tranquil essence portrayed in Ralph's piece by utilizing fluid and swift brushstrokes. I allowed the hues to cascade freely, harmonizing with the composition rather than imposing rigid control, much akin to the model's serene drift into restful repose.

Kira Moscoso

Solace

Farmingdale High School

I was inspired by the composition and use of pattern in Pat Ralph’s painting. The eye is drawn to the main figure in the painting, but the viewer is also drawn to the patterns of the fabrics in the background In my piece, I incorporated a similar composition use, having a relaxed figure laying amongst the backdrop of a multitude of patterns. I wanted to convey comfort in a time of chaos I visited the Heckscher Museum with my family this past summer, and I was immediately drawn to this piece because of the color use, and the comforting feeling it gave me. The artist uses cool tones on the clothing of the person pictured and a warm toned background I decided to swap the color tones to convey a sense of calm using cool tones in the background, and warm tones to convey the coziness and comfort the person is feeling.

Madeline Murphy

Empty

Baldwin High School

I chose Living Room (Six Paintings, Four Plates) by Becky Suss to inspire my artwork The empty couch looks unreal as it has no shadows, and the paintings appear flat, almost like posters on the wall. Although Suss is depicting a beloved space, the absence of color also leaves the viewer with a feeling of emptiness In my piece, I wanted to depict a fond memory in a familiar space, surrounded by people that I love and cherish. I recreated the lack of warmth that one can experience where even in a crowded room, you can still sometimes feel very much alone

Vy Nguyen

Nature's Symphony

Connetquot High School

My piece was inspired by Helen Torr's Cyclamen. The beauty of this piece resonates deeply, offering a comforting connection to nature and the allure of flowers, which took center stage in my own artistic interpretation. In crafting my version, I merged traditional solar plating techniques with a contemporary digital approach, using Photoshop to create a collage featuring my personal photographs of flowers, butterflies, and the inherent beauty of the outdoors As I explored the complexities of solar plate printing, my artwork came to symbolize the harmonious fusion of age-old craftsmanship with the sophistication of modern digital design Incorporating various textures into my creation, I sought to mirror the multifaceted nature of life acknowledging its unpredictability and embracing the belief that beauty lies in the unexpected *Renzo & Lynette Bianchi Scholarship Award

Emma Novak

Zephyr Chimes

Bayport-Blue Point High School

Helen Torr’s Oyster Stakes inspired me to pour my childhood memories spent at the beach all into a 3D work of art. Torr’s oil painting reminded me of the hours I’d spend running in the sand, collecting things like driftwood, shells, and beach glass I expressed my fondness of these memories by creating a wind chime out of a random assortment of trinkets, many of which you can find at a beach. I then tied all of them to a natural piece of driftwood, allowing the collision of the beach glass and beads to make a soothing sound The flowing of the flags in Torr’s painting can be represented by the flowing of the loose strings that blow in the breeze.

Katherine Novick

Ray of Hope

Connetquot High School

My artwork is intended as a reflection of both nature and familial bonds, intertwining elements of plants, animals, and insects Beyond merely a depiction of color and natural elements, it embodies the diverse forms and feelings inherent in familial relationships Just as every family possesses its unique characteristics, nature serves as a poignant illustration of such diversity

Drawing inspiration from the composition found in Amanda Valdez's New Me, I incorporated elements reminiscent of its structure and form into my own artwork

Katarina Nunez

Sueño de mi Papá East Rockaway High School

Larry Fink's candid and free-spirited photography awakened my deep appreciation for family orientated artwork His candid photography brings out genuine emotions, which is something you can lose the essence of in premeditated photographs My oil painting is based on a candid moment between father and daughter, where the child is in their own world, without paying attention to a camera. My intention was to depict the genuine feeling of intimacy being around family or loved ones captured in fleeting moments *Donald & Gloria Horn Scholarship Award

Jocelyn Olds

Bonnet

East Islip High School

For my piece, Bonnet, I was inspired by the colors and tranquil feeling of Pat Ralph’s oil painting I was also drawn in by the movement of the body and its leisurely pose, and how the way the figure is laying down conveys a feeling of comfort and relaxation I noticed that the subject of the painting had no shoes or socks on, further expressing that he is at peace and making himself comfortable For my work, I wanted to create my own version of what I look like and how I usually lounge around at home Using chalk pastel, I created a self portrait of myself wearing a robe and my bonnet, as these things are not usually worn outside of the house and are saved for days where you just want to stay home and relax. I emphasized my bonnet by covering it in rhinestones. I was also inspired by the artist’s use of color and tried to apply it to my work in a creative and meaningful way by adding different tones and shades to the skin, rather than using basic browns and tans. In addition, I found inspiration in the color palette of Ralph’s painting and used opposing warm and cool colors to separate the figure from the background

Miguel Ortiz

Fly high, fly free.

Hicksville High School

Ed Haddaway’s sculpture incorporates aspects from his childhood He does so with the door motif being resemblant of “ walking down a dark hallway” For my piece, I wanted to do something very similar, but on a two-dimensional canvas. By replicating Haddaway’s idea of juggling, I focused on the idea of imbalance and stress put upon an object When I looked back at Haddaway’s sculpture, what I saw was the idea that something bad could happen, and probably will To embody the concept of chaos, I decided to create a background using acrylics, employing finger painting techniques. This method allows me to generate dramatic strokes and shapes with my hands, adding a personal touch to the piece and deepening my connection to the artwork I experimented with abrupt strokes using acrylics and a palette knife. As I applied these strokes, a realization unfolded – the shapes formed resembled still figures of birds in the sky I thought about their ability to soar freely yet remain constrained by the finality of life Through a combination of emotionally charged, broad abstract marks and intricately crafted details, I aspired to captivate viewers, drawing their attention to both the grand and minute aspects of the composition Within my piece, I incorporated the view of birds flying in the sky, in contrast to the bold imagery of a shot bird, bleeding out. This is in reference to the drastic and realistic fact that a person’s journey can end at any moment. I ultimately decided to encapsulate this through the death of a bird, whose travels have been brought to a sudden halt, deprived of their personal freedom

Natalie Parrott

What I Learned from my Dad Huntington High School

I drew inspiration from Robert Carter, appreciating the symbolism embedded in his artwork For me, Carter’s work symbolized the transmission of artistic knowledge, with music serving as the artist’s chosen representation. The artwork struck a chord with me, reminiscent of the comfort I found in learning to paint from my dad Utilizing imagery featuring my dad, my brother, and me at the Long Island Biennial at the Heckscher Museum where my dad’s work was exhibited, I aimed to convey my personal interpretation of Carter's creation My painting incorporated the parent-child dynamic prevalent in Carter's work, featuring my dad alongside my brother and me. Taking cues from Carter's use of the piano as a symbol for the arts, I mirrored this concept in my painting I centered the artwork around my dad's drawing and added a subtle spotlight to emulate the piano's illumination in Carter's piece In my composition, I also captured the effect of light shining on the girl's face. Additionally, I integrated other elements from Carter's work, dedicating extra attention to detailing my dad's shirt to highlight the vibrancy of the figures in Carter’s piece.

*Renzo & Lynette Bianchi Scholarship Award

Cassidy Paul Cards at the Cabin Oceanside High School

When I saw Larry Fink's series of photographs of his family and friends at various celebrations, I was impressed by how well candid life can be photographed and portrayed. Fink's series of these candid photos made me realize how simple it is to take a good picture, and how beautiful and serene people are when they're not posing, but just being So, with this realization and inspiration, I photographed my friends and family whenever they were together, doing casual things, to highlight the simple beauty that is everyday life

Rachel Petri

Rachel's 17th Birthday Bellport High School

I was drawn to this photograph by Larry Fink because of how it captures the happiness you feel when spending time with loved ones This inspired me to create a piece that showed a time when I was filled with joy and surrounded by my closest friends and family In my work, I use dark shadows in the background and warm colors on my face and cake to convey the emotions behind the memory. The warm colors show the comfort and unconditional love you feel from your family, as well as the vivid emotions you feel when thinking of a happy memory The shadows show how a memory can feel “fuzzy” and the small details you may forget.

Helena Pirozzi Inspiration Point (at Yellowstone National Park) Sayville High School

The sunrise breaks the start of a new day Each fresh dawn holds the possibility of making up for mistakes from the day prior. These fresh starts afford new thoughts These thoughts start off dull and gray, but when the sun hangs high in the sky, they often sharpen to become a kaleidoscopic gay memory But these memories are not safe and permanent. They can falter with just a few clouds that obscure the sun. These metaphorical storm clouds that rip through the sky can result in a frozen nose and a stressed moody brain I found myself on the treacherous paths of Yellowstone, in search of a landscape relating to Dove's piece. Finding that safe passage between the mountains, away from the storm clouds was exhausting In order to find true relief from the repetitions of daily life, one must release the ideas they harbor Each of us carries a waterfall of potential, a display of the cycle of change and acceptance that we carry into each new tomorrow At the break of each dawn, you find yourself lying upon the weathering mountains, wringing your brain tomorrow is a new day at Inspiration Point.

*Donald G. Horn, Jr. Scholarship Award

Anisa Ruiz

She is Art

Hicksville High School

Adam Straus created a piece that was calming and eye-catching, taking a view of a peaceful golf course and juxtaposing it against newspaper and shopping lists. These things remind me of being at my grandmother's house. I often sit in her sunroom, which is filled with plants, where you hear birds chirping and she is talking about what she needs to do that day Seeing these things in Straus’ work reminds the viewer that although life can be beautiful, we cannot hide from the monotony and reality of our daily lives. For my piece, I focused on Straus’ creative combination of materials She is Art is a self portrait done in a way that is unique to my style I wanted to show the viewer how my brain and how emotions play a vital role in my paintings. I used spray paints, ink markers, colored pencils, and acrylic paint to create an abstracted version of myself The text “She is Art” comes from a poem I had read years ago and it has stuck with me ever since. To me, “She is Art” means that women in themselves are beautiful beings Women are all independently valued and strong In my painting I wanted to express my values, goals and dreams Encouraging all women to find acceptance in their body. Accepting oneself helps you discover your true self in order to become the best version of yourself you can be.

*Honorable Mention

Kendra Saint Louis Child's play

Uniondale High School

I was most drawn to Robert Carter’s work as it reminded me of my own style and love of collage This piece shows quality time spent together sharing moments at the piano It reminded me of my childhood I would get hurt often when I played outside - I would get cuts and abrasions on my body and my mom would take care of me I didn't spend a lot of time with my mom when I was younger because she would work a lot so these sparse moments were special to me. I wanted to use warm colors to emit warmth and love from the hands that are taking care of the child's knee.

Ava Sarrocco Night Train

Half Hollow Hills High School East

I was inspired by Interior Kitchen by Helen Miranda Wilson. I wanted to recreate a similar ominous feeling, using color, shadow, and perspective to capture that same mysterious quality Depicting a train that is usually bright and filled with people, and showing an empty space leaves the viewer with a sense of paranoia that lends to this eerie atmospheric piece.

Abigail Scaccia

Pelican

Lindenhurst High School

I felt Inspired by the simplicity of Torr’s pencil drawing, Duck As someone who grew up playing around the bay each summer, I’ve always enjoyed watching the ducks along the shore. Seeing ducks, seagulls, and geese everyday, I was staggered when I encountered a pelican for the first time The bird was stocky, large in both beak and body. It was not cute, fluffy, or small, yet seemed so prestigious. With its long neck, large beak, webbed feet, and rotund silhouette, a pelican’s pre-eminence deserved the spotlight And so, I created Pelican; with simple, yet detailed black and white imagery to define all of a pelican's features, I hope to do justice to its most fascinating qualities.

Maia Schnaider

Crystalline Solace

Half Hollow Hills High School West

When I originally saw Pat Ralph’s work, I immediately sensed a feeling of relief and solace; the way the figure sleeps on the couch is as if his home is his safe space One of my most blissful memories is visiting my grandmother’s house There, I too am engulfed in a comforting haven, feeling the utmost tranquility and relaxation Something that strongly evokes the emotion of this particular memory is her perfume bottles, set up on the dresser The shiny reflections in my drawing represent the unparalleled admiration I had for these elegant bottles that I would spend hours arranging and rearranging The bright and vivid colors represent a nostalgic perspective, while still resembling the same warm colors in Ralph’s piece.

Estiven Segovia Ticas My Abuela

Huntington High School

I was inspired by Olafur Eliasson’s Your House, which incorporates brilliant layering detail This influenced me to combine the idea of the warmth of family, a common theme in the Raise the Roof exhibit, with layered paper I decided to create a portrait of my abuela, or grandma. We loved her tremendously and she is no longer with us. My mom was devastated by her passing I wanted to do something to help ease my mom’s pain and to honor my abuela who was most kind and caring. I used Adobe Illustrator to create the shapes for all of her facial features. This was difficult to figure out how to illustrate all the different shapes because I would then have to convert the shapes from being 2D to 3D. I then separated each shape individually so they could be cut, layering them using spacers to add depth. I chose to use all white to represent my abuela’s pure spirit Once assembled, the lines and shapes felt symbolic of all the paths my abuela took during the course of her life and how they continue on through the lives of her descendants.

*Achievement Award in Design

Sudeeptha Shanmugam

Pondering

New Hyde Park Memorial High School

I drew inspiration from Helen Torr’s portrait of her husband, Arthur Dove I wanted to connect its simplicity in style in contrast with my hyper realistic portrait while evoking the same emotions and feelings. In Torr’s piece, she used a pencil to sketch a simple, yet effective portrait of the artist Her style is so simple that it could almost seem incomplete Emulating the figure’s pose, I depicted myself in a similar position - hand resting on my chin, deep in thought. I feel this connects with my piece because the message behind my piece was to convey the feelings of a pondering artist wondering what to create while experiencing burnout. In my portrait, I held a paintbrush in my hand and adorned a bored expression to convey the feeling of being uninspired and tired The almost incomplete nature of Torr’s piece gives off the impression of an uninspired artist feeling too burnt out to create a hyperdetailed portrait, and even leaving some works incomplete.

*Celebrate Achievement Best In Show

Shamiha Sharif

Fleeting Fabrics

H Frank Carey High School

My artwork takes cues from Sanchez's emphasis on the geometric aspects of domestic spaces. It incorporates the essence of a traditional house in my home country, Bangladesh. The vibrant sari, serving as a symbol of tradition and valuable memory, becomes a focal point that shows contrast between present and past The combination of the fabric against the backdrop of my traditional village home pays homage to Sanchez's exploration of the intersection between cultural architecture and memory My artwork aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia, memory, and the passage of time, much like the emotions conveyed in Sanchez's Casita de Madera.

Teyonna Shaw Wings

Wyandanch High School

I was inspired to create wings by looking at how Helen Torr stacked and crossed her lines on duck feathers. Starting small with paint on a piece of discarded fabric, and experimenting with the process of color mixing, I kept going and my design grew While painting, I was distracted with thoughts of my upcoming graduation and thinking about my next phase of life after high school Inspired by this thought, the title Wings represents where these will take me on my journey through life

Michael Struzinski

Untitled

Smithtown High School West

Ever since I picked up a pencil, I've been infatuated with articulating details to the best of my abilities I gravitated towards rendering objects, people, and locations in a realistic taste due to its innate intricacy. Like most people, I always saw the minute mistakes in my work. It was those details that made the journey arduous and, at the same time, exhilarating In Pat Ralph’s work, a man reclines in the surroundings of his abode. While his positioning exudes that feeling of exhaustion, there lies a sense of vulnerability and introspection. It is that sensation that makes it relatable; it’s that puff of stress released when we throw ourselves on some bedding–on the verge of slumber or deep thought. Additionally, the level of detail from the newspaper to the quilt is intriguing. Concerning my own piece, I experimented with blur Although a hint of resignation from my goal of portraying clear detail, I understood that it added depth and a stronger understanding of my composition. This piece for me was a heartfelt tribute to a teacher She was a guiding force that influenced me She connected with her students, complimenting and guiding them The smile you see is the one she wore every day. It was a warm greeting, inviting and supportive Her devotion is profound and I hope that I can return a thanks for her actions and words In my eyes, she is the type of person to leave the world better, and that is success.

Lauren Tan

Peas In a Pod

William A. Shine Great Neck South HS

What makes us who we are today? In a close-knitted atmosphere, Carter portrays an intimate connection between two figures, attesting to the phenomenon of passing down generational knowledge. To me, this familiar love resurfaced a distant world filled with wild dreams and naive aspirations Intricately crafted with layers of cardboard, this painting weaves the idyllic tale of siblinghood. More specifically my siblings and I as we are portrayed in our truest and most unforgiving forms. Looking more closely, a traditional Chinese custom appears: our Jade necklaces, capturing the beauty and essence of how older generations pass down pieces of culture, experiences, and wisdom. In every universe, Peas In a Pod holds a dear sentiment of familial warmth and strength in how we love over, and over again

*Second Place, Judith Sposato Memorial Prize

Daniella Tejada

The Jaded Spiral

John F. Kennedy High School

Upon looking at The Visit Home, I was drawn in by the figure’s seemingly unachievable serenity My work contrasts this because it highlights chaos, instead of tranquility. Ralph’s painting portrayed my vision of perfection: a neat pile of books, some flowers, a figure sleeping on a couch without a care in the world, no overlapping thoughts, just you enjoying a calm and much-awaited visit home, all wrapped up in a cozy blanket of warm tones. My piece shows what life is like when I visit home. I emphasize how instead of a serene visit home, a visit home for me is more schoolwork, and an endless amount of studying. Unfortunately, these stressful times play a big role in my life. I used cool tones to highlight the tension I experience daily in the face of an overwhelming amount of homework and tests I composed the objects on my table messily in order to enhance how chaotic my after-school hours can be I showed myself three times in the painting to exemplify the multitude of personalities that I obtain from overworking myself, rather than being calm and at peace Ironically, through this process, I found I was actually able to highlight a twisted serenity within the stress of home life.

Ashlyn Thitibordin Imbalance

Jericho Senior High School

Robert Carter's work is an incredible display of contrasts between lights and darks in a way that accentuates the interesting textures present in the piece I wanted to emulate this same contrast in my piece Imbalance Using Carter's artwork as inspiration, I made sure to emphasize the shadows and highlights of the steel scale and cardboard boxes in the foreground and background of my piece In this way, I was able to magnify the textures present in my artwork and convey the inspiration I drew from Carter's creation.

Sophia Tine

Eclectic Thoughts

Huntington High School

When I first looked at Dali’s painting, I was transported into a fanciful room filled with bright reds and yellows and a curious lamp I thought it was interesting that this piece was a collage rather than a traditional painting. These features, along with my own ideas, were the basis of my creation I thought it would be a great opportunity to work in a style I have never attempted before and used Photoshop to help me delve into this new technique. I wanted to include a photograph of a stylish woman, a nod to Dali’s piece and proceeded to gather elements that were quirky and vintage in nature. I even hid Dali’s lobster phone within my piece so the audience could have a little fun in trying to find it. I converted my model into black and white, creating contrast between her and all the elements placed upon her head The assembly of the separate elements was challenging, but fun. Not all artwork has to be intensely serious and Surrealists did play games as a catalyst for some of their artwork I took the same approach in hoping the viewer will have fun identifying and discovering all the fun items I placed within the piece *Cozza Family Art Award

Alexandra Tsang Coda

Herricks High School

My piece is titled Coda which is a structural element typically used to identify the concluding segment of a piece of music. This represents my decision to prioritize my passion in visual art as well as my departure from performance art In this piece, my clarinet is left behind on a stand amidst the backdrop of the art camp that has been a large part of my life, including my performance of music during the past two years I also depict myself as I step through a doorway, which is a poignant symbol of my pursuit of visual arts It was a bittersweet yet promising decision. In addition to telling my story, I wanted to incorporate my experience from both technical design and creative arts It was highly enjoyable using mixed media and unconventional materials throughout the process of making this piece, including light, wood, foil, etc. In terms of inspiration, I was captivated by the varied elevations Robert Carter utilized in his artwork I wanted to pay homage to his style in my own piece by experimenting with shadows and elevations to draw attention to the main points of my piece, such as the door frame and my clarinet. Coda encapsulates my artistic evolution, merging personal narrative with my artistic style It embodies a pivotal moment of growth, inviting others to contemplate their own crossroads in life.

West Islip High School

Helen Torr’s Roof Tops #1 caught my attention immediately As an artist I sometimes feel pressured to create an elaborate over the top piece with color, shading, and contrast However, seeing a simple pencil on paper piece hanging in a museum inspired me to reject this notion and challenge myself Buildings and structures are my favorite references as it reminds me of trying to solve a puzzle - mapping out perspectives and proportions for the sketch I often find that my sketches are so intricate and detailed that I feel mournful when it’s time to paint over them. I chose to work with a scratchboard to fully embrace sketching by not being able to eliminate possible mistakes without scratching away more of the board

Kaylee Turcios Cathedral

Veronica Vogel

Earthly Bonds

East Meadow High School

Nature can be a place of solace and comfort, where many different creatures can live together in unity. Much like siblings, they will fight, but at the end of the day it is still their home I took inspiration from Adam Straus' piece because the scenic landscape reminded me of the calming effect nature has The beautiful greenery and the smell of the clean air can wash away any worries from my mind. I used a mixture of oil pastels layered upon gouache to create a soft, yet bright look to express nature's positive influence on me Being surrounded by this relaxing force, and the people I care for the most, is what my home truly is. After all, a house is only a structure.

Mia Walton

Vulnerable Homeland Division Avenue High School

Courtney M Leonard’s work and powerful message are what inspired my piece. In HELM STUDY #2, an osprey powerfully rises from the water with a fish grasped in its talons on the left side of the painting. Beside it, we see a portrait of a young woman with eyes shut, clasping her hands in prayer I believe the prayer is a cry for us to take action and prevent climate changes for future generations' sake. Inspired by these ideals, I began to research the climate effects in my mother’s native homeland of Mexico Here, climate change has already impacted agriculture with significant decreases in precipitation, along with the vulnerability to landslides from flash floods. I used these facts to begin my painting by depicting water and wind in a direct battle with one another The Mexican icon for movement is juxtaposed over the wind while the one for water sits atop of it. The smaller icons spell out Mexico as a tribute to my culture. Finally the national bird, a golden eagle, soars toward the viewer as a powerful message that it is time for all of us to come together and demand change.

Kimberly Widjaja

Refrigerator Memories: My Home Hicksville High School

Altoon Sultan’s simple, yet meaningful piece caught my attention in the midst of the several paintings on the museum’s walls To me, the beauty of this painting is that it depicts a serene moment of one’s daily life Looking into my fridge, a daily venture in my life, is what holds the most memories, both recent and in the past As I reach into the fridge to get my food for each day, I am greeted with the countless magnets attached to the door. As I carefully replicated each magnet, I was reminded of the adventures I’ve been through. Each magnet, sculpted and painted with care, represents the memories hidden in each With magnets from Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and more, each memory has become a part of my home When painting my open fridge, I carefully analyzed each aspect of what made my fridge full; the Indonesian cuisines, poorly wrapped leftovers, and high sugar beverages Each food item shows the food and cultures which make up who I am, something I want to display to viewers of my fridge My piece of a half-opened fridge represents opening the doors of my house, with the inside of the fridge, cluttered yet homely, representing my disorganized yet comforting household The closed door and its magnets display the unforgettable escapades this disorganized household went through together I invite viewers to physically explore each magnet and visualize the memories they hold, whether it be moving them, holding them, or simply looking at them. Everyone has a daily routine, and for many opening up a filled fridge halfway can display the many aspects of their home, even without them knowing. I made this piece to show how meaningful a simple glance in one’s fridge can be, a place that holds constantly changing, but never trivial memories

*Education Dept. Award of Recognition

*Adelphi University “For The Love of Art” Award: Art Foundations

*Huntington Fine Arts Honorable Mention

Casey With beyond flesh

East Islip High School

My inspiration is pulled from Claire Watson who imposes mystery on her audience through various materials pieced together in a matter that creates texture and unique uncertainty The texture in her piece immediately resonated with me due to my experience with FSGS, an autoimmune disease that affects the filtration abilities of my kidneys The impurities established through her use of lentils correlates with the complex embroidery and beading patterns within my piece. Impurities reflect the mysterious nature of my chronic kidney disease through posing questions such as, what lies inside of my kidneys? What is supposed to be filtered? What is supposed to be kept? My piece provides a window to the unknown status of my kidney health. Seemingly normal to the eye, but beneath is untold

Emily Xie

外婆 (Grandma)

Harborfields High School

I was immensely inspired by Carter’s piece because of how vividly it encapsulated the feelings of nostalgia and childhood warmth I wanted to express the same emotions with a portrait of my grandmother, who raised me when I lived in China. As the years passed, I only hold faint recollections of those times and a gaping detachment with my culture. Due to a language barrier, I can no longer speak with my 外 婆 Regardless, my grandma will always be a crucial part of my childhood. To capture the same feeling of childlike comfort, I enveloped my grandma with azaleas for a bright color palette Azaleas are flowers that represent longing for home When I see Carter’s painting, I feel a contrast of wistfulness and content. It simultaneously makes me yearn for childhood and smile at the memories. While I can’t convey my gratitude with words, I hope to capture it with my painting, art without a barrier

Johnny Xu Awakening Syosset High School

Drawn to Arthur Dove’s Sea Gulls, I was initially attracted to the dark and bleak sky. The ocean conveyed an accompanying sense of coldness and lifelessness. Even though the seagulls only occupied a small portion of the canvas, the viewer is able to experience contrasting liveliness and vividness In my piece, I contrasted blue to orange, purple to yellow, and green to red. This creature came out of my imagination, but reminds me of a chameleon. In my opinion, chameleons seem quiet and obtuse However, they are quite fast and bright when it comes to preying and locomotion. Using cut paper, I incorporated the golden ratio into the chameleon’s head and body, and I added the wings to make my piece unusual, almost magical in a sense Life is indeed amazing, and is truly fearfully and wonderfully made. Just like the bright white standing out from the bleak green and gray, the shining orange stands out from the green and blue too, as if it’s saying, “if you keep on being quiet about how creations are fascinatingly made, even the stones and chameleons will cry out!”

Ann Yao

Gospel Cleanses the Soul

William A. Shine Great Neck South HS

The musical and religious motifs present in Robert Carter’s work strongly reminded me of a former staff member at my high school. Prompted by an assignment that required interviewing someone, I approached the nearest custodian never would I have guessed the lasting impact he had on me Oral “DJ Richie” Richards, an exceptionally friendly man with a smooth Jamaican accent, introduced himself as the founder and host of his radio station, Timeless Gospel Radio He told me about his journey as an immigrant who, despite suffering many tragedies, managed to find hope in church and music. I was deeply moved by how he had transformed those saviors into a career, particularly considering that he balances it with his family and day job The triptych frame that I sculpted from a homemade baking soda and gesso mixture, in addition to the Renaissance-esque composition that echoes Carter’s Baroque style, references powerful Christian artworks and DJ Richie’s faith. DJ Richie is also not looking at the viewer but rather at his hands while he works, as a nod to his humility. I further consolidated his custodial job with his personal identity through symbols, such as the spray bottle and trumpet, to commemorate the equal presence of “gospel” and “cleansing” in his life

Sonia Zahid

My Interior Desires the Exterior Valley Stream Central High School

My family's superstitions surrounded me growing up. Every move of mine was constricted by their eyes My grandmother always told me that if I dared try to escape my home, I would be met with unimaginable dangers I, who usually found comfort within my walls, suddenly had a wish to leave. I chose Interior Kitchen because of the woman's striking silhouette against her kitchen window, giving a secret glimpse into what her daily life is like I wanted to not only use the window as the central concept in my piece, but also include the feeling of privacy. Through cross hatching pencil, I show the quiet chaos in my mind: from the outside, I sit unfazed in my room, but on closer look, the messiness of my thoughts is clear. The hole in the window allows viewers to look through to the other side, immersing themselves in what I see and feel every day

Jennie Zhang

Hopeless Ambition

Hicksville High School

American Rustic by Adam Straus caught my eye because of the contrast of the piece and the meaning behind it. There was an aged newspaper succeeded by a captivating painting of a beautiful landscape with words hastily inscribed alongside Adam Straus infused significance into his work to confront issues and challenge the monotony of everyday life. I thought the way he presented his idea was inventive The dull newspaper makes the landscape pop out I wanted to use Straus’s idea of “the tragedy and triumph of the news with the day to day mundane” and the issues that can affect our daily lives. Alcohol can have a severe negative impact, as individuals may turn to it as a means to drown their sorrows and alleviate their misery Even so, alcohol allows people to become free of anxiety due to increased production of dopamine. By including this concept and interpretation of the piece, I decided to paint someone struggling with this affliction Composing this image, I decided to have the bottle coming off the canvas to show how alcoholism does not affect just one person, but can begin to consume the lives of those around them.

*Third Place, The Hadley Prize

EXHIBITING HIGH SCHOOLS 2024

Baldwin High School

Bayport-Blue Point HS

Bellport High School

Brentwood Freshman Center

Brentwood High School

Centereach High School

Cold Spring Harbor HS

Connetquot High School

Division Avenue High School

East Islip High School

East Meadow High School

East Rockaway High School

Farmingdale High School

Garden City High School

H Frank Carey High School

Half Hollow Hills HS East

Half Hollow Hills HS West

Harborfields High School

Herricks High School

Hicksville High School

Huntington Fine Arts

Huntington High School

Jericho High School

John F. Kennedy HS

Lindenhurst High School

Long Beach High School

Malverne High School

Manhasset High School

Massapequa High School

New Hyde Park HS

Northport High School

Oceanside High School

Oyster Bay High School

Sacred Heart Academy

Sayville High School

Smithtown HS West

South Side High School

Stella K Abraham HS for Girls

Syosset High School

Uniondale High School

Valley Stream Central HS

Valley Stream North HS

West Islip High School

William Shine Great Neck S HS

Wyandanch High School

LONG ISLAND’S BEST EXHIBITING ARTISTS 2024

Nancy Abode, Oyster Bay HS

Chloe Agostini, Sacred Heart Academy

Stephanie Avelar, Uniondale HS

Bayla Axelrod, Stella K. Abraham HS for Girls

Bridget Bardong, Sacred Heart Academy

Dusand Barrow, Uniondale HS

Genesis Bautista Marroquin, Huntington HS

Lena Beatty, Northport High School

Eitan Beaulieu, Malverne High School

Erick Benitez, Brentwood Freshman Center

Raven Canzoneri, Hicksville High School

Dakota Capolino, Farmingdale High School

Lauren Castellano, Cold Spring Harbor HS

Katherine Cha, Herricks High School

Julia Cohen, John F. Kennedy High School

Kaitlin Cook, Garden City High School

Emma Dean-Stahl, Sayville High School

Samyrah Demorcy, New Hyde Park Memorial HS

Grayson DeStefano, Lindenhurst High School

Lianna Dominguez, Division Avenue High School

Adison Eisenberg, Half Hollow Hills HS East

Zoe Eng, Manhasset High School

Keira Fontaine, Long Beach High School

Rahima FNU, East Rockaway High School

Dylan Friedman, John F Kennedy High School

Nikole Galgano, Division Avenue High School

Neha George, William A Shine Great Neck S HS

Maryam Haji, New Hyde Park Memorial HS

Juan Pablo Hernandez, Long Beach High School

Amira Hussein, Bellport High School

Brian Jaco, Hicksville High School

Robin Jones, Bayport-Blue Point High School

Julia Kennedy, West Islip High School

Laika Khan, Long Beach High School

Alden Kisner, Huntington Fine Arts

Keegan Klein, Centereach High School

Kayla Kleinfeldt, Division Avenue High School

Mattie Krakoff, Massapequa High School

Karley Kreuscher, East Islip High School

David Lee, Hicksville High School

Jocelyn Liu, Manhasset High School

Chamille Malcolm, Valley Stream North HS

Emily Marckesano, East Meadow High School

Labdhi Masaliya, Hicksville High School

#hmalibest

Janiya McArthur, Long Beach High School

Liza McPherson, Harborfields High School

Madelyn Mejia, Brentwood High School

Scarlett Millman, Half Hollow Hills HS East

Elena Mingorance, South Side High School

Natalia Monsale, Huntington Fine Arts

Kira Moscoso, Farmingdale High School

Madeline Murphy, Baldwin High School

Vy Nguyen, Connetquot High School

Emma Novak, Bayport-Blue Point HS

Katherine Novick, Connetquot HS

Katarina Nunez, East Rockaway HS

Jocelyn Olds, East Islip High School

Miguel Ortiz, Hicksville High School

Natalie Parrott, Huntington High School

Cassidy Paul, Oceanside High School

Rachel Petri, Bellport High School

Helena Pirozzi, Sayville High School

Anisa Ruiz, Hicksville High School

Kendra Saint Louis, Uniondale High School

Ava Sarrocco, Half Hollow Hills HS East

Abigail Scaccia, Lindenhurst High School

Maia Schnaider, Half Hollow Hills HS West

Estiven Segovia Ticas, Huntington HS

Sudeeptha Shanmugam, New Hyde Park HS

Shamiha Sharif, H Frank Carey HS

Teyonna Shaw, Wyandanch High School

Michael Struzinski, Smithtown HS West

Lauren Tan, William A Shine Great Neck S HS

Daniella Tejada, John F. Kennedy HS

Ashlyn Thitibordin, Jericho Senior HS

Sophia Tine, Huntington High School

Alexandra Tsang, Herricks High School

Kaylee Turcios, West Islip High School

Veronica Vogel, East Meadow High School

Mia Walton, Division Avenue High School

Kimberly Widjaja, Hicksville High School

Casey With, East Islip High School

Emily Xie, Harborfields High School

Johnny Xu, Syosset High School

Ann Yao, William A Shine Great Neck S HS

Sonia Zahid, Valley Stream Central HS

Jennie Zhang, Hicksville High School