2017-2018 Long Island Scholar Artists

Hymn Yiu, Nassau County Long Island Scholar Artist for September

"People always say, "artists create art", but in fact, art also shapes an artist's identity. My involvement in art has been developing my patience, helping me adapt to life changes, shaping my identity, and initiating my aspiration to be an architect." Say's Long Island Scholar Artist, Hymn Yiu. After immigrating to the United State, just last year, Hymn dove into his studies at Mineola High School with, not one, but three AP courses. He describes himself as having an,"active and impatient personality" in his younger years, but has found that his passion towards art has taught him how to keep his focus. It is that focus that has placed him within the ranks of the National Art Honor Society, the National Science Honor Society as well as the National Honor Society. Hymn's teacher tells us that, "Hymn furthers his study with additional courses at Cooper Union. He also participates in the "Ace Mentor Program" for Architecture; his anticipated college major. His involvement and community service have made him a valued member of the Mineola school community. Hymn was recognized as an all-county artist through the Art Supervisors Association and his artwork was awarded High Merit in the "Celebrating Art" National Competition."

The art of Hymn Yiu

While participating within drawing and interior design competitions, attending photography day-camps, designing different products for school activities and learning 3-D animation, Hymn has also participated in architectural internship and volunteer projects. This experience has laid the foundation for a future in architecture. "Home is never a word as straightforward as it sounds - it can be a physical location, a group of family members, a representation of certain emotions, or a specific memory. My feeling about "home" became complicated when I left my hometown in Hong Kong and started my study abroad in Long Island." Hymn tells us that his passion is to, "build clean and comfortable houses for the poor street livers who lie under the bridge".

Morgiana McDevitt, Suffolk County Long Island Scholar Artist for September

Morgiana McDevitt of Islip High School has literally found her voice in the arts. Her vocal talents have placed her both on stage on on-screen. From an appearance in the ABC Feature Film, "Fan Girl" with Kiernan Shipka and Meg Ryan to on-stage opportunities to perform as the lead in Islip high school's production of Pippin, as well as roles in the productions of The Wiz, Into the Woods, Cinderella, The Sound of Music, Big Fish and Mary Poppins, Morgiana always shines. Other opportunities to bring her voice to the public have placed her in the productions of Bring It On Bridget and the Spelling Bee at the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre. Long islanders may also recognize her from her performances at the Bay Way Arts Center and Broadhollow Theatre. She was also a soloist for July 2017 Islip Arts Council Concert at Hecksher State Park with the Long Island Philharmonic performing the National Anthem. When not working on her performance art you can find Morgiana excelling in her studies through such extra-curricular programs as; being the Junior Class of 2018 Vice President, the Vice President of the Science Olympiads as well as the President of both the Theatre Arts Club and the Swing Jazz Group.

Long Island Scholar Artist, Morgiana McDevitt, on stage

If you asked her what other clubs she lends her talents to, you may want to take a seat as the list never fails to impress and includes work with the Choir, Musical and Foreign Language Honor Societies, The National Honor Society, English Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society as well as the Theatre Arts Club, Student Government, Habitat for Humanity and the Science Olympiads. Morgiana's teacher notes that she, "is the best vocalist and performer I have had the pleasure of teaching. She has always been gracious in offering her support and expertise and in that regard her efforts have made her a resource by other students and created her own legacy here at Islip". With an eye to the future, Morgiana plans to major in policy for environmental studies and political science with a minor in music performance and theatre. Her ultimate goal is to become an advocate for the environment.

Rebekah Buon, Long Island Scholar Artist for October

"I never could have imagined my art opening the door to so many new opportunities for me -- I'm thankful that I've had this chance to give the world a piece of who I am." Rebekah Buon has a knack for the perfect composition. The Valley Stream North High School senior and October Scholar Artist has found a way to explore the world around her and deeply immerse herself into her chosen craft. With every concept she approaches, she's able to entice each viewer with a magnificent story. Even with extremely busy scholastic, athletic and civic duty schedules, she understands the need to venture outside of her own comfort zone to find the image she's striving for, "In my pursuit of bettering myself and my artwork, I have explored new places, met new people, and come across new ways of thinking, all of which I would not have had I not been doing photography." Rebekah's work has been featured in Colors of Long Island at the Long Island Museum, the From My Perspective exhibition at the Art Guild of Long Island, Nightmare on Main Street exhibit at the Huntington Arts Council and the Go APE Advanced Placement Student Exhibition which showcases the talents of budding young artists from Long Island's High Schools at the Art League of Long Island. Additionally, she was chosen to be part of Long Island's Best 2017: Young Artists at the Heckscher Museum.

The work of Rebekah Buon, October Long Island Scholar Artist

Her honors reach far beyond her artistic talents as well. She's the Secretary of National Honor Society, member of Science Honor Society, member of LOTE (Languages Other Than English) Honor Society, member of Tri-M (Music) Honor Society, and Member in Grade Counsel. After high school Rebekah plans to attend a state college where she will expand her knowledge on a variety of subject areas and mold a path for her future career. She wishes to incorporate her art into her college experience and use it as a pathway to new opportunities. "Art has made me a more vulnerable and open-minded person and I'm grateful for all that it has taught me."

Marley Jacobson. October Long Island Scholar Artist

With an eye on a career in classical singing, Half Hollow Hills High School East's Marley Jacobson excels in everything she does. Marley has served as Co-President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, Public Relations Director of the National Honor Society, Co-Vice-President of the Amnesty International Club and Event Coordinator of the French Honor Society. She is also a founding member and student director of her high school's A cappella Club, she is Co-Supervisor of the Huntington Youth Council and a member of the International Thespian Honor Society.

Long Island Scholar Artist, Marley Jacobson, on-stage

If you find Marley's her name familiar, you might've seen her in many performances at the Metropolitan Opera, as a member of the Metropolitan Opera Children's Chorus, or at the Manhattan School of Music, as a member of the Opera Workshop and Senior Select Choir. Taking her performances beyond her New York home, Marley has also performed at the Seiji Ozawa Hall while attending the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., as a participant of the Washington National Opera Institute. When asked what she likes about music, Marley tells us, "I admire the collaboration that is involved in music. Some of the closest friends I have made were through performing, rehearsing, or composing" As she looks to her post high school years, Marley plans to study Vocal Performance in college.

Frank Hufnagel, Long Island Scholar Artist for November

"Film to me is the perfect art medium. It uses images like a painting, it can tell stories like literature, it can have amazing music as soundtracks. Film is, when done right, a culmination of the arts and storytelling, coming together to immerse the viewers in alternate reality." Frank Hufnagel has vision. The Hauppauge High School senior and November scholar artist dreams of a future career in filmmaking and one day writing or directing-and so far, he's on the right track. Frank's work has garnered praise from around the Island with awards in 1st and 2nd place in the National History Day Documentary competitions, Best in Show for the film short "Looking Back" at the Long Island Media Arts Show. The Ten-Day Film Challenge, New York Competition, recognized Frank's work with the Audience Choice award, Best Cinematography award, Best Editing, Best Actors and Best Film in NY State. Franks work has also taken 1st place in the 2016 DECA competition for a PSA for St. Jude's Children's Hospital as well as the 2017 2nd place award in the National Human Rights contest for a PSA focused on the charitable work of Harry Chapin and the fight against world hunger.

Frank Hufnagel on the set directing the film, "Reconciliation".

For the past three years, Frank has been a volunteer at the Hamptons International Film Festival. He's also a member of the Hauppauge High School Chamber Orchestra, Film and Media Club, National Honor Society, and a member of DECA. After graduation he's looking to attend NYU or Ithaca.

Alyssa Marcolini, November Long Island Scholar Artist

Alyssa Marcolini shines on stage and off. The W.T. Clarke student, who also attends The Long Island High School for the Arts, rounds out her artistic endeavors with charity helping to raise money for the Red Cross and the Make- A-Wish Foundation. But on stage is where she is her true self, "It's what I am most passionate about. When I perform I can just forget about all of my problems and just be happy. That feeling just keeps motivating me to become a more well-rounded performer, and assures me that performing is what I am meant to do." Pursuing her passion for the stage has brought her to more than a few performances at Second Stage Theater. Her appearances include roles in Hairspray, as Tracy Turnblad, the "Chaperone" in The Drowsy Chaperone, 13 The Musical, and as Logainne in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Always looking ahead, Alyssa tells us that, this March, she will play a "dream role" as Ariel, in The Little Mermaid, at W.T. Clarke High School.

Long Island Scholar Artist, Alyssa Marcolini, on stage

Of course, Alyssa's work within her school rounds out her education with memberships in the Musical Club holding positions ranging from Vice President to Junior and Senior Representative as well as President. She has also been the Editor of the school newspaper, the Vanguard, and a member of the Tri-M Honor Society. With her eye set on a career on Broadway, her post high school plans include a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and settling into a life in New York City.

Jolie Robello, December Long Island Scholar Artist

"Music has had a tremendous impact on my life, and I most definitely would not be the person I am today without it." Jolie Robelo credits music for changing her life. "When I was growing up, one of my greatest fears was public speaking. I was extremely shy, and speaking to new people and/or groups of people terrified me. However, when I began to play violin, everything changed." Playing since the age of nine, the East Meadow High School senior and Long Island Scholar Artist has come a long way. In 2017 alone Jolie's talents were recognized when she was selected for NY All State String Orchestra, chosen as the Principal Violinist at All County Orchestra and Concertmaster of LISFA. And last year she was chosen as Concertmaster of NY All State Symphony Orchestra 2016, Concertmaster of All County Orchestra 2016 and Principle Violinist of LISFA 2016.

December Long Island Scholar Artist, Jolie Robello performing with the orchestra

She has performed with the Long Island Youth Orchestra, East Meadow High School Chamber Orchestra and is also a member of the East Meadow High School String Ensemble, Tri-M Honor Society and National Honor Society. After high school Jolie will be attending a liberal arts school as a violin performance major. She has her future goal in sight and plans to one day play the violin in a professional orchestra.

Long Island Scholar Artist, Shannon Culhane

Northport High School's Shannon Culhane is a hard act to beat. With awards that include Honorable Mention from the 2017 Congressional Art Competition District, the 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Competition Gold Key for Drawing and Illustration, as well as for Fashion, and the 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Competition, Honorable Mention for Drawing, Decembers Suffolk Long Island Scholar Artist has also been recognized among "Long Island's Best" with the Judith Sposato Memorial Prize, the Achievement Award in Colored Pencil, the 2016 Renzo S. Bianchi Scholarship Award as well as first place for Drawing in the Suffolk Community College High School Art Competition. When asked what her art means to her, Shannon tells us, "Art to me is a way to express emotion. Generally, I have difficulty explaining in words exactly what I am feeling at certain times, but art gives me that opportunity to express them visually. It is often a stress reliever for me and has gradually let my confidence grow in myself and in my work."

The work of December Long Island Scholar Artist, Shannon Culhane

That confidence has driven her to submit work for public display. Her art has been seen at the Heckscher Museum of Art, the Suffolk County Art Leaders Association (SCALA) Exhibit, the Northport Public Library, Northport Village Court House and the Annual Northport East-Northport School District Art & Music Festival at Northport Village Park. Shannon even has a piece hanging in Congressman Suozzi's office. Described by her art teacher as, "THE most talented, hard-working and dedicated student I have ever encountered in my twenty years of teaching" Shannon is looking forward to studying fashion design in college with an eye on a career in the design field.

January Long Island Scholar Artist, Delaney Mena

"Dance is a way to express myself in ways that words cannot communicate." January Scholar artist and Walt Whitman High School senior Delaney Mena has found her true passion in the world of dance. She's a force to be reckoned with as a two-time "Miss Dance" regional title winner in 2016 and 2017, national champion senior elite soloist in 2017 and a "Miss Dance America" 1st-runner up for 2017. As part of the Whitman Dance Program, Delaney helped to choreograph a creative piece called "While Everyone Walks By," which was performed at Stage the Change at both the Tilles Center and Whistlewood at the Heckscher Museum.

The art of Delaney Mena, January Long Island Scholar Artist

For the last 4 years she has also performed during the Toys for Tots fundraisers at the holiday tree lighting ceremony held at South Side and Huntington Hospitals. In addition to her dance honors, Delaney is a member of the National Honor Society, National Honor Society for Dance Arts, National Italian Honor Society and National English Honor Society. When asked to describe this very talented student, her teachers say "Delaney exemplifies discipline, creativity, courage and hard work. She is an exceptional artist and student with the potential to achieve the highest level of performance." After high school, she plans to pursue a BFA in dance with a minor in speech language pathology and hopes to one day join a professional, contemporary/modern dance company.

January Long Island Scholar Artist, Alyssa Arbuiso

Longwood High School's Alyssa Arbuiso is a multi-faceted artist who has found her "magic" in musical theatre. That magic fueled her passion for music, leading her to roles in Longwood's productions of Cinderella, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Beauty and the Beast. When asked what musical theatre means to her, she refers to Rodgers and Hammerstein's song, "In My Own Little Corner." "The song contains the line, 'In my own little chair I can be whatever I want to be.' Like this line, musical theatre reminds me that there is always magic to be found in everyday life and that the magic of imagination can be harnessed to inspire others," says Alyssa.

Long Island Scholar Artist Alyssa Arbuiso, on-stage

With ten years of piano lessons behind her, Alyssa has harnessed her love of music to include more than a keyboard. She played mallet percussion as a member of Longwood's marching band and performed with the Teen Choir of Saint Mark's Parish. She performed in the Lang Lang Piano Festival at Long Island University and with the 2017 NYSCAME Choir. A member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society for three years, she was awarded the Outstanding Service Award and served as the group's historian. Outside of the arts, Alyssa was Vice President of Longwood's Student Government and participated in Stony Brook University Hospital's HOPE program for students interested in the medical field. She was also a member of the Student Council, the school travel group, the varsity tennis team, the Honor Society and the Foreign Language Honor Society. Looking forward to college majors in biochemistry and molecular biology, Alyssa hopes to continue in musical productions performance groups while attending studying to become a physician.

Michelle Ng, February Long Island Scholar Artist

"a serious art student who is excited to use all materials not only to satisfy the assignment, but to create a piece which makes her proud" is how February's Long Island Scholar Artist, Michelle Ng, is described by her teacher at Plainview-Old Bethpage, John F. Kennedy High School. If you ask Michelle how she sees her art she'll tell you that is has, "altered and enriched my life as it presented an alternative dimension and reality, bestowing new ways to perceive familiar objects." It is those "new ways" that has allowed her to distinguish herself with recognition from the Huntington Arts Council by receiving their Award of Excellence in 2017 and within the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in London.

The work of Michelle Ng - Self Portrait, Mixed Media, Water Color, Pen and Ink

Having had her art show at both 10th Annual Nassau All-County Art Exhibition in 2014 and the 12th Annual Nassau All-County Art Exhibition in 2016 her work has also been displayed at the Drawing and Painting Display at LIU Post Tilles Center in 2016. Speaking further about how art has impacted her life, Michelle tells us, "Not only has it brought value to simple things, but also stimulated my creativity academically". That creativity has found her named to the National Art Honor Society and Michelle has also been an active member of the school's Art Club and a part of "Images" her school's Art and Literary Magazine. Looking ahead, Michelle plans to major in biology during her college years with an eye towards attending veterinarian schools and programs.

Julia Prigl, February Long Island Scholar Artist

With her eye on a future in business management, this music student is pushing herself to achieve on multiple fronts. The February Long Island Scholar Artist, Centereach High School's Julia Prigl, has made quite a name for herself with awards from the Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA) Division II East Band Award in 2014, the SCMEA Division III East Band Musical Excellence Award in 2016 as well as receiving the New York State School Music Association All-State Recognition Award in both 2016 and 2017. Those same years Julia also was the recipient of the Middle Country School District Certificate of Pride for participating in the All-State Symphony Orchestra.

Long Island Scholar Artist, Julia Prigl, in Performance

"music taught me persistence, determination, and motivation, taught me trial and error, and learning from failure", Julia tells us. That "determination" has shown itself with performances that include; a solo performer at the Long Island Flute Club Concert in 2016, playing with both the Symphonic Orchestra and the Wind Ensemble of the NYSSMA All-State Conference in 2016 & 2017 as well as performing with the SCMEA band from 2014 through 2017. Julia's endeavors include interests outside of music, as well. With memberships in the Asian Heritage Club, the Spanish Honor Society as well as the Centereach High School Newspaper Club and the Tri-M Music Honor Society, her scholastic resume is certainly impressive. It is that drive that has seen her success thus far and why she is pushing for more with plans to attend the University of South Carolina's Honors College within the Darla Moore School of Business and major in business management to earn her master's degree.

Vincent Meyers, March Long Island Scholar Artist

The March Long Island Scholar Artist, Vincent Meyers, has big plans for his future. From working as a full-time actor to opening his own theater, teaching privately, writing and directing his own shows and being the voice for animated movies, Vincent certainly has his work cut out for him. The best place to start any journey is right now and "right now" he is very busy with memberships in the Centereach High School Men's Choir as well as with the National, Italian and Tri-M Music Honor Societies. Vincent is also the Vice President of the Thespian Honor Society, works with his school's Newspaper Club and is a member of the LGBTQ+ Club. As if all of those extra-curricular activities were not enough he has also taken part in such events as the Asian Heritage Night, Black History Celebration, Deck the Halls celebration and Homecoming.

March Long Island Scholar Artist, Vincent Meyers as seen in "Heathers" as Kurt’s father.

With all of that in his life he still credits the theatre with making him the person he is today telling us, "I owe a lot of who I am to the theater. I doubt I would be the same person without the Arts." Vincent continues, "I just want to do everything I can to grow as a person and an artist so I can spread my love for the craft to others. Art is expression, a medium for people to communicate in ways words alone can't." If communication through theatre is Vincent's goal, his activity in the theatre tells us he is communicating loud and clear with roles in West Side Story, The Little, 42nd Street as well as in an Off-Broadway lead in Ever Random. Vincent plans to spend his college years studying Musical Theatre, Business and singing in A Cappella group

Julia Gurlitz, March Long Island Scholar Artist

"Musical theater is about communication. It's about connections and relationships. I am interested in musical theater, because it takes creativity, passion and intellect to succeed." Get to know Paul D. Schreiber High School senior Julia Gurlitz and it's easy to see she's a remarkable student. The March Long Island Scholar Artist is described by her teachers as "focused" and "dedicated" whose "creativity knows no bounds." Julia's dedication to the arts can be seen in the many roles she has taken on through the years as part of the Schreiber Theatre Company, Port Summer Show Musical Theater, Young Playwrights Festival and ACToberfest Play Festival.

Julia Gurlitz, in her natural element

On a professional level, she's taken on the role of assistant to the producer, coordinating twenty Broadway performers during a fundraiser for the Long Island High School of the Arts. And, was the Production Assistant for the Broadway Spotlight concert at the Jeanne Rimsky Theater in Port Washington featuring five Broadway stars. Beyond the stage, Julia is a member of the Latin Club, Drama Club, Treehuggers Club and Peer Helpers Leadership Club. She is also a member of the National, Science, English and Social Studies Honor Societies. Outside of school, she has acted as a delegate to the Nassau County Girl Scouts, and has given her time performing children's theater for Special Education Students at the Barbara C. Wilson School in Woodbury. After high school, Julia plans to major in either Musical Theater or Environmental Science and hopes to perform or to create theatrical performances highlighting environmental and ecological issues and advocacy.

Alan Jian, April Long Island Scholar Artist

Early on in life, Garden City High School student Alan Jian was inspired by how collaborative music could be. By the time he took up the clarinet in fourth grade, he was hooked. At every step, he says conductors, teachers and fellow musicians have guided his experience and expanded his growth as a person. "I am forever grateful to all those who have helped me along this path. My life has been forever changed, and I hope to never stop doing what I love," adds Alan. In the twelve years following his introduction to music, Alan's dedication has never wavered. "Music has played a very large role in my life. It's taught me what it takes to accomplish my goals and what it means to be a team player. Since I was young, my parents had instilled in me the virtues of discipline through music."

Long Island Scholar Artist, Alan Jian, in a 2016 audition

His accomplished career as a clarinetist is punctuated by several competitive acknowledgements including NAfME All-Eastern Honor Band and NYSSMA All-State Wind Ensemble, both in 2017. His artistry is rivaled only by his intellect--selected as one of eleven students on Long Island as Siemans Science Regional Finalist. It's no wonder that in addition to continuing his studies in the arts, Alan is also considering studying Biomedical Engineering in college. His teacher is quick to point out that his maturity and sense of commitment belie his relatively young age. His teacher adds: "Alan's achievements over many years, as a person, musician and scholar, bespeak his unlimited potential for future growth and accomplishment."

Casey Goldstein, April Long Island Scholar Artist

Casey Goldstein isn't afraid of commitment. She presides over the National Art Honor Society among other organizations and is a member of the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society at Half Hollow Hills High School East. While Casey may be best known for her photography, she is also adept at fashion drawing as well as debate, often using photography to document competitions. After school, Casey spends countless hours refining skills at the Huntington School of Fine Arts. Casey's maturity and creative problem-solving ability enables her to juggle multiple positions of responsibility, says her teacher.

The Work of Casey Goldstein: "Gold Tanzania Revisited"

In fact, Casey views summers and weekends as more opportunities to express her dedication and broaden her artistic viewpoint. She volunteers at Sunrise Day Camp, a free camp for children experiencing cancer. As Special Events Photographer at her temple, Casey recently traveled to New Orleans to photograph and help restore businesses destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. She is also greatly influenced by participating in National Geographic Photography and Service Expeditions to Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands and Tanzania. "Despite language barriers, cultural differences, or age variations, art is universal and can be viewed and understood by everyone," Casey reveals. "Regardless of the message or purpose of the piece, art itself is the sole universal language."

Arielle Waters, May Long Island Scholar Artist

As early as 3 years old, Arielle Waters knew dance would embody a permanent role in her life. Yet, some say it is her heart of gold that has proven to be her greatest asset. Arielle, a Scholar Artist for May, is a model honor student dual-enrolled at John F. Kennedy High School and the Long Island High School for the Arts. Arielle is president of Dance Arts and mentor to disabled students through the Rosemary Kennedy Dance Collective. As captain of the Kennedy Varsity Kickline, she led her team to raise more than $1,700 for breast cancer research. This year, Arielle advocated for the importance of art in education in Albany on New York State Lobby Day and attended the State of the Agency Address on behalf of LIHSA.

Arielle Waters, in Action

Arielle says she couldn't imagine a life without dance in it. "Dance has provided me with a unique opportunity where I can channel my passion and challenge myself on both a physical and mental level," she says. Through movement, Arielle gains strength, perseverance and a profound spiritual connection. "Essentially, dance allows for the portrayal of non-verbal stories and in my opinion, that is something that is both magical and rewarding and is singular to dance," she says. There's no doubt that these attributes will help her in her studies in applied physiology and kinesiology at the University of Florida in the fall of this year. She plans to pursue her dream of opening a practice specializing in dance and sports injury rehabilitation, while simultaneously serving as athletic trainer to a collegiate or professional team.

Grace Ho Jung Park, May Long Island Scholar Artist for Suffolk County

Sitting down to focus on a piece, Grace Ho Jung Park finds she can get lost for hours in any one of her artistic strengths -- sculpture, painting, ceramics and drawing. Her endeavors have earned her a lengthy list of accolades including: several Scholastic Artist and Writers Awards and featured works in the Celebrating Arts Seasonal Book for four consecutive years; and at the Heckscher Museum Long Island's Best Young Artists for the last three years. Grace also designed the T-shirt for Arts Alive LI from the Long Island Art Alliance. Yet, this Scholar Artist's attention to detail is not always the main attraction. For Grace, it's about connecting with others through art. "Art is a powerful, uniting force," Grace exalts -- as evidenced in her regular volunteer work at a Half Hollow Hills summer camp primary school program, as well as the Whaling Museum and community art museum summer programs. Her church-led involvement with special needs children throughout the year fosters an awareness

The Work of May Long Island Scholar Artist Grace Ho Jung Park

Grace feels she can illuminate through art. Her Half Hollow Hills West High School teacher says she is "one of the most self-driven students with whom I have had the pleasure of working." Grace has attended the Music and Art Academy of Long Island for the last three years. She is also a member of the Yearbook Club, National Art Honor Society, Research Program and Women in Science and Engineering Club. She plans on enrolling in a dual major in art and business with a future in marketing or management.

Jovanna Vicente, June Long Island Scholar Artist

Long Beach High School student Jovanna Vicente has acquired a lengthy list of awards for photography in addition to Scholar Artist. She boasts gold, silver and honorable mentions for National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards; Best in Show at the Long Island Media Arts Show 2017; two first place categories for Photojournalism and People/Animals competitive categories in The Photographic Federation of Long Island; and first place in Photojournalism from the Photographic Society of America. Jovanna's work was proudly displayed in the legislative office building in Albany last year. Her achievements also extend to National Honor Society and Art Honor Society memberships.

The Photography Work of Jovanna Vicente

Through the lens, Jovanna explores the world around her. "I have been able to discover my passion for different genres of photography," she says. Her body of work consists mainly of intimate portraits and landscapes she captured on trips she has taken throughout Asia. "Art has encouraged me to explore my surrounding environments and has enriched my life as I enter adulthood," she says. In turn, her process nurtures personal introspection: "I am endlessly creating myself and art is my way of doing so." Her teacher concurs: "Jovanna is an extremely talented young woman, who has an artistic eye to creatively capture what is going on in the world." Jovanna plans to continue her photography and pursue a nursing career, and attributes her family background in medical professions as the reason for her choice of study.

Alex Pinals, Long Island Scholar Artist for June

Life is all about movement for Alex Pinals, this month's Scholar Artist from Northport High School and the Long Island High School for the Arts. His participation in dance performances include the LIHSA dance showcase each year, as well as in the Arrhythmia Dance Company -- a pre-professional charity group who performs to raise money for Dancers Against Cancer. Alex also carves out time in his busy schedule to partake in the Avant Ballet Academy's "Nutcracker." He is a proud member of the theatrical troupe, the Powdered Wigs, appearing in numerous productions throughout the year. With the troupe, Alex has performed in "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," where he was a feature dancer and ensemble member, "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Music Man."

Alex Pinals in Performance

Alex also remains a member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts for the past two years. "Dancing allows me to express any emotion or message I want that can bring about real change," he says. "His work ethic and passion drive him every day to reach his goals of becoming a professional dancer, choreographer and actor," says his teacher. Alex's passion for the art of dance will extend past his time in Northport and LIHSA. He will attend Marymount Manhattan College to pursue a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in dance with a choreography focus in the fall. "Alex is very honored to have been selected as a Scholar Artist," his teacher says.