2022-2023 Long Island Scholar Artists

The goal of the Scholar-Artist program is to honor exceptionally accomplished high school seniors September to June. Selections are made, each spring, from a pool of Long Island students. From these nominees, one monthly award winner from Nassau and one from Suffolk is chosen. To learn more visit: http://longislandartsalliance.org/

Elif Koch

What started as a hobby 10 years ago for Elif Koch has turned into a daily routine. The Plainview resident sees art as an expressive medium that helps her “focus on expressing the emotions behind memories.”

Elif, a National Arts Honor Society member, won the Underclassman Art Award in 2020 and 2022, with an honorable mention for her work in the Bold Movements Exhibit for the Huntington Arts Council (HAC). She also recently showcased his work in a collaborative workshop at the Heckscher Museum of Art for the honor society.

“My sources of inspiration include the people around me, the beauty of nature and my past experiences that have shaped who I am today,” says Elif.

Elif, of Plainview Old-Bethpage JFK High School, shined in the 2023 Master’s Showcase at the HAC this year.

“Art has taught me the power that a picture carries in its ability to express a message when words alone are simply inadequate,” says Elif.

She plans to attend medical school to become a neurologist with a major in biology. Elif will also take art classes in college.

“Art has taught me to see the beauty hidden under the imperfections,” says Elif. “Most importantly, art has allowed me to further mold my values and personality, like a block of clay turning into a vase.”

Rachel Lyons

Rachel Lyons said she had her first piano lesson one month after her fourth birthday. The Baldwin resident’s little legs swung above the ground as she fidgeted on the piano bench and tried to position her hands correctly over the keys. She was too young to have any idea that she had just taken the first steps down a path that would lead her to the musical community that now feels like home.

“In eighth grade, I started studying at Manhattan School of Music’s Precollege,” says Rachel of Baldwin High School. “I joined a community where everyone, although unique, is intertwined by a love for music. The toddler who sat down at a piano nine years prior would have been mesmerized by the fiery spirit of perseverance that dances through those history-fi lled corridors.”

Rachel won the National Arion Award and served as the assistant principal cellist for the Long Island Youth Orchestra. She was also the annual Concerto Competition winner for her rendition of “Rhapsody in Blue.”

A recent recipient of the University of Rochester’s George Eastman Young Leaders Award, Rachel performed in the New York State School Music Association’s All-State Conference’s piano showcase and served as an alternate cellist for the competition in 2018.

Rachel, an All-County piano player for the last three years, plans to study history and international relations in college and will continue to play cello and piano. Post college, she wants to attend law school and one day work in international law or diplomacy.

Annabelle Bryant

The art of acting for Annabelle Bryant is deeply rooted in watching others perform. At Cold Spring Harbor High School, she analyzes performances to enrich her own. She recently performed with professional actors in two regional theater productions at the Studio Theatre of Long Island in “Aida” and “Cinderella” as an ensemble member.

“When I sit down to watch a movie, my brain goes in many different directions from analyzing the writing, wondering how it must have felt to film the piece, and studying the actors’ performances and relationships with each other,” says Annabelle.

Annabelle won best actress in the “Hunting-Tony Awards” for the Town of Huntington in 2021 and was nominated for best female vocalist. She starred as Miss Holmes in “Sherlock Holmes, Roxie Hart in “Chicago” and as Wednesday in “The Addams Family” for the high school production.

“I love all elements of performing including acting, directing, writing and technical production,” says Annabelle. “I would love to involve myself in the entertainment industry in any way that I can, although being an actress will always be my dream career.”

Annabelle served as the Drama Club co-president, vice president, secretary in high school, and managed the club’s Instagram. She was also the lead actress in three plays and three musicals; Annabelle received the Heart of Theater Award from her peers.

The standout actor will attend Boston College in the fall and plans to double major in theatre and film studies.

Brandon Baade

Music is an expressive art form for Brandon Baade. The Hicksville High School product thinks the notes and tones of musical pieces are a better communication tool than words.

“There are feelings that spoken language cannot describe, but music can,” says Brandon of Hicksville. Brandon was named a 2021 and 2022 All-State musician and won the Reflections Award of Merit for Music Composition in 2023. He was also a key member of Hicksville’s 2021 and 2022 marching band championship teams.

“I have been committed to spreading music to younger children, especially students at elementary school age,” says Brandon.

Brandon was chosen for the NAFME All-Eastern Symphonic Band and will be the sole euphonium representation for New York State. He also received an award of merit for music composition in the New York State PTA Reflections Competition for a euphonium piece.

Through Hicksville’s Tri-M chapter as president, Brandon helped coordinate special performances that toured elementary schools in the district where the band would perform familiar pop songs. He’s written music for special holiday events and created a brass quintet that performs holiday music for assisted living facilities.

Brandon ranked in the top ten of his graduation class (9 out of 447). He will attend Northwestern University and pursue a dual degree in music education and psychology. He plans to become a band director or composer.

Maverick Williams

Music is deeply rooted in Maverick Williams and his family. The Great Neck North High School musician’s skills can be traced back to his parents.

“Music means everything to me,” says Maverick. “Having two musicians as parents, I’ve grown up with music, and I wouldn’t be anywhere close to the same person I am today without it.”

Maverick, of Great Neck, took first place in the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra’s Vocal Competition in 2021 and nabbed a scholarship from the George London Foundation, with acceptance into the NYSSMA All-State Mixed Choir last year. He’s also president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, the Acapella Club, the Percussion Ensemble, the Improv Club, the Jazz Ensemble and the Opera Club at the high school

“It’s an avenue of creative expression with no boundaries or obstacles to get across, and it has the power to let anyone and everyone’s voices be heard,” he says.

Maverick shined in productions with the Great Neck North Junior Players Theater Company including “Les Misérables,” “Into The Woods,” “The Pirates of Penzance,” “Anything Goes,” and “Julius Caesar.”

“I think that, as a performer, it’s my job to take the things that are wrong in the world and turn them into

something that can bring joy,” he says.

Maverick plans to double major in music and English, with a focus on vocal performance and creative writing, respectively, and delve into music theory and history.

Hillary Maldonado

Creativity for Hillary Maldonado is found in her soul. At Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington, you can find her drawing and painting real-world scenes and abstract pieces.

“I find my creative inspiration is rooted in my feelings and observing the little moments in life,” says Hillary.

Hillary is a two-time Gold Key Scholastic Art and Writing Winner. The award-winning pieces were titled “Stop The Clock” and “Being Peruvian American.”

“To me, art is an extension of myself,” says Hillary of Port Washington. “It is something that is subconsciously and consciously in my mind.”

Hillary worked with Plant A Row for The Hungry where she painted pots and made greeting cards for the elderly for DOROT, an elderly care organization.

“The movements I make with my hands, and the images I capture on the canvas are extensions of who I am and my experiences in this world,” Hillary says. “Because of this, I find it difficult to define what my art truly is.”

She is planning to attend the Ringling College of Art and Design’s Computer Animation program, with a goal to become a computer animator.

“There have been many people who have helped me on my journey, and I owe each of them my gratitude,” Hillary says.

Annalise Taylor

Designing clothes has been a passion for Annalise Taylor since she started sewing as a child. To the Massapequa High School student, the craft is more than just altering or fixing materials; she plans to use her skills as a costume designer in the future.

“I have been sewing for nine years,” says Annalise, a National Honor Society member. “Not only do I sew, but I also crochet, embroider, make jewelry and beads.” Additionally, she serves as the arts and activities coordinator for the high school’s Best Buddies chapter.

Annalise is currently the stage manager for the spring musical, “Footloose,” and helps with set construction. Recently, she served as the lighting designer and set designer/constructor in the Long Island High School for the Arts Winter Festival.

Last year, Annalise helped design and construct set pieces for the Madison Theatre production of “Elf.” She also held key roles in Berner Middle School’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie.”

“When I create something beautiful, it isn’t just mounted to a wall like a painting,” says Annalise. “It is worn by myself or someone else and experienced by everyone the wearer comes in contact with. I see my costumes not as costumes, but as wearable art.”

Annalise plans to major in technical theatre with a concentration in costume design and a minor in history. Her dream job would be to work on Broadway designing costumes.

Jacob Leshnower

For Jacob Leshnower of Dix Hills, playing music is a privilege. “In so many ways, music has given me the gift of an extraordinary set of experiences that have helped me grow as a person, communicate with others, and serve my community,” he says.

Jacob, a standout at Half Hollow High School East, has been accepted into Juilliard’s Summer Percussion Seminar for the last two years and attended the percussion workshop at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. He’s also a finalist in National Public Radio’s “From The Top” and has been accepted to perform on the marimba.

As the treasurer of Tri-M Music Honor Society, Jacob performed as a percussionist in the All-National Symphony Orchestra earlier this year and will perform this spring in the All-Eastern Honor Band. At Hills East, he enjoyed playing percussion or piano in the symphonic band, jazz band, cross-campus wind ensemble, marching band and pit orchestra.

Jacob has been very active with the Gemini Youth Symphony as its principal timpanist and pianist, as well as in the Concert Winds as a percussionist. He also performed several piano solos at the Half Hollow Hills All-District Honors Piano Recital.

“I am fortunate to have a life enriched by an increasingly wide variety of music,” says Jacob. “What I’ve learned is that enjoying music with other people who share my passion provides a sense of fulfi l lment that is unparalleled.”

Jacob plans to study music and statistics in college.

Sofia Cassara

For Saint Anthony’s High School student Sofia Cassara, dance reflects her journey. She said there’s a “freedom in dancing.”

“Through dance I have an outlet to express feelings words cannot convey, specifically when words are incapable of describing the raw, uncharted connection between my body and the music,” says Sofia.

Sofia received awards for contributions to the Nissequogue River State Park Quilt, winning third place in 2014 and first place in 2015. In the summer of 2021, she trained with the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and was accepted into its year-round program. In 2022, she attended the Cincinnati Ballet’s Summer Intensive on a merit scholarship and was offered to join the Professional Training Division.

“I live vicariously through each and every note, moving with the surges and swells like a boat swaying upon the sea, and for brief moments my thoughts concede to the music’s presence,” Sofia, a Lynch Ballet Company annual showcase performer in roles for “Don Quixote” and “Swan Lake,” among many other productions, says.

An AP Scholar with Distinction last year, Sofia was also named an AP Scholar with Honor in 2021. The Kings Park resident recently gained acceptance into summer intensives with the Bolshoi Ballet, Orlando Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. In Sofia’s spare time, she enjoys drawing, painting and started studying the Czech language.

Sofia, a Math, History, Science and National honor society student, is a crucial member of Caring Adolescents Reaching the Elderly and Saint Anthony’s Leadership Team. She plans to major in applied math, data science, or chemistry in college with a double-major or minor in dance.

Benjamin Schlaich

Benjamin Schlaich's love for art is a way to express true emotions. At the Long Island High School for the Arts, the Northport resident says it's the easiest way for him to open up.

"If I like something, I draw it, then it's a part of me and the path I've walked to get here," says Benjamin, a Northport High School standout.

A Joan Aboff Memorial Arts Scholar, Benjamin loves drawing murals depicting symbols for unity or important historical figures. Specifically, the 1920’s era French composer Maurice Ravel. Benjamin is planning a large-scale portrait of Ravel to complement Northport’s piece on Arnold Schoenberg, an influential surrealist composer.

“My art is both very private and very public,” Benjamin says. “The images themselves, I’m comfortable sharing with almost anyone, but the dense layers of thought put into each of them are something for me to know fully.”

Benjamin feels each piece of work is "an invitation for myself and others to peek into who I was when I was making it. Most of his work is displayed in the Long island High School for the Arts gallery.

A National Arts Honor Society member, Benjamin is also president of the Art and Literary Magazine and a member of the school’s newspaper. He also has a strong background in classical piano thanks to his teacher, Natasha Stollmack.

Benjamin plans to attend a liberal arts college for sound recording and music production.

“Fine and digital art is something that I think will stick with me for life, as through all my work in getting to where I am, I’ve learned to both develop and execute a vision,” says Benjamin.

Natalie Hayes

Aspiring artist Natalie Hayes of East Rockaway feels art works as way for people to express their “true self and express experiences that I’m incapable of explaining in words.” Having an open mind is key.

“I have learned to find inspiration within the people and environments that I surround myself with on a daily basis,” says the East Rockaway High School standout. “This method of discovering new opportunities to allow for a greater way of thinking can be influenced by something as simplistic as the people that I pass on my way to school.”

Natalie won first place in the 2021 Nassau County High School Juried Competition and took home an Award of Excellence from the Long Island Art League last year. She also nabbed a national gold medal in the 2022 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

“When the word ‘art’ pops up in my head, I think about letting go,” says Natalie. “Creating art, for me, is an escape. Art creates an atmosphere that silences all noise and focuses my mind on the canvas.”

Natalie, a National Honor Society Art Club member, won the 2021 Scholastic Awards Summer Scholarship Award, the 2022 Renzo & Lynette Bianchi Scholarship Award and took first place in the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts’ 32nd Annual Judged Art Show. She spends her free time doing art projects.

Natalie is currently in the college application process. After college, she intends on becoming an art teacher to “share my love for creating work that consists of an endless number of various mediums and materials in order to illustrate a conceptual meaning or purpose.”

Jake Van Eycken

Music for Commack’s Jake Van Eycken starts with soundtracks, and they help the Commack High School musician find his inspiration. “Listening to the beautifully written harmonies and the complex storylines influences me as a performer to tell these stories with purpose and truth, in hopes that I can move people as much as the soundtracks moved me,” says Jake. 

Jake was accepted into the Berklee College of Music Summer Vocal/Choral and also nabbed acceptance into the NYSSMA All-State Mixed Choir for two consecutive years. He also shined in the National Association for Music Education’s All-National Mixed Choir in 2022. Jake is currently prepping for the production of “Les Misérables,” as Jean Valjean for The Suffolk Y JCC at Stage 74 with a Feb. 4 and 5 launch.

“I wouldn’t be my true self without my music,” says Jake. “It is my ability to perform on a stage that makes my life complete. I never know who I am performing for, and thus, I give every performance my all. It may be someone’s first, or last time seeing a show, so I silently dedicate each performance to those people.” 

Jake, a four-year member of the International Thespian Society, where he serves as treasurer, is vice president of the Environmental Action Club and participates in the Chamber Choir and Vocal Jazz. You could see him performing at homecoming, football games, pep rallies and board of education meetings each school year.

Jake plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in musical theater and vocal performance. After college, his goal is to audition for large-scale productions and pursue a master’s degree in choral conducting.

Carolyn Lau

For Herricks High School senior Carolyn Lau, playing the flute is a strong passion that allows her to form a deeper, expressive connection with others, like at the Juilliard PreCollege where she shines in the orchestra.

“To me, each piece, even each measure, holds a different character and emotion that I can search for within myself to bring out and reflect on,” says Carolyn. “When I play, I am transported to a new place where my body, breath, and emotions are all one with the music.”

Carolyn is one of four flutists selected nationwide to serve as co-principal flute for Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA) European Concert Tour. She’s also one of three winners of the National Flute Association’s High School Masterclass Competition. In addition, Carolyn is co-regional director for the Back to Bach Project, an initiative that organizes events dedicated to inspiring music in children.

“My creative inspiration comes from my current teacher, Carol Wincenc, and all the wonderful teachers I've had and the talented young musicians I've met over the years,” she says.

Carolyn has soloed with orchestras and performed the Nielsen Flute Concerto with the North Shore Symphony Orchestra and the Borne Carmen Fantaisie with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York.

Outside of music, she is the president of her school’s DECA business club and tutoring club, editor-in-chief of the OPUS literary journal, and a varsity volleyball athlete.

Carolyn hopes to continue sharing her love of music with others. “I realize how music can break down barriers as differences seem to dissipate when we unite under a shared passion and meaning,” she says.

Isabella Yorke

Photography for Isabella Yorke goes beyond the camera. The Garden City High School standout credits her sisters as early subjects that helped hione her skills “The people in my life are my biggest inspiration,” says Isabella, winner of the 2021 Nassau All-County Art Exhibition Achievement Award. “My inspiration for photography comes from the beauty around me, whether it is a mosquito on a log or a little boy sitting on a dock.”

Photography allows for cohesion, according to Isabella. To her, art is a communication tool to the world.

“Life around me allows me to be creative,” says Isabella, president of the high school’s National Italian Honors Society.  “The people in my life, like my family and teachers inspire me to take my creativity to new heights.”

Isabella is the captain of the Garden City Varsity Cheerleading team for three years running, photo editor of the yearbook, Tri-M Honor Society member and a vocal jazz singer in the National Charity League. She took pictures for Garden City's Senoir Awards Night in the spring. Isabella served as principle photographer for the National Charity League Tea, a mother-daughter volunteer organization

“As a person views an image they feel an abundance of different emotions,” says Isabella. “A picture can move people and inspire them, but it is something that everyone can relate to.”

Isabella plans to attend a four-year university while remaining in photography-driven endeavors.

“I do not know what the future holds but I do know that photography will always be a major part of my life,” she says.

Brianna Smith

Long Beach’s Brianna Smith feels dance is a free-flowing experience. She credits fellow dancers for inspiring her performances.

“I find my creative inspiration through music and rhythm,” says Brianna, a Long Beach High School student. “I also find it in the people around me and the way their pedestrian movements can be manipulated into dance. Art, to me, means expressing myself, and allowing myself to let go of whatever I am holding on to. It means feeling free and happy.”

Brianna is a Jump Scholarship Winner from a recent Jump Dance Convention, a Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) Spring and Winter Showcase standout and shined at the annual Magnolia Dance Academy Recital. She also serves as vice president of the Youth Wellness Council “Fragments” writing magazine and holds a membership on the National Honors Society.

Brianna is the captain of the competition team for Magnolia and serves as president of the Student Council at LIHSA.“I am very grateful for my family, and without them I would not be the person and dancer I am today,” she says.Brianna plans to do a summer dance intensive before starting college and will continue to study her craft at a four-year university. After college, she will work toward joining a dance company. “I want to dance in every and any way I can; whether that means dancing in a company, or choreographing,” Brianna says.

Ashley Park

Dix Hills native Ashley Park finds creative inspiration throughout her daily life. Her favorite part about art is the storytelling nature of individual pieces. “I believe that art cannot reach its full potential without the substance that it holds,” says Ashley of Half Hollow Hills High School West. “Having interest in art and writing, I hope to use both these mediums of voice to tell stories and bring light to them, especially the mundane interactions, things and thoughts in life.”

Ashley’s work has been featured at the YoungArts gallery, Carnegie Mellion Heckscher Park Long Island Best Exhibit and at the SCALA showcase. Her upcoming exhibitions are set for Sarasota, Florida’s Bayfront Park starting in January 2023, North Port Butler Park in March and Bradenton State College of Florida in April. She is a member of the Art Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, National Honor Society, French Honor Society and Social Studies Honor Society.

Ashley also serves as design editor of Hills West Media and as a stage crew member. Her talents are also on display for the Cross Campus Wind Ensemble and other music organizations. She’s the recipient of the YoungArts Merit Award Scholarship, Scholastics Gold Medal, SCALA Student Art Showcase Best in Show, among other accolades.

Ashley plans to major in art, specifically fine arts with a minor in art history. Post-college, she wishes to become a museum curator.

Rainer Pasca

Bay Shore High School’s Rainer Pasca feels the influence of art varies from person to person. He’s in a constant state of inspiration when it comes to his work.

“I think of art as a reflection of the subjective human experience, so I find creative inspiration in the beauty and nature of life, as well as the visceral,rough-around-theedges emotions I feel and reflect on when my head hits the pillow at night,” says Rainer, a Bay Shore resident. Rainer starred as the lead in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” as the lead, worked tirelessly for Lynn Clark Summertime Players and was heavily involved the school’s Cabaret Night, among many other productions. He nabbed a 2022 Teeny nomination and win for “best actorin a drama or comedy” as Wadsworth in “Clue.” He was a finalist in the Suffolk County Teen Poet Laureate and took first-place for Fiction in the Writers' Block.

“For me, the arts are a mirror, a family, a gateway, a safe space, a microphone, a sounding board, and a flashlight in the dark,” says Rainer.

Rainer, president of the high school’s Gay-Straight Alliance, holds the same position in the school’s Tri-M Honor Society and serves as Thespian Troupe 2963 treasurer. He recently led a performance at a fundraiserfor Five Loaves & Shoeleather, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides homeless people and displaced populations with aid. Rainer also serves as student editor of his high school’s award-winning literary art magazine, “The Writers’ Bloc.”

Rainer plans to pursue a degree in acting but sees his artistic side blossoming into someone that writes novels, screenplays, poems and songs.

Giovanna Salvaggio

Hauppauge High and Bixhorn Technical Schools standout, Giovanna Salvaggio, finds inspiration in media.

“Growing up watching movies and hearing stories with a fairy tale ending has inspired me to create magic in my own life, by capturing the true essences of the wonderful things that surround me every day,” says Giovanna.

Giovanna received an award from Senator Alexis Weik for a Juneteenth Essay Contest sponsored by the senator’s office. The Hauppauge native was also honored by the LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton, placing in the top three of its art exhibition. Her artwork has also been featured in the Suffolk County Community College Art Exhibit.

At her high school, Giovanna is part of the Creative Writing and Scratch-Board Club plus the Art and Photography Club. She is also a member of the Hauppauge English Honor Society.

“In my community my artistic work has consisted of taking photos for other students, the yearbook and honor societies,”

Giovanna says. “In the past year I have taken yearbook photos at Riverhead Middle School. I have also taken senior portraits for the students as Sequoia High School.”

Giovanna plans to attend a four-year university in Florida. She’s undecided on a major but plans to take a variety of classes that challenge and inspire her both creatively and academically. After college, she hopes to travel the places she has only seen in photographs and would like to scuba dive.

Nikhita Kapoor 

Art is an extension of an exciting reality for Nikhita Kapoor of Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School.

“I get creative inspiration from many of my own life experiences, especially my own culture and interests,” says Nikhita, of Plainview. “I really love surrealism and dreamy aesthetics. Various social media artists also inspire me every day with their unique artworks and themes.”

Nikhita’s work won Best in Show for 2D Digital Art at the recent Long Island Media Arts Festival exhibition at Five Towns College and the high school’s Excellence in Art Underclassmen Award. Her work was displayed at the Huntington Art Council’s “Bold Movements” exhibition, the Joysetta and Julius Pearse African American Museum of Nassau County and at the East Norwich Public Library.

The local standout created more than 25 pieces and calligraphies to be donated to various hospitals, nursing homes and organizations through nonprofit organizations, including Long-Island Laboring Against COVID-19 and Girl Pride International. Donations were made in support of those suffering from during the pandemic.

“My art is an integral part of me,” says Nikhita. “The pieces I come up with convey the thoughts in my mind that really can’t be done any other way. Every part of it is unique to me, from the colors I use to the strokes I make.”

Nikhita is the current vice president of technology in National Art Honor Society and a key member of Science Honor, Spanish Honor and National honor societies.

“When put together, everything tells a visual story that only I can tell,” she says. “I love exploring different possibilities, as my art allows me to create whole worlds from a blank canvas.”

Nikhita plans to study animation in college. Her dream is to work as a visual development or concept artist.

Fern Brazeau

Dance is all about creative inspiration for Fern Brazeau. At Walt Whitman High School, she said it’s hard to imagine her life without dance because the craft combines “artistic and athletic skill, which is why I think I enjoy it so much.”

Fern, of South Huntington, was seen dancing in performances for the Huntington Center for Performing Arts, Seiskaya Ballet and Lynch Ballet. She performed an Arabian dance and as Dew Drop Fairy in “The Nutcracker,” shined in the Spanish variation from “Swan Lake” and as Princess Florine in “Sleeping Beauty” over the last two years. Fern also worked on three modern pieces in the high school’s dance concert in May, as well as in Whitman’s “Legally Blonde.”

“A piece of music’s tone or feeling is what I use to create energy in my dancing,” Fern says. “I think the most beautiful dancing comes from when a dancer blends together their movements and emotion into the music.”

Fern kept busy this summer, from joining the New York State Summer School of the Arts ballet and American Ballet to performing for the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet to the Boston Ballet, among other programs.

“I have always found tremendous beauty in dance and from a young age have wanted to have the skills to create that beauty,” Fern, a National Honors Society, SADD Club, Fashion Club and Amnesty Club member, says. “Dance gives me a sense of stability and safety because despite any other challenges I have going on, I can always come back to the dance studio.”

Fern plans to study dance in college and continue her training. She also hopes to double major in a different academic field or minor in something non-dance related. Post college, she plans dance professionally for a ballet company and become a dance educator.