2024-2025 Long Island Scholar Artists
The 2024-2025 Long Island Scholar Artists Credit: Newsday
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/
Abigail Maselli
Abigail Maselli, September Long Island Scholar Artist Credit: Newsday
Film is about emotion for Abigail Maselli. The Locust Valley High School standout hopes to move audiences as she works toward a career producing for the big screen.
“I believe art should motivate,” Abigail says. “Whether that’s motivating an audience to cry or laugh, or motivating a group to change their bias,’ art is the medium of communicating with people’s humanity.”
Abigail’s passion for filmmaking is driven by a deep interest in history, anthropology, literature and theater. She views film as a powerful medium to provoke thought and inspire change by challenging societal norms. Her artistic philosophy centers on motivating audiences—whether to laugh, cry, or rethink their perspectives.
Abigail Maselli sets up a shot Credit: Newsday
As president of the film club, Abigail mentors aspiring filmmakers at the middle school, guiding them in editing, camera techniques and broadcasting. She also plays a key role in stage productions, working as stage manager for the middle and elementary school musicals.
Abigail has earned numerous accolades, including recognition at the All-American High School Film Festival in 2024 and winning the Audience Choice Student Film Award at the Long Island International Film Expo. She has also swept various categories at the Locust Valley Film Festival and the Long Island Media Arts Show, receiving awards for Best Narrative, Best Alternative Film, and several first-place finishes in comedy, PSA and other genres.
Outside of filmmaking, Abigail is a well-rounded individual, excelling as a guitarist in the Jazz Band and serving as captain of the field hockey and track teams.
Abigail plans to pursue a degree in film and television production, focusing on directing. She hopes to study abroad, explore global filmmaking and ultimately work on professional sets with the goal of directing her own feature films.
