2024-2025 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/

Mackenzie Kling

For Mackenzie Kling, performing is about connection and expression. The Mount Sinai High School senior has captivated audiences with her performances and leadership.

“I find that the connections formed on and off stage are some of my strongest bonds,” Mackenzie says. “Performing is an effective outlet for emotions and creativity, something that brings people together.”

Mackenzie’s work could be seen while performing with the SCMEA All-County Division III East Band in 2022 and with the NYSCAME All-County Treble Choir and NYSSMA All-State Mixed Chorus last year. This year, she received a Teeny Award nomination for a supporting role in a musical drama. Her roles range from Titania in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to Mona Lipschitz in “Chicago” and The Cat in the Hat in “Seussical.” Beyond these productions, she performed as Gretchen Wieners in “Mean Girls Jr.” at Theatre Three and regularly participates in school cabarets, talent shows and community events.

In addition to her performing arts involvement, Mackenzie is active in both academic and artistic organizations. She is a member of the chamber and treble choir, pep band, the Tri-M Music Honor Society and currently serves as president of Mount Sinai Performing Arts. Her commitment to the arts extends beyond her school; she recently spent the summer in local community theater, gaining valuable experiences with different directors and cast mates.

Mackenzie plans to major in biochemistry in college, with a minor or active involvement in musical theater, keeping her passion for performing alive alongside her academic pursuits. She hopes to attend medical school and specialize as an anesthesiologist, while always cherishing her love for the arts.

Janice Lee

For Janice Lee, art is both a passion and a pathway to personal growth. The Syosset High School senior, who also attends the Long Island High School for the Arts, has used her talent to impact her community while earning prestigious awards, including first place in the SkillsUSA Regional Pin Design and the Juror’s Award from LIU Post Advanced Vision-19.
“Art serves as a way to express my ideas, emotions and personal experiences in a creative and innovative approach without any restrictive limits,” Janice says. “It’s not only a pure hobby for me but a piece of my identity.”
Her work has been showcased in exhibits like the Nassau County High School Exhibit and Syosset Public Library. Janice is an active member of the National Art Honor Society, where she serves as secretary. Through the society, she has created projects such as Elderly Portraits gifted to nursing centers, holiday cards for nursing homes and hospital get-well cards. Janice also participates in the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s annual Macy’s Star project.

“Through art, I can experience growth and self-development in many positive aspects,” says Janice

Janice plans to attend art college, where she will major in a field related to photography and design, with the goal of building a career in either of those professions.

“Art serves as a way to express my ideas, emotions, and personal experiences in a creative and innovative approach without any restrictive limits,” Janice says.

Sara Nearenberg

For Sara Nearenberg, theater is not just a passion, it’s a calling. As a senior at Locust Valley High School, she has embraced her artistic journey with dedication and enthusiasm.

“When it comes to creative inspiration, the one place I can rely on is an empty room,” she says. “I can walk into any closet, classroom, hallway, auditorium, or bedroom and no matter how cluttered or barren it is, all I can think about is how I can fill every cubic inch of space with my presence.”

Sara was recently honored with the Long Island Arts Alliance Scholar-Artist Award of Distinction in Theatre Arts. She has also been nominated for the regional Roger Rees Outstanding Performance Awards Audition, further highlighting her accomplishments in the performing arts.

Sara’s performances on stage are numerous and varied from playing Billy Flynn and Mona in “Chicago, the Musical” at the high school, to embodying Jen in “John and Jen” at the National High School Institute at Northwestern University. She has also portrayed roles such as Young Philo and Agnes in “The Farnsworth Invention,” and Emma in Abigail Maselli’s award-winning student film “The Dinner,” which won Best Comedy at the Long Island Student Film Festival and the Audience Choice Award at the Long Island International Film Expo in 2024.

Sara plans to major in musical theatre or theatre arts, with aspirations of taking on stage and theater roles after college. She is also considering a master’s degree in education.

Lauren Gilbert

Dance for Lauren Gilbert is all about energy. The standout senior feeds off fellow dancers as she performs at Kings Park High School.

“I am heavily inspired by other dancers and my peers,” says Lauren. “The dance world is continuously expanding, and I am always finding new people to be inspired by.”

Lauren’s talent has been recognized with multiple awards, including as a Kids Artistic Review (KAR) Protégé Performer Award Winner in 2023, plus numerous regional and national accolades throughout 2024. She has performed in several prestigious events, including the Long Island High School for the Arts Winter and Spring performances, along with the Encore Dance Academy Recital.

As president of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts and as a member of the National Honor Society, Lauren is a dedicated leader in both her academics and passion for dance. Dance is more than just an art form for Lauren; it is an adoration and a way of life. This fall, she will embark on an exciting journey, touring with the KAR Dance Convention and assisting their prestigious faculty in cities across the country.

Lauren plans to major in kinesiology or exercise science, minor in dance and join a college dance team, with a goal of dancing professionally. Later in her career, she hopes to become a physical therapist specializing in dancers and athletes.

Thomas Lasher

Thomas Lasher has distinguished himself as a talented musician and leader at Newfield High School. He was selected for the prestigious NYSSMA All-State Symphonic Band in 2024, and earned a place in the NYSCAME All County Band and the NYSBDA Honor Band the same year. Throughout his high school career, Thomas has participated in various honor ensembles, including SCMEA All County and was named a NYSSMA All-State Symphonic Band Alternate last years.

“I find my creative inspiration in the story that music tells, Thomas says.” I channel the emotion of a piece by sharing my personal emotion while playing.”

Thomas is deeply involved in his school and community. As president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and historian of both the African Drum Club and Class Council, he has showcased his leadership abilities. He also plays an active role in the Jazz Band and participates in the Pit Orchestra and Mock Trial. Thomas is a member of multiple honor societies, including the National Honor Society (where he serves as chair liaison), the International Thespian Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.

Thomas has performed with the Northport Community Band, played “Taps” at the Centereach Fire Department's 9/11 ceremony and performed the National Anthem at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a local kindergarten and pre-K playground.

For Thomas, music is a profound form of expression. He finds creative inspiration in the stories that music tells and aims to convey his personal emotions through his performances, beyond simply playing the notes.

Thomas plans to attend Penn State University, where he will major in pre-medicine with a minor in euphonium performance. He aspires to be a member of Penn State’s renowned Blue Band while pursuing his dream of attending medical school to become a neurosurgeon.

Abigail Maselli

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.

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.