Eight talented teens attending have earned a place in the Long Island Arts Alliance 2024-2025 Scholar-Artist competition for students with exceptional abilities. These gifted young artists are among only 40 from across the Island to be honored with these distinguished awards and profiled in Newsday.

Five LIHSA students were named Scholar-Artists: Dance students Scarlett DePaul , from the Northport UFSD, and Lauren Gilbert, from the Kings Park CSD; Visual Arts student Janice Lee, from the Syosset CSD; Theatre student Sara Nearenberg, from the Locust Valley UFSD; and Media Arts student Riley Wood, from the Wantagh UFSD. Three earned Awards of Merit: Theater student Ashlee Fucarino, from the Wantagh UFSD; Media Arts student Nick Miceli, from the Smithtown CSD; and Dance student Ainsley Waite, from the Half Hollow Hills CSD.

To earn an award in the Scholar-Artists program, students must demonstrate the highest level of artistic excellence, as well as outstanding academic achievement (a grade point average of 90 or above). Candidates are evaluated based on performances, a portfolio of their work and a written essay about how the arts have enriched their lives. Winners are chosen by a committee of arts educators and other professionals, with the final selection being made by a separate steering committee.