2024 Scholar-Artist, Saadiyah Proctor (North Babylon HS)

ANNOUNCING THE

2026 Long Island Scholar-Artist Winners

As summer comes to a close, we’re thrilled to share some bright news for the arts on Long Island. After our largest and most competitive application cycle yet, Long Island Arts Alliance and Newsday are proud to announce the 2026 class of Scholar-Artists and Merit Award winners. 

These 40 outstanding high school seniors represent schools across Nassau and Suffolk Counties and demonstrate exceptional achievement in both academics and the arts.

MEDIA ARTS

Scholar-Artists

Kiley Barch, Huntington HS

Angelica Garcia, East Rockaway HS

Ava Maia, H. Frank Carey HS

Emma Wilck, Half Hollow Hills East

Merit Awards

Kaya Dobrzanski, Half Hollow Hills HS West

Mason Foster, Glen Cove HS

Grace Lu, POB JFK HS

Grace Lu, Syosset HS

MUSIC

Scholar-Artists

Edwin Ko, Herricks HS

Gavin Wahlen, Centereach HS

Serena Wu, Roslyn HS

Stephen Ye, Miller Place HS

Merit Awards

Justin DeRosalia, Newfield HS

Ava Helbock, Sayville HS

Timothy Sandbichler, Chaminade

Abigail Vuong, Locust Valley HS

Catherine Ziegler, Cold Spring Harbor HS

THEATER

Scholar-Artists

Isabella Ertel, Paul D. Schreiber HS

Ethen Hong, Syosset HS

Lucy Maniatis, Walt Whitman HS

Elanor Rubin, South Side HS

Merit Awards

Julia Gordon, Commack HS

William Herbert, Farmingdale HS

Carolyn Sparacio, Oceanside HS

Lily Wasoski, Huntington HS / LIHSA

DANCE

Scholar-Artists

Tessa Frascogna, Garden City HS

Madison Kayton, Half Hollow Hills West

Lina Murale, LIHSA / Bellmore-Merrick Central HS

Kate Sabellico, Walt Whitman HS

Merit Awards

Kako Murayama, Paul D. Schreiber HS

Anya Schade, Oyster Bay HS

Hannah Weiss, Oceanside HS

VISUAL ARTS

Scholar-Artists

Yeewan (Melody) Chen, Syosset HS

Sara Erxleben, New Hyde Park Memorial HS

Hang Mi, Manhasset HS

XinXin (Tina) Tu, Garden City HS

Merit Awards

Raven Canzoneri, Hicksville HS

Yijia Chen, John L. Miller Great Neck North HS

Alana Cornacchiulo, Bellport HS

Pavithra Eswar, The Wheatley School

These students exemplify the dedication and creativity that come from pursuing excellence in both academics and the arts. The Scholar-Artist program highlights how the arts are an essential part of a well-rounded education, developing critical thinking, collaboration, and a deeper sense of community.

LIAA and Newsday will spotlight each Scholar-Artist with an in-depth profile published monthly from September through June. These features will highlight their creative journeys, academic pursuits, and future goals. Check back throughout the year to meet each student and be inspired by their stories and be sure to follow us on Instagram where we will spotlight the students throughout the year. Check out last year’s winners here!

Scholar-Artist Class of 2026 Webpage: https://longislandartsalliance.org/scholar-artist-awards/2026

Thank you to our selection committee, teachers, families, and school administrators for championing arts education across the region. And a special thank you to our media partner, Newsday, and to our sponsor, Arts Reach Fund at The New York Community Trust, for making this program possible.

Congratulations to the 2026 honorees, we can’t wait to share your stories.

Warmly,

Long Island Arts Alliance