We Are Accepting Nominations for the Long Island Scholar-Artist Class of 2025

Deadline: June 1, 2024

Long Island Arts Alliance (LIAA) has developed the Scholar-Artist Awards program to present outstanding young artists to the public in monthly profiles that appear in Newsday and on Newsday.com.

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.

Awards are granted in five disciplines: Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Dance, and Media Arts. Candidates are nominated by Long Island's public school districts, as well as independent and parochial schools. From these nominations, selection committees choose four top students in each of the five disciplines. Additionally, another twenty students are honred with Awards of Merit at a year-end recognition event.

The Scholar-Artist Awards program is one of LIAA's initiatives to underscore the significance of arts education in our schools and celebrate the remarkable achievements of young artists. Since its inception in 2007, over 650 talented high school seniors have been recognized.

GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION MATERIALS

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MAY 2024

SCHOLAR-ARTISTS!

Silas Lobenstein

Hauppauge High School

Music isn't just a passion for Silas Lobenstein—it's a profound source of inspiration and connection. “I find my inspiration in attending musical performances such as the New York Philharmonic,” he shares. “When listening to music I find the deeper meanings in the song to find my inspiration.”

Silas has achieved remarkable success, earning accolades with the New York State NYSSMA All State Symphony Orchestra in 2023 and multiple appearances at prestigious events like the Long Island String Festival Association. His commitment to musical excellence is further evidenced by his participation in organizations like the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. He has also performed in venues ranging from Staller Center to Carnegie Hall.

Daniella Dell’Aquila

Manhasset High School

For Daniella Dell’Aquila, art is not just a form of expression but a journey of continuous learning and growth. “I love learning, and I consider art a way to learn,” she says. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences and past artists like John Singer Sargent and William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Daniella’s artistic journey is characterized by a quest for innovation and improvement.

Her dedication to both art and academics is evident in her involvement in extracurricular activities, from participating in the Science Olympiad to contributing to Manhasset’s Art and Writing Magazine; Daniella’s diverse interests and talents shine through.