2025-2026 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/

Lucy Maniatis

For Lucy Maniatis of South Huntington, the stage has always been where storytelling comes alive. A student at Walt Whitman High School, she was honored with the Bravo Award for Theater, recognizing her dedication and impact in the performing arts.

Lucy has brought a wide range of characters to life on stage, among them Grace Fryer in Radium Girls, Roxie Hart in Chicago, Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia!, and Susan Hollander in Don’t Drink the Water. She has also performed as Maria Rainer in The Sound of Music and Regina George in Mean Girls through the From Stage to Screen program, as well as in the Xanadu concert at Walt Whitman High School.

At school, Lucy serves as vice president of the Theater Honor Society and is a member of Tri-M, Whitman Chorale, Treble Choir, National Honor Society, and other multiple academic honor societies. Beyond her own performances, she volunteered more than 250 hours as a student assistant for South Huntington District theater productions, choreographing musicals, supporting rehearsals, and assisting with auditions.

Lucy plans to pursue a BFA in musical theater and hopes to build a career as a working actress on Broadway and in film and television. “The stage is where my art flourishes,” she says, “and where I discover who I truly am.”

Serena Wu

For Serena Wu of Roslyn High School, music is both a discipline and a powerful form of expression. A highly accomplished pianist, she won first prize at the New York International Competition for Young Artists in 2019 and earned the Grand Prix Prize and Best Soloist honors at the NY Concert Festival International Competition in 2025. That same year, she received a perfect score on the NYSSMA Piano Level 6 evaluation and was recommended as a nominee for the NYSSMA Piano Showcase.

Serena has performed on renowned stages, including Carnegie Weill Hall during the Piano NYC Festival International Competition and Carnegie Hall’s Grand Praise Celebration of Milal, where she also played violin with the World Milal Missionary Choir. In school, she has spent four years as a member of the Roslyn Marching Band Color Guard, helping the team earn first place at the New York State Field Band Conference Championships in 2022 and 2024, along with the Governor’s Cup.

Inspired by the emotional depth of piano music, Serena finds creativity in interpreting storytelling through sound and in witnessing music’s effect on others. She has taught piano to young students, including her siblings, guiding them through NYSSMA and discovering joy in helping others grow through music.

Serena hopes to explore psychology and neuroscience in college while keeping music central to her life. Speaking about her work with piano, Serena tells us, “Practice taught me patience, focus, and resilience, while the music, itself, gave me a way to express emotions I couldn’t put into words.,” lessons she plans to carry wherever her path leads.

Emma Wilck

For Emma Wilck of Half Hollow Hills High School East, photography is both a creative practice and a form of service. A Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalist for 2026, she has been recognized for excellence in academics, and the arts. Emma has also earned honors from the PTSA School Competition, the Drexel University High School Contest (selected from more than 1,500 submissions), and the Town of Huntington’s Regional Artist of the Month program.

Emma’s work has been exhibited and published widely, including through the Huntington Arts Council’s Nightmare on Main Street exhibition, Pegasus Magazine, the Heckscher Museum’s 6x6 Collaborative Art Project, and the District Art Show, where she was a featured artist. At school, she is vice president of the National Honor Society and a member of the National Art, Math, Science, Spanish, and English Honor Societies. She also served as president of the Photography Club, and has received formal artistic training since 2022.

Photography has shaped Emma’s role in her community. She has worked as a charity event photographer for “Students Against Destructive Decisions” and photographed a “Hero’s Foundation” fundraiser honoring first responders and essential workers who have passed-on. Emma also volunteered at the Heckscher Museum, creating artwork labels for the ASL community.

Emma plans to pursue a medical degree at the University of Virginia in the Fall, integrating art and science to explore the healing connection between art and medicine.

Elanor Rubin

For Elanor Rubin of Rockville Centre, theater is more than performance — it is a celebration of individuality. A student at South Side High School, she has been recognized as a 2026 Long Island Scholar-Artist in Theater and received the prestigious Anthony Quinn Foundation Theater Scholarship in 2025.

On stage, Elanor has taken on roles that highlight her vocal and dramatic range, from Maureen in Rent to the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. She has also sung with the ACDA Regional Honor Choir and participates in her school’s Chamber Singers. A member of the Thespian Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Video Club, Film Club, and Context Club, she blends her passion for theater with her love of storytelling.

Elanor has also used her voice to support causes close to her heart. She has performed with Voices to End Hunger, Young Voices Against Brain Cancer, and the HAE Foundation, lending her talents to raise awareness and funds through music. She finds inspiration everywhere... in films, plays, and performances that push boundaries. She says. “It is a joy when I see a piece of art and become so engaged that I can power down the over analyzation for a little while and lose myself.”

For Elanor, theater is a place of authenticity, “Even as I inhabit a character, I can still always be completely myself.” Elanor envisions a life spent performing and continually honing her craft. To her, every performance is an act of self-expression and a tribute to individuality.

Angelica Garcia

For Angelica Garcia of East Rockaway High School, art is both a creative outlet and a source of calm. Recognized with an Honorable Mention in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and as a Distinguished Artist in the NYSATA Portfolio Project, she has also had her work accepted into the Drexel Photography Contest. Her photography has appeared in exhibitions including the Photographic Society of America, Art in the heART, and the Long Island Media Showcase, all during 2024–2025.

At school, Angelica participates in the Yearbook Club, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), and the National Honor Society. She says her inspiration often comes from “everyday things around me that most people would pass by,” finding beauty in overlooked details and quiet moments.

For Angelica, art is deeply personal. “It’s not about being perfect or like someone else,” she says. “When I’m working on a piece, I get fully immersed in the process. It helps me focus, clear my mind, and be patient.” That mindset, she explains, has helped her face challenges beyond art, teaching her that growth often comes from imperfection.

Angelica plans to major in nursing and pursue a career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), bringing the same focus, precision, and empathy from her art into her work in medicine.

Gavin Wahlen

For Gavin Wahlen of Centereach High School, music is about connection to people, emotion, and family. A talented vocalist and trumpet player, Gavin has earned top honors in the NYSSMA program, including a score of 100 on his 2025 Level 6 Vocal Solo  “Serenata Gitana” and Level 5 Trumpet Solo “Maid of the Mist.” He also scored a 98 on his 2024 Level 6 Vocal Solo “Amarilli Mia Bella” and performed as a Tenor II in the 2025 NYSCAME/SCMEA All-County Chorus.

At Centereach, Gavin is a member of the Tri-M and Thespian Honor Societies, performs with the Jazz Ensemble, and serves as Student Director of the Men’s Choir. He also shares his talents in the community, playing trumpet at church masses, 9/11 memorials, and Memorial Day parades, and singing the national anthem at the Nesconset Gazebo.

“I find my creative inspiration from my family,” he says, crediting generations of musicians and his teachers for shaping his ear and passion.

For Gavin, “In the heart of every song I’ve sang or piece I’ve played, there has always been a bond with others or with yourself.” He plans to study music education, possibly with a minor in music business. Gavin hopes to teach choir while exploring his interest in audio producing and engineering which would allow him to continue to share the joy that music brings to both performer and audience.

Madison Kayton

For Madison Kayton of Dix Hills, dance has always been a form of connection 
between art, service, and community. A senior at Half Hollow Hills High School West,
she was inducted into the National Art Honor Society in 2024 and received a $1,000
merit scholarship to the South Carolina Summer Dance Conservatory in 2025.

Under professional guidance, Madison has performed in full-length classical ballets,
including Don Quixote, Coppélia, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Swan Lake, and her
dream role as Clara and the Snow Queen in The Nutcracker. At school, she is active in
Rho Kappa, the Jewish Heritage Club, the National English, Spanish, and Art Honor
Societies, and SADD Club.

Madison finds purpose in giving back. Through Donate2Dance, she donates gently used costumes to support
underprivileged dancers. “Performing for children and seeing their faces light up reminds me why I love to
dance,” she says.

From her first ballet class, Madison discovered sense of belonging, expression, and freedom. Dance, she says,
“has taught me resilience, confidence, and the beauty of expression.” Her creativity extends to community
service — decorating donation boxes for animal shelters and making cards for veterans.

Madison plans to study political science or psychology in college and later pursue law or public service,
continuing to use creativity as a bridge for empathy and leadership.

Hang Mi

A nationally recognized artist and storyteller, Hang Mi of Manhasset High School has
distinguished herself across multiple mediums, earning accolades for both visual art and creative
writing. She is the recipient of a National Gold Medal in Drawing and Illustration from the
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards (2025), as well as five Regional Gold Keys, a Regional Silver
Key, and recognition in flash fiction. Her work has been featured in the Heckscher Museum’s
Long Island’s Best Young Artists exhibition, where she won Best of Show in 2025, and in the Art
League of Long Island’s Go APE Exhibition, where she received the Award of Excellence.

Beyond awards, Hang’s art has been displayed at the Heckscher Museum, the Long Island
Museum, and the Manhasset Library. She has also created paper cut artworks inspired by
Asian traditions and contributed coloring book pages through the Art Honor Society for the
Ronald McDonald House. “I find my inspiration in ordinary things in life, and then I try to bring color and highlight
nuances in small details,” she says. “I also love experimenting with different mediums, like combining alcohol
markers with colored pencils.”

Hang’s leadership is evident in her role as senior art editor for the Phoenix School Magazine Club, where she has
helped select and format artwork for publication. She is also the upcoming treasurer of the Art Honor Society and a
member of multiple honor societies, including math, English, social studies, and the National Honor Society.

For Hang, art is as much about process as product. “To me, art is a way to slow down and spend hours observing
details that usually go unnoticed by others,” she explains. “I drown myself in music and little differences in the
references I use to try to capture the way I see the scene.” Each piece, she says, becomes a form of self-reflection
and storytelling, one that carries a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

Looking forward, Hang hopes to pursue a dual path in college, majoring in both finance or business and the visual
arts. No matter the discipline, she envisions a future where creativity and precision go hand in hand.

Edwin Ko

For Edwin Ko of New Hyde Park, music is a living expression of his life experiences.
A senior at Herricks High School, he has twice earned perfect scores on both the
NYSSMA Classical and Jazz Alto Saxophone Level 6 evaluations (2023, 2024). His
honors include Music Student of the Month (2024), the Outstanding Band Junior Award
(2025), and selection to the All-State Instrumental Jazz Band in 2024 and 2025, the
All-State Symphonic Band in 2025, and as an alternate for All-State Orchestra in 2024.

Edwin’s performances range from the Lincoln Center High School Jazz Program to the
Nassau-Suffolk Jazz Band, and from All-State concerts to a 2025 appearance at the John Coltrane Home for
Force for Good Day. At Herricks, he leads as president of both the Blue Jazz Band and the Environmental Club,
while also contributing to Tri-M, the Asian American Culture Club, Christian Club, and student government.

He draws inspiration from personal challenges, such as switching schools in childhood and supporting
grandparents through illness, as well as from his teachers and peers. “Whenever I am playing my saxophone,
taking photos, or participating in any creative activity, the story of my life is an important factor in all of my
creative decisions,” Edwin says.

Edwin plans to pursue engineering, possibly biomedical or environmental, while continuing to perform in
local jazz ensembles, pursue photography, and give back to the community through art and service.

Ethen Hong

For Ethen Hong of Syosset High School, art and film are inseparable parts of how he sees
the world. Recognized with an Honorary Award in the Nassau County Juried Art Competition
(2023), a RISD Certificate of Excellence (2025), and selection to the NYSSMA All-State
program (2025), he has built a diverse creative portfolio across multiple disciplines.

Ethen’s talents have seen him as a member of the National Art Honor Society,
International Thespian Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society — a combination that
reflects his interest in the intersection of visual art, music, and performance. Looking to the
“public eye”, his artwork has appeared in the All-County Art Exhibit, and his films have been
featured in both city and local showcases.

He finds creative inspiration everywhere. “Whether it’s an amazing story, an encapsulating movie, or my
friends, I love writing down any and all ideas in my sketchbook,” he says. “I’ll draw up sketches and
storyboards, sleep on it, and then work on the technicals.”

To Ethen, art and especially film is the most powerful way to connect with people. “Art is making ideas
move. It’s seeing the worlds we all imagine in our heads. It’s loving and alive.”

Ethen plans to study film and television production with acting and directing coursework, and later hopes to
create and produce his own independent films while exploring business and theater.

Yeewan Melody Chen

At Syosset High School, Yeewan Melody Chen has distinguished herself as both an artist and a leader. Named "Artist of the Month" in 2025, she earned first place in the Commercial category of the school’s annual Architecture Showcase (2024) and second place in the Residential category (2023). She also received a Scholastic Art and Writing Silver Key in 2024.

Her work has been exhibited at the Nassau All-County Exhibition (2025) and the Nassau County High School Juried Competition hosted by the Huntington Art Guild (2024). At school, she created a large hallway mural and designed merchandise for the Astronomy Club. She serves as president of the National Art Honor Society, captain of the Science Olympiad team, and is a member of Women in STEM.

Melody’s creative process stems from picking up on and creating patterns out of the ordinary. “My inspiration tends to come to me when I least expect it,” she says, noting how interactions spark her best ideas. Monet’s work remains a lasting influence.

Her art often explores change and permanence — how time alters materials while certain truths endure. “In my pieces, those two forces dance in tandem: the fleeting and the grounded.”
Melody plans to study architecture, blending STEM research with artistic exploration to design human-centered spaces that connect sensory experience with science.

Ava Maia

An inventive digital artist whose work challenges perceptions of technology and identity, Ava Maia of Franklin Square attends school at H.Frank Carey High School. Ava’s art has appeared at Gallery@77 at Sewanhaka High School, Go APE at the Art League of Long Island, the Five Towns Juried Exhibition, and Ava has received National Silver Medal and Gold Key awards at the Five Towns Juried Exhibition in 2024.

Her artistic “voice” extends well beyond the classroom. Ava has painted school murals, created caricatures for community block parties, and is a member of the National Art Honor Society and Art Palettes. She is also part of the Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Association (SAGAA), reflecting her belief in art as a force for inclusion and social commentary.

Ava draws inspiration from digital pioneers, often studying the work of movie animators like Chris Sanders, best known for Lilo & Stitch. “My art is usually a social commentary about many issues that impacted me and a lot of people who I’m close with” Ava tells us. Her own portfolio last year focused on the impact of social media,exploring the ways constant exposure to technology has shaped her and her peers. “My art is a representation of the mind of a computer-bound teen, with my digital and not necessarily ‘realistic’ style,” she explains. “It was an extremely refreshing moment in my life completing this portfolio.”

Ava’s college plans will see her aim for PRATT Institute or Fashion Institute of Technology to continue her studies.

Lina Murale

For Lina Murale of Bellmore, dance is not just a passion — it is her identity. A senior at Long Island High School for the Arts, she has earned recognition on competitive stages, including the Senior Majesty title at the 2025 Royal Dance Competition, along with the Unleashed Passion, Ambition Apprentice, and Ultimate Class Assistant awards.

Her performances have spanned both school and public stages, from LIHSA’s Winter and Spring Fests to the KTU Beatstock Concert, where she appeared as a backup dancer. She also performed in Broadway Supports LIHSA, showcasing her versatility in commercial and theatrical dance. At school, Lina is president of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts and a member of the National Honor Society and English Honor Society.

Inspiration, she says, comes from people around her. “I am constantly inspired by my peers and mentors. The resident artists and master class teachers at LIHSA remind me why I love to dance. Seeing others so passionate inspires me to continue my own passion.”

For Lina, dance is inseparable from who she is. “There is no me without dance. It’s a place where I can escape worries and focus on the thing I love most.” She plans to pursue dance in college and dreams of a professional career in commercial dance, on Broadway, touring with an artist, or performing on cruise ships.

Stephen Ye

A gifted violinist whose performances have taken him from Carnegie Hall to Salzburg, Austria, Stephen Ye of Miller Place High School has quickly become one of Long Island’s most accomplished young musicians. In 2025 alone, he won first place in the American Protégé International Concerto Competition, the International Music Competition Salzburg Grand Prize Virtuoso, and the American International Music Competition. He was also selected to the NYSSMA All-State Symphony Orchestra and previously won the Manhattan School of Music Chamber Music Competition.

Stephen’s artistry has been showcased on world stages, including two solo performances at Carnegie Hall and an invitation to debut at the Solitär Mozarteum in Salzburg. As concertmaster of the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Symphony Orchestra, he led his peers with technical mastery and interpretive depth. He also serves as a youth radio host and editor for WUSB 90.1 FM’s China Blue Summer Program, promoting music as a bridge between cultures.

At Miller Place, Stephen leads as president of the Tri-M Honor Society, Executive Student Council, Math Olympiad Club, and co-president of Science Olympiad. He co-founded Green String Inc., a nonprofit bringing chamber music to senior homes and civic centers, as well as performing with the Sound Symphony Orchestra.

“To me, music represents a form of expression in its purest form,” he says. While planning to study economics or applied mathematics in college, Stephen also thrives as a competitive chess player, tennis athlete, and PC builder — pursuits that showcase his creativity, precision, and drive.