The Sewanhaka Central High School District art department is proud to announce that New Hyde Park Memorial High School senior Sara Erxleben and H. Frank Carey High School senior Ava Maia were recently honored at the Long Island Scholar-Artist Awards Ceremony, held at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts.
Both students were recognized as 2025-2026 Scholar Artists by Newsday through its esteemed Long Island Scholar Artists Program. Presented in partnership with the Long Island Arts Alliance, this program honors a select group of high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding ability in the visual arts, music, theater, dance and media arts, while also maintaining a strong academic record. Recognition in this program is highly competitive, with nominations submitted by schools across the region.
In an exceptional achievement, both students were also selected to be featured on the cover of this year’s Awards Ceremony Program, highlighting the very best of young artistic talent across Long Island!
Sara, whose artwork was featured in Newsday in April, and Ava, whose artwork was featured in Newsday in October, exemplify the power of arts education and the impact it has on shaping thoughtful and expressive individuals. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and grateful to our dedicated faculty who continue to nurture and inspire our students’ talents!
