Locust Valley music and media students receive recognition

Four Locust Valley High School students were recognized by state and Long Island organizations for their incredible achievements in music and media and overall academic excellence.

The Long Island Arts Alliance named seniors Abigail Maselli and Sara Nearenberg Long Island Scholar-Artists for the media arts and theater categories, respectively. Maselli is a consistent fixture in the Locust Valley High School Film Festival and was invited to the Long Island International Film Festival in 2024. Nearenberg consistently takes the stage for the Locust Valley High School Jesters’ drama productions and performed at Radio City Music Hall in December 2023.

Juniors Grace Araoz and Abigail Vuong were recently invited to be participants for the 2024 New York State School Music Association’s All-State Performing Ensemble in Rochester from Dec. 5-8. Araoz (chorus) and Vuong (symphonic band) were among the thousands of students throughout the state who auditioned for this honor last spring.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see our students receive prestigious accolades such as these,” Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Fine and Applied Arts AnnMarie Buonaspina said. “These achievements reflect their hard work, talent and the strong support from our teachers and community."

Locust Valley Central School District was honored as one of the Best Communities for Music Education from the National Association for Music Merchants Foundation once again in 2024.