Four William Floyd student-musicians – Jibreel Barrie and Harmony Goyette from William Floyd Middle School and Becky Neikens and Colin Smith from William Floyd High School – were recently selected to receive the 2025 Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA) Private Study Scholarship.
Each student will receive a $500 award for private lesson study this summer and were recognized at the SCMEA concerts held earlier this month.
“It is our hope that this private study scholarship will assist you throughout your musical journey,” said SCMEA President Angelina Wasson in congratulating the honored students. These four William Floyd student-musicians join an exclusive group, as only 20 student musicians in grades 5-11 from across Suffolk County earn this scholarship each year.
Jibreel Barrie, 6th grade, William Floyd Middle School
Jibreel is a sixth-grade percussionist who was named a member of the SCMEA All-County Band earlier this school year and was selected for the SCMEA PEAK Festival as a fourth grader.
Harmony Goyette, 6th grade, William Floyd Middle School (Teacher: Dawn Conefry)
Harmony is a sixth-grade flute player who was named a member of the SCMEA All-County Band earlier this school year.
Becky Neikens, 10th grade, William Floyd High School (Teacher: Garry Helbock)
Becky is a 10th-grade piccolo player who has received SCMEA All-County honors in each of the last two school years and was named to the NYSBDA All-State Honor Band in 2022 and 2023.
Colin Smith, 11th grade, William Floyd High School (Teacher: Donia Rivera)
Colin is a 11th-grade bass player who has received NAfME All-Eastern honors, NYSCAME All-County honors and NYSSMA All-State honors this year alone, in addition to having previously been named SCMEA All-County on numerous occasions and earning NYSBDA All-State Honor Band recognition.