LISFA showcases outstanding string musicians in grades five through 12 from across Long Island who have excelled in their New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) adjudications.
Students are first nominated by their teachers and then selected by a panel of Suffolk County music educators based on their NYSSMA scores. Those chosen are considered among the finest student string performers on Long Island.
Ten of the selected students attend William Floyd High School. Under the direction of instructors Diana Brown Hoppe and Sarah Weber, the honorees are Emily Behrens, violin, 10th grade; Ryan Flores, viola, 10th grade; Gianna Formato, violin, 9th grade; Kaelyn Green, violin, 12th grade; Dakota Maresca, violin, 10th grade; Zahya Merced, violin, 10th grade; Vincent Montecalvo, viola, 11th grade; Ana Pena Vesga, violin, 10th grade; Madelyn Vicidomine, cello, 12th grade; and Hailey Waugh, violin, 11th grade.
William Floyd Middle School eighth grader Bobby Delboy, who plays double bass, was also selected. He is taught by Amanda Gardner.
From William Paca Middle School, eighth grader Jonathan Nerio-Guzman, a cellist, earned an invitation under the guidance of instructor Gabriella Forgit.
At Tangier Smith Elementary School, two fifth graders were recognized: Hailey Colon, violin, and Ojiugo Onwu, violin.
Their instructor is Garrett Rode.
District officials congratulated the students and their teachers on the achievement, noting that selection to LISFA reflects dedication, discipline and musical excellence at every grade level.