Hewlett HS Artist Recognized by Congresswoman

A Hewlett High School student was named a second place finalist in Rep. Carolyn McCarthy’s annual congressional arts competition.

Jessie Kurz, a junior, was recognized for her piece, “Where My Innocence Lies.” She will receive a $3,000 scholarship to Adelphi University should she choose to go there.

“Long Island’s high schools have a remarkable amount of talent and potential in their art programs,” said McCarthy, a member of the Education and Workforce Committee.  “Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all the students, teachers and faculty who participated in this year’s contest. I also want to thank Adelphi University for its longtime support for this program and for offering scholarships to the winners.”

Traven Tong, a senior at New Hyde Park Memorial High School, won the contest’s top award and a $7,000 scholarship to study art at Adelphi University for his monochromatic portrait entitled “Shades.” His piece will hang in the U.S. Capitol with the winning works from other congressional districts across the country.

Thirty-three students from 11 high schools in Rep. McCarthy’s district participated in the annual arts competition, according to a press release.

The other winners are:

Awards of Merit (first place): $5,000 Adelphi Art Scholarships

— Talya Cedeno, Junior at H. Frank Carey High School in Franklin Square, for “Two Pond Fish.”

— Kylie Corwin, Junior at Oceanside High School in Oceanside, for “Fractured Beauty.”

Awards of Achievement (second place): $3,000 Adelphi Art Scholarships

— Stefanie Kaufman, Senior at W. Tresper Clarke High School in Westbury, for “Bluebird in my Heart.”

— Anthony Wong, Junior at Sanford H. Calhoun High School in Merrick, for “We Are the World.”