Hicksville Teacher Named Nassau County Art Teacher Of The Year

HICKSVILLE, NY — A Hicksville High School art teacher has been named Nassau County's Art Educator of the Year by the New York State Art Teacher Association.

One art educator is chosen each year for each of the association's 10 regions for their contributions to art education and service to the organization. Craig Mateyunas earned the recognition in Region 9 this year, which covers Nassau County.

Mateyunas delivers student art to the community at every opportunity, the district said Tuesday. Every year he takes his students to McDonald’s to decorate windows with winter scenes. He also helps display student art at IKEA, Mateyunas shares his students’ work with the community, and motivates students to give back to their communities. Mateyunas also heads the Empty Bowls fundraiser, in which students decorate bowls by hand and raise money for local food pantries.

"Pursuing my love of art and sharing it with my students is something I love to do every day," Mateyunas said. "Being a part of helping others develop their artistic skills and build confidence in their abilities are one of the greatest aspects of my role as an educator."

The district congratulated Mateyunas and thanked him for his dedication to the school's art department and students.