Glen Cove High School Student Recognized As Scholastic Art & Writing Award Winner 2023

The Glen Cove School District is delighted to announce that Phoebe Pinder is recognized by the Region-at-Large program of the 100th year of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards 2023, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. Phoebe received a gold key for her work titled, “Everything Matters,” and additionally received honorable mentions for her illustrations, “Return to Dreams,” and “Incandescent.” Phoebe’s gold key work has been automatically advanced to the national level of judging in New York City. National Medalists will be announced on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

Glen Cove High School visual art teacher, Stephen Lombardo said, “I’m so proud of her; I can’t think of a more deserving young person for this honor.”

“Congratulations to Phoebe Pinder and her Visual Arts Teacher Stephen Lombardo on this momentous occasion! It is an honor and a privilege to see Phoebe Pinder con- tinue to be recognized in local, regional and national competitions and exhibitions. The talented students of Glen Cove continue to impress artists and critics across the nation in the Fine & Performing Arts.” said Lawrence Nadel, District Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maria Rianna congratulated Phoebe on this remarkable achievement and said, “I believe we will continue to witness additional recognition and achievement from this very talented individual. I wish her continued success in her creative endeavors as a young artist.”

The annual Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are the nation’s longest running, most prestigious recognition program for creative students and the largest source of scholarships for young artists and writers.

—Submitted by the Glen Cove City School District

Be The Next Downtown Sounds Teen Idol

The most talked about contest is returning to downtown Glen Cove this spring: The second annual Downtown Sounds Teen Idol vocal contest, presented by the Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District. Open to Gold Coast residents ages 13 to 18, Downtown Sounds Teen Idol showcases local emerging talent, and the top finalists will perform live during the Downtown Sounds 2023 concert series. The contest began last year and proved to be a huge success, as it not only provided an opportunity for the contestants, but it also drew large crowds to downtown Glen Cove.

Downtown Sounds Teen Idol is an opportunity for teens to show off their vocal skills across various genres. Last year’s finalists were asked to choose songs that matched the genre of that week’s concert, spanning from Motown to country, from pop to disco, and guest judges included professional musicians from the bands. Audience members also cast ballots, helping the judges determine the winner each week. Ultimately, Lexi Briones of Glen Cove emerged the winner, taking home a cash prize and four hours of free recording time at Tiki Recording Studios.

In addition to a cash prize, the winner will receive additional performance opportunities, including singing the National

Anthem at National Night Out in August, performing during the Downtown BID’s annual Holiday Festival on Dec. 2, performing on New Year’s Eve with the Downtown Sounds band, and performing at the historic Bitter End with Richie Cannata.

Those interested in auditioning for Downtown Sounds Teen Idol must submit a recording of one song on an mp3 or smartphone video to downtownsoundsteenidol@ gmail.com by April 30. The recording does not have to be professional quality – it can be as simple as singing a song in the kitchen. The contest is open to solo vocalists only – no bands, no duets – though songs can be accompanied by a track for the au- dition. Submissions must also include the contestant’s address, age, name of school, phone number and email address.

Those selected to participate in the next round will be asked to audition live in Village Square, where they will be judged by music industry professionals. From those auditions, five contestants will be chosen to perform during the Downtown Sounds concert series, which begins on July 7. Through a process of elimination, a winner will emerge after four weeks.

For more information and to view the contest rules, go to glencovedowntown.org.

—Submitted by Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District

Oyster Bay-East Norwich Students Receive A Lesson In Perseverance

Oyster Bay-East Norwich students from James H. Vernon School received a special visit from motivational speaker Rohan Murphy on Feb. 16, courtesy of the James H. Vernon School PTA. Murphy, a Long Island native who lost both of his legs early in life, shared his inspirational story with students.

Murphy spoke about how he began wrestling at the beginning of high school. This led to a successful athletic career at Penn State University. Students listened closely as Murphy shared how he overcame the obstacles in his life and worked hard to achieve his dreams. He encouraged the students to “be more inclusive in life, not exclusive” and with a student volunteer, showed classes how he wrestled with no legs.

In addition, Murphy spoke about adversity, the importance of perseverance and shared his motto in life, “no excuses.” At the end of his presentation, the students watched opportunity to ask him questions. Through his engaging presentation, Mur- inspired students to live with a purpose and never give up.

—Submitted by the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District