At a recent Sachem Board of Education meeting, several talented high school students were recognized for their outstanding achievements in the visual arts.
Jacob Ihne of Sachem High School East earned a prestigious spot in the Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at the Heckscher Museum exhibition, joining just 44 students selected from over 500 submissions across the region.
Also from High School East, Isabella Rodriguez was celebrated for her role as the inaugural Teen Artist in Residence at the Sachem Public Library. Her collaboration with library staff led to the creation of a permanent mural in the library’s garden, inspired by Long Island’s natural beauty.
Several students also received top honors at the Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts (BAFFA) Juried Invitational High School Student Art Exhibition:
* Liliana Cirello (HS East, Mrs. DelVallez): 2nd Place, Mixed Media.
* Kim Lee (HS North, Mr. Oswald): 1st Place, Photography.
* Jahzara Reyes (HS North, Mrs. Provini): 2nd Place, Painting.
A special spotlight was given to Leah Ratto, a senior at HS East, who not only took 1st Place in Painting but also swept all four of BAFFA’s major specialty awards:
* 2025 Olivia & Harlan Fischer 2nd Best in Show.
* 2025 Jacqueline C. Palmer Award.
* 2025 Bell Street Artists Scholarship.
* 2025 Women Sharing Art Scholarship.
These recognitions underscore the depth of artistic talent within Sachem schools and the district’s commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in the arts.
Date Added: 5/8/2025