2 Harborfields HS Students Awarded Scholar-Artist Recognition

GREENLAWN, NY — Two of Harborfields High School’s best — seniors Sophia De Meo and Peter Hoss — were recognized for their outstanding achievements through the Long Island Arts Alliance Scholar-Artist program, the school district announced.

Launched in 2007 as a collaboration between Long Island arts administrators, the Long Island Arts Alliance, the New York Community Bank Foundation and Newsday, the Scholar-Artist program is designed to recognize students deemed to be "the best of the best."

"De Meo and Hoss certainly fit the bill," the school district wrote.

De Meo, a former member of the Lynch School of Ballet and a featured soloist in productions of classics like "The Nutcracker," "Swan Lake," and "Sleeping Beauty," was thrilled to hear she was a Scholar-Artist Merit Award Recipient in the area of dance.

"I am so honored to have received this award," De Meo said in a news release. "I am grateful for the support of my family and my dance teachers for making me who I am today."

Jackie Best, who works with De Meo in two different capacities at Harborfields, was equally enthusiastic about the honor.

"As Sophia's school counselor and kickline director, I take pride in her accomplishments on both the artistic and academic fronts," Best said. "It has been a privilege to witness her shining leadership and unwavering dedication to our dance program."

Hoss, a virtuoso on more than a half dozen instruments and an accomplished composer to boot, was selected twice as the lead tenor saxophonist for the NYSSMA All-State Instrumental Jazz Ensemble and was the lead tenor saxophonist in last year’s NAfME All-Eastern Instrumental Jazz Ensemble. He responded to the news of receiving the Scholar-Artist Award in Music with characteristic appreciation.

"I’m so incredibly honored to have received this award," Hoss said. "And I’m so thankful to my band directors for all of the support they've provided to me throughout my musical journey."

Allison Scilla, Hoss’ longtime high school band director, noted the prestige of the award.

"Peter is an invaluable member of our program and I can think of no student musician more deserving," she said.

The students are part of "extremely select circles," said K-12 Music Department Coordinator Dan Bilawsky, who said the students are each one of eight or less across Long Island to be recognized within their respective categories.

"Their incredible achievements speak to their talents, discipline and dedication while also highlighting their academic strengths and abilities to balance a schedule filled with many and varied commitments," Bilawsky said. "We congratulate them, their families, and their teachers and support networks within and beyond our school walls."