The East Meadow School District Art Department proudly presents the 2020 -2021 Young Artist Exhibition. Although we were unable to view the exhibit in person or celebrate together, we are excited to share the work of our students virtually. The exhibition, which will remain on display through May at the Leon J. Campo Salisbury Center, features works of art from students in grades K-12, representing every school in the district.

We would like to thank our students for sharing their talents and for allowing us to experience their work. Our students are leaders in our mission to create and to explore the arts and we hope the exhibit is a representation to our community that we are continuing to celebrate our students and the work they have shared.

We hope you enjoy!

The East Meadow and W.T. Clarke High School music departments put together a virtual performance to celebrate the holiday season. On behalf of the entire music and art department, we would like to thank the community for their support during this unique year and wish you and your families a safe, healthy and relaxing holiday. We hope you enjoy the show!

East Meadow High School sophomore William Kemler was recently selected as a Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership ambassador for the 2020-2021 school year. Sophomore Mikayla Verdi was named an alternate winner.

Founded in 1958, HOBY is an organization that strives to inspire and develop young volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation.

The HOBY award is given to sophomores throughout the country who best represent certain characteristics, including but not limited to outstanding communication skills, sensitivity to the needs or concerns of others, courage to speak out for one’s beliefs and strong decision-making skills.

Both William and Mikayla will participate in the HOBY Leadership Seminar, which will be held virtually in June 2021.

The district congratulates William and Mikayla on their impressive achievement.

The East Meadow Board of Education recognized the district’s Terrific Kids and the completion of a symbolic Unity Day mural at their meeting on Nov. 18.

“Terrific Kids is a student recognition program that promotes character development, self-esteem and perseverance,” explained Kevin Kamper, a distinguished past president of the East Meadow Kiwanis Club. “The Kiwanis Club, in partnership with the district, is a proud sponsor of the Terrific Kids award.”

W.T. Clarke Middle School Principal Stacy Breslin and Woodland Middle School Principal James Lethbridge then announced the Terrific Kids from their respective schools for the months of September, October and November. Normally, the chosen students would be presented with special certificates by the board, but due to safety restrictions, they were not able to be present.

Following the presentation of the Terrific Kids, Veronica Nicastro, PTA Council president, and Kelly Gelfer, director of music and art, presented the completed Unity Day mural and its significance. More than 8,000 signed paper hearts make up the rainbow mural, representing the entire East Meadow community. Bordering the mural are individually designed paper butterflies, which were created by members of the East Meadow and W.T. Clarke high school art honor societies.  

“Amid the coronavirus pandemic, rainbows began appearing in windows across the country and became a symbol of hope,” Ms. Gelfer said. “The East Meadow rainbow mural we present this evening reminds us that we are united in hope, love and kindness, and we are all in this together.”