Jared Stern of the Levittown UFSD, who is studying dance at Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA), was recently named a Scholar-Artist Merit Award
winner by the Long Island Arts Alliance. He earned the honor for excellence as a practicing artist and for superior academic achievement.
His teachers describe him as “technically proficient, academically strong and artistically mature.” Stern is a collaborator who is willing to work with all students throughout his school. Most recently, he helped to choreograph a production piece with a fellow dancer and a theater tech student.
Generous with his time, Stern never misses an opportunity to volunteer. He is a dance mentor with the Rosemary Kennedy Dance Collective, working with special needs students who have an interest in dance. He is also a dedicated member of the LIHSA Dance Company, a group of highly motivated dance students chosen to learn and perform semi-professional dance numbers.
“Jared Stern is extremely talented. He is an extraordinary dancer who is constantly working on his craft to be the best he can be,” said director of the LIHSA dance department Dina Denis. “Jared is a polite, kind, committed and self-directed student who works extremely well with teachers and peers alike. As an educator, I value his curiosity and commitment to dance, as well as his artistic input during discussions. He always presents himself in a professional manner and serves as a role model to other dancers.”
“Being named a Scholar-Artist is a major milestone in my dance career,” Stern said of the achievement, adding that he could not have done it without his teachers. “I’m so appreciative of all my teachers here at LHSA. They are my main source of inspiration. The opportunities I’ve had and the recognition I’ve received would never have been possible without them. They’ve taught me that the sky is the limit and they continue to challenge me to expand my horizons.”
Stern also added that his time at LIHSA has completely molded him into the artist he is today.
“All of us at LIHSA are proud of Jared and his wonderful achievement,” said Principal Jack Lenson. “It is our mission to empower young artists to achieve their full potential, both in the classroom and in their chosen disciplines. Awards like this demonstrate how LIHSA helps students to unlock their gifts and successfully realize their talents.”
—Submitted by Nassau BOCES
