Congratulations to Esma Ahmed, Aura Orantes and Deborah DeStaffan

Congratulations to Esma Ahmed for her winning entry in the NYCATA/UFT exhibition Inside/Outside: Young Artists Against Unite Against Bullying. Her artwork represents tolerance and diversity with her intention to include images showing many cultures united.

Congratulations to Aura Orantes for her winning entry in Arts Connections ‘Imagine’ competition. She submitted a watercolor landscape painting and a written piece describing her inspiration and the creative process in making the work. The painting will be on exhibit for one year in the corporate sponsor’s headquarters. In addition, she will receive a $100 gift certificate for art supplies.

Deborah DeStaffan, Visual Art teacher, is the recipient of the Art Educator 2017 award for high school. A presentation of student work, exhibits, and awards, and record of her advocacy for the Arts at HPHS was submitted to the New York City Art Teacher’s Association/UFT for a juried competition. The award will be presented at a special event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She was nominated by Ms. Tavarez, AP of Math and The Arts, and Mr. Argiro, Guidance