WVHS seniors recognized for outstanding artistic achievement

NEWS

WVHS seniors recognized for outstanding artistic achievement

April 30, 2019
Group photo of honorees with parents and nominating teachers.

At the Humanities Breakfast, L-R are Kristen Spano, Mr. and Mrs. Citarella, Abigail Citarella, Ethan Tuomala, Mrs. Tuomala, and Noreen Hanson.

Warwick Valley High School seniors Abigail Citarella and Ethan Tuomala were among 34 honorees from 16 school districts recognized at the 2019 Orange-Ulster BOCES Senior Scholar Humanities Breakfast, on April 25.

The annual event honors outstanding artistic achievement in the region and is presented to one male and one female senior per school district. Nominees must be in good academic standing and demonstrate above-average artistic engagement in music, art, drama, instrumental and/or choral programs. They are considered to have special artistic abilities and a passion for the arts that may not be recognized by traditional school programs and awards.

Ethan Tuomala was nominated by music teacher Noreen Hanson to receive the Senior Scholar Humanities Award in Music. Abigail Citarella was nominated by art teacher Kristen Spano for Senior Scholar Humanities Award in Art.

About Warwick’s Senior Scholars

Student and teacher pose together by a painted rocking chair.

Abigail Citarella (right) was nominated by art teacher Kristen Spano. The painted rocking chair is one of Abigail’s artworks.

Abigail Citarella has been actively involved in the High School’s Drama Club for four years and contributed to designing and crafting of the sets for Mamma Mia!, Beauty and the Beast, Charlotte’s Web, 42nd Street, and Murder’s in the Heir. Outside of school, Abigail volunteers her time at the Surflight Theatre in Long Beach Island, NJ, dressing the actors and altering costumes. Her artwork has been exhibited throughout the county and recognized with several awards.

“I felt honored as a student to receive such a prestigious award for my artistic achievements and hard work,” Abigail said.

Somehow, Abigail has also found time to give back to the community by tutoring children of migrant farmworkers through the Alamo Farm Workers Community Center in Pine Island. In the fall, she will be attending Purchase College to study costume design.

Student and teacher posing together

Ethan Tuomala was nominated music teacher Noreen Hanson.

Ethan Tuomala is president of the Meistersingers, the WVHS Honors Choir, and vice-president of the Drama Club. A member of both groups throughout his high school career, Ethan has performed at All-County, Jazz All-County, and Area-All-State Choir festivals for several years, and at the All-State Jazz Choir festival in his senior year. Ethan will be attending Ithaca College this fall where he plans to major in history.

“The Arts have always had an important place in my life,” Ethan Tuomala said. “Being a part of the choir program has made me the person I am today. I am honored to have received this award.”

The Senior Scholar Humanities Breakfast was held at Kuhl’s Highland House in Middletown. Warwick’s honorees were cheered by their parents, nominating teachers Noreen Hanson and Kristen Spano, WVHS Principal Dr. Larry Washington, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Leach.

Congratulations to Abigail and Ethan!

 

 

Subscribe

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe now to receive more just like it.

Comments are closed.