South High Senior elected as International Thespian Officer
South High School senior Rosanna Gao has been elected to serve as an International Thespian Officer for the 2021–22 school year. She is one of six Officers who will represent student voices in the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) and International Thespian Society.
International Thespian Officers work with EdTA staff, chapter leaders, and Thespians around the world “to nurture strong student leaders, advocate for the arts, fundraise for accessibility, and create the best experience possible for students.” Rosanna’s fellow Officers reside in Arkansas, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Rosanna is a member of South High Thespian Troupe 7486, and her participation in theatre programs has earned multiple accolades this year. In July, Rosanna was announced as a recipient of the EdTA President’s Leadership Scholarship, a $1,000 scholarship awarded to theatre students who demonstrate strong leadership abilities. In April, she received a Certificate of Excellence for her original one-act play that was featured in the New York Thespian One Act Festival.
South High Thespian Troupe 7486 is a chapter of the International Thespian Society. The faculty advisor is Ilana Meredith Schikler, drama teacher/Theatre South director. Thespian troupes are chartered in public and private schools throughout the country, representing excellence in theatre education.
Music students selected for All-State
Ten highly talented musicians from North and South High Schools have been selected for the prestigious and very competitive 2021 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Conference, to be held in Rochester on Dec. 2–5. In addition, 13 students have been named Alternates for the event.
North High All-State Musicians
North High School All-State musicians are: Shuyuan Julie Sun (flute, Symphonic Band), Tiantian Emily Wei (violin, Symphony Orchestra), Samantha Becker (alto, Mixed Chorus), and Sara Rafaeil (alto, Mixed Chorus). Alternates are: David Zeng (violin), Jonathan Kim (Bb clarinet), Hwi-On Lee (violin), Emely Renteria (alto), Chantal Hw (soprano), and Maverick Williams (bass).
North High musicians are taught by Dr. Pamela Levy, fine & performing arts department head/vocal music teacher, and Joseph Rutkowski, instrumental music teacher.
South High All-State Musicians
South High All-State musicians are: Joy Song (Bb clarinet, Symphonic Band), Katherine Wang (alto sax, Symphonic Band), Amy Mengyu Wu (bassoon, Symphonic Band), Sophia Wotman (trumpet, Jazz Ensemble), Joy Yang (violin, Symphony Orchestra), and Dayoung Yu (violin, Symphony Orchestra). Alternates are: Karly Chan (soprano), Jillian Chang (cello), Drew Kim (violin), Lauren Kim (soprano), Johann Lee (violin), Sebastian Lennox (viola), and Sidney Wong (violin).
South High musicians are taught by Michael Schwartz, performing arts department head/instrumental music teacher; Mark Boschen, band teacher; and Dr. Janine Robinson, vocal music teacher.
At the All-State Conference, sponsored by NYSSMA, the State’s finest student musicians will perform together in various ensembles. Thousands of students auditioned for this competition last spring at solo and ensemble festivals throughout the State.
October programming on GNPS/TV
Tune in to GNPS/TV to view the June 2021 graduation ceremonies for North Middle School, South Middle School, and the Great Neck Adult Learning Center.
GNPS/TV programs are available on demand, 24/7, on the school district website at www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/tv. Programs can also be viewed in the incorporated villages of Great Neck on Optimum Channel 75 and on Verizon Fios Channel 32. Airing times in program descriptions below are for Optimum and Verizon viewing.
The North Middle School graduation airs at 8 a.m., and at 1 and 6 p.m.
The Adult Learning Center graduation airs at 10 a.m., and at 3 and 8 p.m.
The South Middle School graduation airs at 11 a.m., and at 4 and 9 p.m.
GNPS/TV programming reflects the offerings of the Great Neck Public Schools and the achievements of its students and staff. Programs are student-produced. For further information, please contact Robert Zahn, director of educational television and broadcast media, by e-mail at rzahn@greatneck.k12.ny.us.
