Tateana Khokhar has plenty to be proud about after compiling a remarkable record over the past four years. The Huntington High School senior has been named a Long Island Arts Alliance Scholar Artist, one of just 20 such honorees in all of Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“I always loved art, even before taking any art classes,” Ms. Khokhar said. “I would take scissors, tape and paper and stick cut paper together for fun when I was younger.”
Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky said it was “exciting news” to hear of the honor bestowed upon Ms. Khokhar. “It’s obvious that her contributions to the Huntington fine arts program are beyond significant and that this recognition is genuinely well deserved.”
The Long Island Arts Alliance commended the Huntington teenager for her “hard work, excellent scholarship and accomplishments.” The organization recognized that Ms. Khokhar is “dedicated to your art and a very valuable asset to your school district.”
An exceptional all-around student, Ms. Khokhar is currently enrolled in Advanced Placement Psychology, AP Literature and Composition, AP Government and Politics, AP Studio Art, Digital Portfolio, Forensics and Fashion I.
“It has been my pleasure to be Tateana’s Computer Graphics, Advanced Computer Graphics, AP 2-D Design and Portfolio teacher,” Kasmira Mohanty said. “Tateana stands out as an ambitious, competent, innovative and professional student. I was continually impressed with her ability to produce well composed and thoughtful pieces. She works well independently and developed pieces that were complex and inspiring. In addition, she is a caring, compassionate and hard-working student, who always seems to have a smile to share.”
The senior is considering Fashion Institute of Technology, Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, SUNY New Paltz and SUNY Oswego for the next step in her educational pursuits. She is leaning toward studying graphic design.
“Tateana demonstrated additional talents by coordinating and motivating her peers in the role of vice-president of the Huntington High School Art Honor Society. She also made her presence known in the art world through various art opportunities and juried shows. Some of her most impressive accomplishments were selection of her work for the Long Island’s Best exhibition at the Heckscher Museum of Art, Best in Show at the Long Island Media Arts Show and Long Island Scholar Artist.”
Long Island Arts Alliance award nominees must meet the following minimum criteria:
• Be a graduating senior.
• Represent the highest level of artist excellence and superior academic achievement with an unweighted grade point average of 90 or above.
• Submit a performance recording or portfolio of their work, and an essay. Final selections are made by panels of artists and arts educators.
This marks the program’s tenth year. Schools are limited to only one nomination in each of five categories: music, visual arts, dance and theater and media arts. Only ten Scholar Artists are recognized in each of the two counties.
Ms. Khokhar also participates in an assortment of after school clubs, including the literary magazine, Et Cetera and The Huntingtonian yearbook. “I have had a really great time [at Huntington High School] and I’m sad to leave this year,” she said.
“It has been rare in my career to come across such a student,” Ms. Mohanty said. “I have immensely enjoyed my time with her and will be saddened to see her leave at the end of the year.”
A group photo of Ms. Khokhar and her fellow 2017 Scholar Artist honorees will appear in Newsday. Each member of the group will also be profiled in the newspaper over the course of the school year.
The honorees will be feted at the LIAA’s annual gala at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of LIU Post. Scholar Artists receive a $250 stipend and a framed copy of their Newsday profile.
