Three Babylon Junior-Senior High School student-artists recently took part in an exclusive New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA) all-island art program. Katherine Orifici, Allie Manetta, and Olivia Lynch were among only 24 students across Nassau and Suffolk counties chosen to participate in this exclusive workshop.

The students earned this honor based on their outstanding portfolio scores from the NYSATA Spring 2025 adjudication. The portfolio review is a comprehensive process where students discuss their artistic process, present finished artwork, and conduct a self-assessment with an adjudicator. Katherine, Allie, and Olivia joined student-artists from Hicksville, Babylon, Lindenhurst, Mattituck, and William Floyd high schools for this special honor

This inaugural all-Island workshop was held on November 17th, and was led by local artist and activist Andres Gallardo. During the session, Gallardo will worked directly with the students, sharing his personal path in the arts and the inspiration behind his unique use of vinyl albums as a medium. He also presented on his GEM project, which stands for "Giving Everyone Moments," and detailed how he has shared his artwork and message with communities throughout the world.

The Babylon School District congratulates these outstanding student-artists on this distinguished recognition of their artistic excellence.

For more information about the Babylon Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at www.babylon.k12.ny.us. Exciting activities happening throughout the District and programs celebrating student achievement can also be found on the District’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/babylonschooldistrict/ and Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/babylonufsd.