The South Huntington Educational Foundation, better known as SHEF, presented its second annual Bravo Awards on Thursday night, January 29th, at the James Kaden Administration Building. Since 1993, SHEF has dedicated itself to the support of music, art, and dance education in the South Huntington School District. SHEF helps to augment the cost of these important school programs when district budgeting cannot. By adding the Bravo Awards Scholarship Program, SHEF completes its circle of support by assisting our talented students in the various arts disciplines as they journey beyond South Huntington. Award winners receive a $250 scholarship.

 

These awards recognize students who demonstrate excellence in the visual arts, dance, music, and theater. The Renaissance Award recognizes an individual who excelled in more than one art form.

 

Congratulations to our 2026 Bravo Award winners! 
In the Dance category: Kate Sabellico, Trailblazer: Excellence & Artistry Award; Camila Canales, Breakthrough Dancer Award; Gabrielle Cali, Pioneer: Expertise & Leadership

In the Arts category: Meghan Hanley, Promising Young Artist-Visual Arts Award; Lilah Black, Award of Excellence in Visual Arts; Benjamin Glassmann, Most Creative Visual Arts Award

In the Music category: Analia Cimadevilla, Emerging Young Artist Award; Nevyn Jerez, Growth in Musical Performance Award; Jose Canas Garcia, Excellence in Leadership in Music Award

In the Theater category: Lucy Maniatis, Leading Player Award; Marygrace Reilly, Outstanding Contribution to Theater Arts Award; Anna Braglia, The Chameleon Award

And the Renaissance Artist Award was presented to Phillip Clark.

 

“Programs in the arts do not thrive by chance. They thrive because of people, people who believe deeply in the power of creativity, expression, and student voice,” said superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia. “ I would also acknowledge the incredible fine arts teachers of Walt Whitman High School. Through arts, dance, music, and theater, you challenge students to take risks, collaborate, and discover confidence in their talents. That is particularly true with regards to the vision and efforts of Dr. Susan Radin, high school teacher and dance teacher who helped create and cultivate the Bravo Awards with SHEF, allowing us to identify and acknowledge the students before us this evening. It is the work of Dr. Radin and all of our fine arts teachers whose work shapes students long after they leave Whitman.” 

 

Whitman principal Dr. John Murphy has seen the work and growth of these Bravo Award winners in countless theater and dance productions, school concerts, and art exhibits since they were students in 9th grade. “These achievements we celebrate did not happen by chance.  Success in dance, theater, music, and art demands an uncommon level of focus and of commitment. It requires showing up every day, even when work becomes difficult, even when progress feels slow. It means countless hours of practice. And then when you think you're done with practice, you're going to practice again. It means that you've made a commitment to not just the arts, but that you want to make something better,” said Dr. Murphy.

 

A special Bravo Award, Defining Performance: Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to former SHEF Chairperson, Ms. Sheila Buhse, who served as chair for nearly ten years until 2024. Although no longer serving as Chairperson, Ms. Buhse is still very involved with SHEF and is instrumental in planning the Bravo Awards event each year.  

 

Some notable examples of SHEF’s accomplishments include new instruments for some of our youngest students, a new sound system at Oakwood Primary Center for all their stage performances, the reintroduction of the theatre program for Silas Wood and Stimson Middle School after it was affected by budget cuts, the creation and continued development of the recording studio at Walt Whitman High School, as well as the creation of a professional dance studio and performance floor for the high school dance program. Walt Whitman is one of only a few school districts that still offers dance courses for academic credit.

 

We thank the members of the South Huntington Educational Foundation, the Walt Whitman High School Fine & Performing Arts Department, and South Huntington Nutrition Services for putting together a magical night for our award winners and their families!

**Photo Gallery**

 

 

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 Bravo Award winners!

 

 

The first music performer of the evening was Jose Canas Garcia, impressively playing “Blue Bells of Scotland” on the trombone. 

 

 

Lucia Maniatis performed the theatre piece titled “I Am Not Afraid of Anything.”

 

 

Artwork created by the award recipients in the visual arts category were on display for guests to see. Pictured here are artworks by Benjamin Glassmann. 

 

 

 

Dancers Gabrielle Cali, Camila Canales, and Kate Sabellico performed a number choreographed by them and Walt Whitman High School dance teacher, Dr. Susan Radin. 

 

 

The Renaissance Artist Award was presented to Phillip Clark, who performed “Cellophane” from the musical Chicago. 

 

 

Mr. Frederick Scragg, current Chairman of the South Huntington Educational Foundation (SHEF), expressed his congratulations to the award recipients and their families before introducing a special award to Ms. Sheila Buhse. 

 

 

 

A special Bravo Award, Defining Performance: Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to former SHEF Chairperson, Ms. Sheila Buhse, who served as chair for nearly ten years. Pictured here is Ms. Buhse with members of SHEF.