More than 30 student-musicians from the Wantagh School District were honored at the Jan. 22 board of education meeting for their participation in regional musical festivals. Students were selected for the Nassau Music Education Association’s 2026 All-County festival and the Long Island String Festival Association’s Nassau secondary and intermediate festivals. 

All-County honorees include band, chorus and orchestra students from grades 5-12. They took part in rehearsals in early January along with other talented musicians from Nassau County, followed by culminating ensemble performances at the Tilles Center. 

Congratulations to: Allison Amador, Reya Basnet, Sarah Bernstein, Cayden Calabro, Hollie Casale, Aubrey Cook, Morgan Crespo, Adrian Rafael DeChavez, Rosalie Della Croce, Angelina DiTroia, Charlotte Duffy, Stella Eiermann, Isla Flaherty, Angelina Frisch, Milana Gimber, Diana Goncalves, Ireland Hill-Hotz, Leah John, Olivia Juliano, Joseph Leone, Nicholas Lerro, Samantha McHugh, Sophia McManamon, Jack Miller, Luca Montalbano, Brendan O’Callaghan, Giada Petrillo, Caitlyn Pinto, Daniel Rodrigues, Ellie Sedler, Amalia Smith, Giana Squier and Katelyn Sutton.

Selected to LISFA’s 2026 festival were Hollie Casale, Adrian Rafael DeChavez, 

Clarice Kubis, Jack Miller, Olivia Pinto, Amalia Smith and Mia Spiteri. Performances will take place in February.

Certificates were presented by Kelly Jones, director of fine and performing arts and business education. Superintendent John McNamara said that Wantagh’s music program continues to shine, and said that these All-County and LISFA selections are a direct result of the dedication and commitment of both the music students and their teachers.