50th Anniversary Scholarship Gala: April 12, 2024

On Friday, April 12, 2024, Alumni came home to LIHSA to celebrate LIHSA’s founding Principal, Ava Favara.

We gathered to honor the incredible achievements of a visionary leader, an inspirational educator, and the founding principal of our beloved school. The gala, attended by more than 300 people, celebrated a legacy of passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to arts education.

Under Ava’s steadfast guidance and vision, LIHSA blossomed into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation, and excellence—a place where school districts send their best to study with world-class talent in their industry. The impact of Ava’s work makes us able to celebrate our 50th anniversary this year.

Alumni, faculty of past and present, Nassau BOCES Board of Education and Central Leadership came together in the audience to reflect on Ava’s extraordinary contributions and to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime show. The gala featured some of LIHSA’s graduates spanning multiple decades (see more here: PDF gala insert) and afterwards, guests enjoyed desserts and live music in the dance studios that transported us into the 1920’s.

Ticket sales, silent auctions, and raffle baskets helped to raise over $13,000 for the LIHSA Scholarship Fund, which helps to award LIHSA graduates with scholarships to begin their studies in the nation’s best colleges and conservatories.

We are so very thankful to this year’s LIHSA Alumni Scholarship Gala Commitee, without whom, this event would not have been possible: L’aura Bagdziunas, Chris Brick, Erik Chocianowski, Jason Cuvelier, Joanne Diehl, Kimberly Larkin, Natalie L’Etoile, Jerry Nobile, Lindsay Rogan, Laura Vega, Iris Wiener.

Scroll for beautiful photos of this spectacular night!