On Wednesday, June 2, 2021, thirty-two high school seniors who have distinguished themselves in the arts and humanities during their high school careers were honored for their significant achievement. Students from school districts in the Orange-Ulster BOCES region were feted at the Senior Scholar Humanities Honoree Ceremony held at Goshen High School’s Coliseum. The event was coordinated by the Orange-Ulster BOCES Division of Instructional Support. 

The students, their parents, high school principals, superintendents, and BOCES administration were invited to celebrate the students’ outstanding accomplishments in the fine arts, theater, music, fashion and jewelry design. 

The keynote speaker for the event was Aurora Robson, a multi-media artist known predominantly for her meditative work intercepting the plastic waste stream. Her practice is about subjugating negativity and shifting trajectories. She has exhibited her work internationally in museums, galleries and non-traditional spaces since 2002. Robson is also the founding artist of Project Vortex, an international collective of artists, designers and architects who work in innovative ways with plastic debris.

Ms. Robeson spoke about how her art was initially inspired by the landscape of her childhood nightmares. She advised the student artists to follow their bliss, be kind and to let their bliss guide them.

“Having the ability to share your bliss, share your light and make more light is a gift,” Ms. Robson said.

Local awardees include Alexander Yakle and Sage Galati of Newburgh Free Academy.

Sage Galati performs in the NFA madrigals honors chorus and orchestra. She is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. She has participated in All-County ensembles and NYSSMA on voice and violin, and was selected for Zone 9 Area All State. Sage uses her talents to help others, playing for events such as Lap for Life and NFA graduation. She has held various elected offices in her performing ensembles and is treasurer of the NFA Music Council. Sage has performed with Manhattan School for Strings at Carnegie Hall and with the Newburgh Symphony chorus, and competed on the Newburgh Wrestling Team and the Newburgh Rowing Club. She is an active visual artist, maintaining a photo portfolio. She is currently producing a film, Dying Industry. Sage is a leader and Renaissance woman, she is a musician, artist, athlete, and performer of exceptional ability and promise.

Alexander Yakle will be attending SUNY New Paltz this fall in New Paltz, NY. He plans on majoring in graphic design. Heis currently a senator for the NFA student council, tuba player for the Newburgh Free Academy Main Campus Wind Ensemble, a cross country athlete, secretary for the anime club, a representative for music council, as well as a performer in the Professional Musicians of Orange County marching band agency.

During his four years of high school Alexander has participated in countless performances including NYSSMA Solos, multiple parades around the state of New York, NFA Jazz Band, and the Golden Eagles Marching Band.

He has also studied guitar, digital art, and photography during his time at Newburgh Free Academy.