New Hyde Park Memorial High School senior Andrew Chang said he can never remember a time when he didn’t have a pencil and paper at hand, sketching something.
That was the first sign that Chang was drawn to art and had some ability at it.
“As soon as I could pick up a pencil, I was sketching. I can’t remember not doing it,” Chang said.
The latest indication of the ability was his winning the scholar/artist award from the Long Island Arts Alliance in association with Newsday. He was selected from among seniors in Nassau and Suffolk County for the award, which also carries a cash prize of $250.
Chang won the award based on demonstrated skill with inks, water colors, pencil work and charcoal – and a bit more.
“It wasn’t just the art experience they were looking for. They were looking for well-rounded scholars,” Chang said.
As to the award itself, he said it’s “wonderful vindication to be recognized as an artist.”
Chang was nominated for the award by his art teacher, Danielle Livoti and Diane Lennea, chairman of the high school’s art department.
He was required to submit 10 images of his work along with an essay and a short resume.
Chang also won an award for his participation in Model U.N.
“I was always a bit of a talker. I was always politically aware,” he said.
Participation in Model U.N. required taking 7 a.m. classes in his freshman year before joining the Model U.N. Club. Chang said he’s found it a valuable exercise in learning to organize his thoughts.
“In terms of collecting my thoughts and addressing people, it was one of the best opportunities I’ve had,” he said.
Chang’s stepped out from behind the Model U.N. podium to play Franklin Roosevelt in a production of “Annie” at New Hyde Park Memorial last year. This year, he liked playing with the role of Sky Masterson in “Guys and Dolls.”
“I have a little penchant for dramatics,” Chang said, smiling.
Chang sings both bass and tenor in the high school Chamber Singers.
Outside of school, he’s lead vocalist in what he called a “bluesy-classic rock” band.
He also has a penchant for foreign languages as well, as co-president of the high school’s Spanish Club. Chang has been a member for the past four years.
As a member of the National Honor Society, he helped secure a grant from Loew’s to redo the high school courtyard.
“He’s a great kid,” said New Hyde Park Memorial principal Michael DeMartino.
Chang plans to attend St. John’s University starting in the fall. He said he intends to concentrate in “something in business.”
But his art will still be in picture.
“It’s something I’ll always continue to do,” Chang said. “Whatever I do that creative instinct will be with me always.”
