Middle Country Central School District recently announced that Centereach High School seniors Finn Taich and Natalie Godinez had been named Long Island Arts Alliance (LIAA) Merit Scholar Artist Recipients. Finn received recognition in the area of theatre while Natalie was recognized in visual arts.
“Congratulations to our Centereach High School seniors, Finn Taich and Natalie Godinez,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “This was a very competitive award, with only eight seniors selected per arts area from all of Long Island! Special thanks to their sponsoring teachers, Brian Hough, and Karissa LaLima, for their relentless dedication and support of our students.”
LIAA Scholar Artist Merit recipients are nominated by their school district and must represent the highest level of artistic excellence in their area of concentration. Recipients must demonstrate superior academic achievement with an unweighted grade point average of 90 or above and submit an essay and a portfolio of their work or performance.
Finn Taich has been involved in theatre since the fourth grade. His exceptional skills allowed him the opportunity to play notable roles throughout his school years such as Mike Teavee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland, and Troy Bolton in High School Musical. Finn is looking forward to playing Geppeto in this year’s upcoming musical, Pinocchio. Natalie Godinez has been an artist since the third grade, receiving recognition and awards for her creativity, vision, and use of various mediums. Natalie has had her work featured in the Middle Country Districtwide Art Exhibit for many years. Both students plan to continue to pursue their talents in college next year.