Glen Cove Senior Mason Foster Named Long Island Scholar-Artist Merit Award Winner

Glen Cove High School Senior Mason Foster was honored at the Tilles Center on April 21 as a Long Island Scholar-Artist Merit Award winner in the category of Media Arts. Mason’s four-year-long exploration in photography coupled with his academic success, qualified him as a nominee in this prestigious competition, where he came out as one of only 20 Merit Award recipients. 

Mason’s family, his photography teacher Mrs. Johnides, and Superintendent Dr. Doeschner, celebrated his achievement at a Tilles Center ceremony, led by prominent arts education and culture advocates, including Roger Tilles, Lauren Wagner, John Gallagher, and Dale Lewis.

The Long Island Scholar-Artist Awards, presented by Long Island Arts Alliance in partnership with Newsday, honor high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in both the arts and academics. Each year, 40 students are selected for distinction: 20 Scholar-Artist Award recipients and 20 Merit Award recipients. Together, these students represent the strength, depth, and diversity of young artistic talent across the region.

Recipients are featured in a group photo published in Newsday and celebrated alongside their peers as part of this region-wide recognition. The Scholar-Artist Awards celebrate not only individual achievement, but also the vital role that arts education plays in shaping creative, disciplined, and engaged students across Long Island.