Student Spotlight: McDonald’s 12th Annual Art Contest Winners

East Northport McDonald’s recently recognized twenty-five local student artists through its annual McDonald’s Art Contest of which eighteen were from Kings Park Schools.

The contest draws students from surrounding school districts. The winning artwork is put on display for one year.

“This year’s 12th Annual Art Contest student participants come from five local districts, including Kings Park, Elwood, Commack, Half Hollow Hills and Northport/East Northport,” said Lonny Weiner, Vice President of Kaufman Enterprises, the McDonald’s franchisee.

According to Weiner there are four categories of participants; elementary, intermediate, middle and high school.

"The theme this year, What Makes Me Happy, drew 700 submissions," Mr. Weiner said.

Stephanie Montecalvo, Assistant Principal of and Elementary Schools said “every year East Northport McDonald’s offers this award. The winners of the contest have their artwork professionally matted, framed and displayed for a full year in the restaurant. Afterwards, they can bring them home.”

The winners and their families are invited to a reception at the East Northport McDonald’s on East Jericho Turnpike where they have an opportunity to view their artwork, receive their award and are treated to a meal and celebratory cake.

Bridget O’Keefe, a sixth grader from William T Rogers Middle School, who picked up an Honorary Mention for her piece inspired by the television show Glee, enjoyed the whole experience. “I have been drawing, sewing and sculpting since I was very young.”

The winning artwork can be viewed at the East Northport McDonalds and on the restaurant’s website.

 Winners in the High School category (Grades 9-12)

!st Place - Stacie Zucker, Kings Park High School

2nd Place – Meghan O’Brien, John Glenn High School

3rd Place – Andrea Kang, John Glenn High School

Honorable Mention – Michaela Pujals, Kings Park High School

Honorable Mention – Ashley Sannito, John Glenn High School

Honorable Mention - Maddy Santoro, John Glenn High School

Honorable Mention – Kaitlin Gugel, Kings Park High School

Winners in the Middle School category (Grades 6-8)

!st Place – Alyssa Molina, William T Rogers Middle School

2nd Place – Deana Wolf, William T Rogers Middle School

3rd Place – Nicolas Galioto, William T Rogers Middle School

Honorable Mention – Elena Spataro, William T Rogers Middle School

Honorable Mention – Bridget O’Keefe, William T Rogers Middle School

Honorable Mention – Alex Zimmerman, William T Rogers Middle School

Honorable Mention – Casey Samson, William T Rogers Middle School

Honorable Mention – Michelle Fierro, William T Rogers Middle School

Honorable Mention – Jack Murphy, William T Rogers Middle School

Winners in the Intermediate category (Grades 4-5)

!st Place – Gianna Cohan, RJO Intermediate School

2nd Place – Mary Lavis. RJO Intermediate School

3rd Place – Catherine Riordan, Sawmill Intermediate School

Honorable Mention – Marjoaanah, Abdus-Sabur, Chestnut Hill

Honorable Mention – Nicolas Zaferiou, Chestnut Hill

Winners in the Elementary category (2-3)

!st Place – Carly Theofield, Fort Salonga Elementary School

2nd Place – Michelle Wolf, Park View Elementary School

3rd Place – Jessica Ocsman, Fort Salonga Elementary School

Honorable Mention – Kailey Hurtado, Fort Salonga Elementary School