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Beyond classroom instruction, our program helps students explore a vibrant ecosystem of artistic opportunities where they may showcase their talents, earn regional and national recognition, and connect with the broader arts community. These programs empower young artists, musicians, and performers to pursue their passions beyond the daily schedule.
Explore the full range of co-curricular ensembles, exhibitions, festivals, and community partnerships available across the district below.
Visual Art Exhibitions, Contests & Awards
The Congressional Art Competition
A national competition sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives for high school artists (grades 9–12). Winning entries are displayed inside the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. for a full year. In 2026, SSHS senior Gabriela Guizzo's work was awarded first-place in Laura Gillen's 4th District Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery. Her piece will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol.
Long Island’s Best (The Heckscher Museum of Art)
High school artists create original works inspired by pieces on view at the museum. Juried selections are displayed professionally at the museum in Huntington, with additional pieces showcased in local business windows. SSHS student Jadyn Morales' mixed media piece, "The One and Only," was one of 48 pieces to be chosen out of over 400 entries to 2026 Long Island's Best Exhibition.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
The nation's longest-running recognition program for creative teens in grades 7–12, offering regional and national honors. SSHS students routinely place in this prestigious competition, earning 14 honors in 2026.
Presented by the Art Supervisors Association, this annual event showcases over 1,300 pieces of K–12 visual art from across Nassau County. This prestigious one-day exhibit showcases more than 1,300 pieces of artwork produced by the finest kindergarten through twelfth grade students from Nassau County school districts.
Nassau County High School Student Juried Exhibit
Hosted by The Art Guild of Port Washington at the historic Elderfields Preserve, featuring juried high school student artwork.
Long Island Arts Alliance Scholar Artist Awards
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.Students are nominated by their schools in five disciplines: Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Dance, and Media Arts. In 2026, SSHS Senior Elanor Rubin was selected as a Scholar Artist.
Music Festivals & Adjudication
Annual evaluation festivals hosted by the New York State School Music Association where students perform solos and scales for adjudication. Qualifying 10th and 11th graders can audition for NYSSMA All-State ensembles.
NMEA All-County Music Festivals
Hosted by the Nassau Music Educators Association, bringing together top student-musicians across 5 grade-level divisions to perform at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts. Students are selected based on NYSSMA Solo Adjudication and teacher recommendation.
A non-competitive entry-point music festival for younger elementary musicians (grade 4 / age 9+) celebrating musical exploration alongside parents and teachers.
ACDA East Regional Honor Choirs
Regional honor choir opportunities sponsored by the American Choral Directors Association for advanced choral singers through a blind audition process.
Long Island Arts Alliance Scholar Artist Awards
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.Students are nominated by their schools in five disciplines: Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Dance, and Media Arts. In 2026, SSHS Senior Elanor Rubin was selected as a Scholar Artist.
Theater Honors & Regional Festivals
Roger Rees Awards for Excellence in Student Performance
Recognizes distinction in high school musical theater performance, scenic design, costume design, student orchestra, and stage management across the Greater New York area.
Eastern Student Artist Guild (ESAG) Awards
A regional awards program honoring high school non-musical plays, recognizing actors, directors, stage managers, design crews, and production categories.
Molloy University LI High School Theatre Festival
An annual day-long gathering at the Madison Theatre featuring masterclasses and workshops in acting, choreography, and improvisation led by Broadway professionals.
Long Island Arts Alliance Scholar Artist Awards
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.Students are nominated by their schools in five disciplines: Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Dance, and Media Arts. In 2026, SSHS Senior Elanor Rubin was selected as a Scholar Artist.
Honor Societies & Extra-Curricular Clubs
Open to all high school students (grades 9–12) who have completed at least one art credit, the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) recognizes artistic excellence and dedication through community service and regional competitions. Interested students must maintain an 85% art average, reapply annually by early October, and participate in key initiatives like the Memory Project or Scholastic Art Awards.
Tri-M National Music Honor Society
Open to high school students (grades 9–12) enrolled in a school music ensemble or class, the Tri-M Music Honor Society recognizes exceptional musical achievement, leadership, and service. Eligible candidates who hold a 90% music GPA and an 85% overall GPA can apply independently via Google Classroom by late September.
Tri-M National Junior Music Honor Society
Designed for middle school students enrolled in a school music ensemble or class, the Tri-M Junior Music Honor Society recognizes early musical achievement, leadership, and service. Eligible middle schoolers who meet their chapter's music and academic standards can apply to build character and give back to their school and community through music-related service projects.
Produces a fully-staged drama production every fall and a full-scale musical production every spring. Student roles span from cast, to crew, to theater technicians, and, in the Spring, pit musicians.
Middle School students learn the art of theater in a musical production each Winter.
Founded in 2008, this inclusive district-wide program brings general and special education students together as actors, peer mentors, and crew.
The South Side High School Dance Club brings high-energy student choreography to school sports games and community events. Highlights include their inaugural Spring Dance Clinic and Showcase
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