Kevin Solomowitz Wins Vandersall Scholarship

Kevin Solomowitz was one of the most distinguished members of Huntington High School’s Class of 2013. The teenager had an enviable academic record and was one of the top musicians in the senior class.

In recognition of Mr. Solomowitz’s sensational run he was presented with this year’s Jean Hoerner Vandersall scholarship award, which carries with it a $500 stipend. The award, which is privately funded by the Vandersall family, is given to a senior who has excelled in both academics and music.

Mrs. Vandersall was a resident of Huntington from the 1950’s until she passed away. She taught piano and gave piano recitals throughout the Long Island area. Alicia Ortiz, a member of Huntington’s Class of 2012 who is studying biology at the University of Delaware, won the last year’s Vandersall scholarship award.

Mr. Solomowitz has said that the key to his success has been “to always love what I do.” He intends to study bassoon performance and music education at the Peabody Institute at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

The teenager cites music as being the “most enjoyable” aspect of his life over the past four years of high school. He performed at Carnegie Hall, was a section leader of various ensembles and earned All-County and All-State alternate music honors.

Co-founder and co-director of Huntington High School’s men’s a capella choir, Mr. Solomowitz also played in the Blue Devil marching band. A personable young man, he developed many close relationships with his teachers and music advisors.

Mrs. Vandersall passed away on March 30, 2008. She was an accomplished pianist and a member of the Manhattan School of Music’s faculty. Mrs. Vandersall also maintained a very active teaching studio in Huntington and was an inspiration to her students. Mrs. Vandersall and her husband, Thornton sent three sons through the Huntington School District.