Congratulations to Walt Whitman’s three Otto Kahn Scholarship Award recipients for 2024!

The winners were presented with their awards on Wednesday, April 15th at the annual Friends of Oheka Garden Party at Oheka Castle. The awards are presented to talented public high school seniors in the Town of Huntington who are pursuing a college education in the arts. 

Of the six students who won this year, Walt Whitman is proud to have three winners - Andrew Fogel, Kaitlyn Mondry, and Christopher Macaluso. The students were all presented with a check for $3,000. They also got to showcase their talent with either a musical performance or display of their artwork.

Andrew Fogel will be attending Berklee College of Music in the fall.  At Whitman, he’s participated in Wind Ensemble, Music Production, The Collective, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Pit Orchestra, Winter Percussion and he’s been inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society.   He was also named to the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA) All-County High School Instrumental Jazz Ensemble - one of only 18 musicians chosen for the selective jazz group. Whitman Jazz Band Director Greg Modelewski said, “His passion for music is not only evident in performances but also in his unwavering commitment to the craft.” 

Kaitlyn Mondry will be attending Honors College at Hofstra University in September. At Whitman, Kaitlin has participated in Studio in Art, AP Studio Art/Drawing, AP Art History, Art Portfolio, Studio Computer Graphics, Digital Photography I and II, Fashion Design and Illustration, Advanced Fashion II and Cartooning courses. Art teacher Gina Tinucci said, “I see her as a deserving young person as she strives to do the best and is eager to further pursue an education in the field of visual arts and design.”  

Christopher Macaluso will be attending Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam this fall. At Whitman, Chris has been part of Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Pit Orchestra.  

Trumpet teacher Joshua Ganci said, “I believe Chris is going to be an incredible asset to the arts in his journey through college and beyond.”

Andrew and Chris also performed several numbers with the Walt Whitman High School Jazz Band with director Mr. Modelewski to close out the evening. The Walt Whitman High School Chamber Orchestra, directed by Mr. Yolango, started things off with several musical selections before the awards were announced.  Due to inclement weather, the Gatsby-style Garden Party had to be held indoors this year.  

Friends of Oheka, in partnership with the castle’s current owner Gary Melius, began the Otto Kahn Award program in 2003. It was a way to honor and remember the legacy of the castle’s original owner Otto Kahn, who supported the arts throughout his lifetime. This year brings the total of scholarships awarded to nearly $300,000.

Thank you to everyone involved with the Garden Party for making this a memorable night for our students!

Since the inception of Oheka’s Garden Party, Walt Whitman’s Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra have had the pleasure of performing at the annual event for guests to enjoy.

The Walt Whitman High School Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Frank Yolango provided some ambiance music to get the Garden Party started. 

Kaitlyn received the Otto Kahn Award for being one of Walt Whitman’s exceptionally talented visual artists and plans to study Fine Arts at the Honors College at Hofstra University in the fall. 

Kaitlyn's artwork was displayed for all guests to view throughout the event.

Andrew received the Otto Kahn Award for his exceptional talent as a Walt Whitman High School musician and will be attending the Berklee College of Music in the fall.

The Senior displayed his talents with a piece on the piano after he was awarded. 

Christopher received the Otto Kahn Award as one of Walt Whitman’s exceptionally talented musicians and will be attending the Crane School of Music in the fall.

Chris sang before picking up the trumpet to join the Whitman Jazz Band for the remainder of the event. 

Andrew and Chris also performed several numbers with the Walt Whitman High School Jazz Band with director Mr. Modelewski to close out the evening. 

Congratulations to all of this year's 2024 Otto Kahn Scholarship Award recipients!