Julia Lang-Shapiro, the district’s Director of Media, Visual and Performing arts, has been selected as a 2015 Youth Art Month Award of Merit honoree. She received this accolade jointly with Donnalyn Shuster, as the two serve as New York State’s co-chairpersons for Youth Art Month.

Ms. Lang-Shapiro and Ms. Shuster earned this award, presented by the Council for Art Education, based on their Youth Art Month programs’ ability to support arts in education and meet an assortment of criteria.

Youth Art Month, which is nationally sponsored by the CFAE, promotes visual arts and art education in the United States. It is typically observed in March, when thousands of schools across the country participate, often with the inclusion of local art museums and civic organizations. 

Ms. Lang-Shapiro and Ms. Shuster spearheaded New York’s Youth Art Month program seven years ago, prior to which there was no state involvement. “Our goals are to share the amazing things that are happening in art programs at every level across New York State,” Ms. Lang-Shapiro said.

One of the program’s annual initiatives is a statewide flag design contest. Additionally, a small selection of artwork from across the state is chosen for display at the annual National Art Education Association Conference. 

In the Long Beach Public Schools, Youth Art Month will be celebrated with an art show at the Long Beach Public Library and within the schools through exhibits and special projects.

Ms. Lang-Shapiro will receive her award at the National Art Education Association Conference in March.