East School fourth-grader Ryden Nafte was named an Award of Merit winner in the 2019 Reflections Contest, sponsored by the New York State PTA. His photography piece was based on this year’s theme of “Heroes Around Me” and paid homage to his grandfather, who was in the NYPD and FDNY.  

Ryden's piece was selected from 928 entries in Nassau County to go to the state jurying. There he won an Award of Merit out of 403 entries. In his category of photography, only 17 Awards of Merit were presented from primary grades through the senior high school division. Ryden is among 49 students in Nassau County who won awards at the state level in six fine and performing arts categories. 

As an Award of Merit winner, Ryden’s photograph will be displayed at the NYS PTA Celebration of the Arts, as well as at the NYS PTA Reflections Art Gallery in the fall.