Congratulations to writers at Long Beach High School who participate in the Talented Writers classes as well as those who contribute to and design the literary magazine, Fragments. The student writers have earned several awards and high honors as recognition for their work.

For the first time, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association awarded Fragments: The Chakras a Silver Crown. Three writers earned special recognition. Laika Kahn earned a Gold Circle Award for her poem Summer in Quetta. Lilah Armus earned a Gold Circle Award for her traditional fiction short story The Cat on the Fire Escape. Sydney Brandt earned a Gold Circle Award for her poetry.

The American Scholastic Press Association also awarded Fragments: The Chakras the Most Outstanding High School Literary/Art Magazine of a high school with 1100-1600 students. The issue earned First Place with a Special Merit. In partnership with the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the American Scholastic Press Association awarded the following students: Ana Lucia Ramirez Angulo for her works Moreno and Nopichopi (Tengo Hambre), Marysol Alvarado for her work An Ode to Radcliffe rd., Louise Roser-Dialma for her works Crow and curves, Jessica Greenblatt for her work When Push Comes to Shove, Lorenzo Cuomo for his work Mourning, Laika Khan for her works On Loss, roots, With Love, and Roots, Kirsten Lilly for her works seaweed collector, Rhinestoned Nudity, and Flowers, Sadie D’Amico for her work A Virtue, Kamille Cooper for her works The Locket Poem, My ancestor sits across from me, and The window of stars, Nikki Kane for her work The Elderly Women at Mass, Shea Rehnbeck for her works Button Collection, Change of Season, Whispering Willows, Gabriella Moreira for her works If it were up to me and Astronomy and Linguistics,

Lia Cardo for her works blinded by anger and nothings new, Sophiana Arroyo for her works Dahlia and An Apple a Day, Sean O’Malley for his work Eternity, Kate Ragona for her works Leaves and Unceasing Anger, and Emily Feil for her works Ugly Questions, Willowy, Ring Finger, and Sundays.

Congratulations to all these writers at Long Beach High School on their successes. Creative Writing and Talented Writers is taught by Rachell Koegel. Ms. Koegel is also the supervisor of Long Beach High School’s literary magazine, Fragments.

Date Added: 4/16/2024

Long Beach Public Schools has been honored for the 14th consecutive year with the Best Communities for Music Education Award from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. This award designation recognizes that Long Beach music educators, administrators, students and parents have demonstrated outstanding achievement and commitment to providing access to music education and to instilling an appreciation of music as part of the district’s philosophy of offering a well-rounded education for national recognition.

More than 1,600 students participate in the district’s 36 bands, orchestras and choral ensembles. Long Beach High School presents students with further musical experiences such as guitar and IB Music courses, as well as the Tri-M Music Honor Society. The BCME title indicates that Long Beach is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the federal education legislation, Every Student Succeeds Act, which recommends music and the arts as important elements of well-rounded education for all children. “We are incredibly proud to again be recognized with this recognition by NAMM,” said Director of Media, Visual & Performing Arts Julia Lang-Shapiro. “This is a true testament to our talented students, devoted music educators and our supportive administration.” Lang-Shapiro said the honor represents the district’s outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants. It advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.

Date Added: 4/4/2024

See slideshow to view highlights of the recent IB Visual Arts Show.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 4/5/2024

Long Beach High School Theatre Company presented the musical Chicago, Teen Edition. Set in the roaring twenties Chicago, the awarding-winning musical about fame, fortune and acquittal. The show featured 58 cast members including the featured dance troupe and ensemble, 19 musicians and a backstage crew of 15 students. The production team included Director Jordan Hue, along with Musical Director Dr. Michael Capobianco, Pit Orchestra Director/Conductor Leigh Rynecki and Choreographer Christianne Vella. Students presented four performances on March 14. 15 and 16.

“This year’s show was different because we had two casts of leads, so it was twice the reason for people to attend more than once,” said Director Jordan Hue. “Each cast brought something unique to the roles and interpretations of these incredible characters…the students really enjoyed working on it!”

The spring production opened with “All That Jazz” followed by various musical numbers including “Funny Honey,” “Mr. Cellophane,” “Roxie,” and “Me and My Baby.” Lead characters, Roxie Hart played by students Sarah Heller and Max Rosenzweig, Velma Kelly played by students Isabella Alley and Megan Meyer, Matron Mama Morton played by students Stephania Robinson and Justin Frangella, Billy Flynn played by students Nate White and Matthew McCaffrey and Amos Hart play by students Joshua Cohen and Nanichi Arroyo-Hill.

“These dedicated and talented students lit up the stage with their energy, leaving the audience wanting more,” said Julia Lang-Shapiro, Long Beach director of Media, Visual and Performing Arts.

See highlights in slideshow below:

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 3/26/2024