Four Syosset High School students have received the highest honor awarded by NYSSMA, the New York State School Music Association, and have been invited to perform in the All Eastern Ensembles at the Music Educators National Conference (MENC). The Conference will take place from March 8 through March 11 and the students will be accompanied by Syosset High School music teacher Dr. Barry White. Also attending are Syosset music teachers David Dolgon and Melissa Reale.

Three of the students - Minkee Sung, a junior, and Wol Sol Choi and Erin Steigerwald, who are seniors, will be performing in the All Eastern Symphony Orchestra. Andrew Lelin, also a senior, will be singing in the All Eastern Mixed Chorus.

Syosset's coordinator of fine and performing arts, Michael Salzman, was extremely proud to have so many students chosen to perform in these elite music groups. "This is the highest honor that is given by NYSSMA. After students are selected for All-State, they may apply for acceptance into All Eastern. They take only the very best students from all over the Northeast."

The four students chosen have been studying music seriously for a long time. Minkee Sung has been playing violin for twelve years, Wol Sol Choi has been studying cello for seven years, and Erin Steigerwald has been taking trumpet lessons for nine years. Andrew Lelin, the vocalist, says that he has been singing all his life, but began working at it seriously when he was in the sixth grade.

Superintendent Dr. Carole G. Hankin and Principal Dr. Jorge Schneider met with the students and teachers to offer their congratulations. "These students are wonderful examples of how talent and hard work can result in extraordinary opportunities," said Dr. Hankin. "We are fortunate to be able to offer our students a music program that supports students in pursuing their interests and developing their abilities."