Cultural Arts Center Becomes The Long Island High School for the Arts

In the autumn of 1973, Nassau BOCES opened the doors to a new school with a new vision: The Cultural Arts Center. Mrs. Favara, the founding visionary imagined a place where high school students would study to become professional artists; a place where they would feel supported and respected while they pursued their highest goals. More than thirty years later, the school looks back to celebrate its journey and inaugurates a new name reflecting on how the program and the people behind it have evolved.
Just as they had thirty years ago, LIHSA students today study a range of fine arts which include dance, music, music technology, visual arts, playwriting, theatre, film making, and theatre technology. Students and staff alike continue to share Mrs. Favara's original dream and spirit. "The journey isn't possible without passion."
The one thing that has changed is the name. On January 3, 2008 The Cultural Arts Center took on a new name as The Long Island High School for the Arts or LIHSA. During a ribbon cutting ceremony, students, staff, alumni, and guests gathered to celebrate more than three decades of growth. Mrs. Favara addressed the crowd illuminating the idea that the original vision for the school is reflected in this new name: "Our name proclaims our identity and our purpose, a high school where students can come to develop as artists and fulfill their dreams."
The program has grown significantly since its inception, with new departments, a full day program, the Summer Arts Academy, Adult Education, and an After -school program for middle school students. Serving more than 200 students from sixty school districts, LIHSA provides an unparalleled quality of arts education for young people. Each morning, the practice rooms at LIHSA are filled long before classes are scheduled. "They want to be here. They can't wait to be here." Mrs. Favara explains.
The success of LIHSA alumni is a topic which evokes deep pride for Mrs. Favara. "They are working all over the world as recording artists, performers on Broadway, professionals working in television and film and visual artists. "Beyond the success stories, Mrs. Favara gives special acknowlegment to those students who have returned to become the next generation of teachers at LIHSA. "Many come back to work right here at LIHSA, helping to ensure the next generation receives the same great experience they did."