Cristina Calvano, an art teacher at Babylon Junior-Senior High School, has been named a recipient of the Raymond C. Henry Award from the New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA).

This competitive award, which includes a grant of $500, is presented annually to a NYSATA member to support the development of a specialized art education project or study that benefits both the individual and the wider art education profession. The award recognizes innovative approaches to teaching and a commitment to advancing the field.

With the grant, Ms. Calvano's will guide her adaptive art students in creating original batik designs on socks and t-shirts. This hands-on project will serve as a vehicle for community advocacy, education, and inclusion. The students' artwork will be showcased during two important awareness campaigns: Light It Up Blue for autism acceptance and Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day.

"Ms. Calvano has shown an incredible amount of dedication both to her students and the field of art instruction," said Director of Fine Arts and Music for the Babylon School District Cheryl Schweider. "This award is well deserved, and I am looking forward to seeing how she continues to foster creativity while building empathy and understanding for important causes.”

For more information about the Babylon Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at www.babylon.k12.ny.us. Exciting activities happening throughout the District and programs celebrating student achievement can also be found on the District’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/babylonschooldistrict/ and Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/babylonufsd.