William Floyd High School junior Becky Neikens won first place in the annual Long Island Flute Club High School Flute competition, according to an announcement on Apr. 16. Neikens was selected as one of only six finalists from across Long Island to perform in a live recital before a panel of judges, where her performance earned her the Theodore I. Mordoff Memorial Grand Prize and a $500 award.
The achievement highlights the strength of music education at William Floyd School District, which has been recognized among top communities for music education and whose business department was named Department of the Year by the Business Teachers Association of New York State, according to the official website.
Neikens performed Sonata for Flute and Piano by Lowell Liebermann at the final recital. She has previously been named to the NYSBDA All-State Honor Band three times, received SCMEA All-County recognition twice, and this year earned both NYSSMA All-State and NYSCAME All-County honors for the first time. Last school year, she was also one of four William Floyd student-musicians awarded the SCMEA Private Study Scholarship.
The William Floyd School District operates ten schools—including a high school, an academy, and several middle and elementary schools—and serves more than 9,400 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade according to its official website. The district fosters collaboration among students, parents, educators, staff and community members to support student development across intellectual, emotional, aesthetic and physical areas in a supportive environment according to its official website.
Alumni from William Floyd have been recognized for their contributions in scholarships, educational leadership and community service according to its official website. The district reports that alumni involvement continues to play an important role within their local community.
