Juniors Hana Ebbert and Gavin McGinnis were among 34 Orange County school district students honored at Orange-Ulster BOCES’ 2025 Humanities Honoree Awards Ceremony and Breakfast at the Country Club at Otterkill on April 2.
This event celebrated seniors and juniors who were nominated by their high schools and O-U BOCES who have stood out among their peers by showing an impressive dedication, skill, and commitment to the arts and humanities. The gathering celebrated their outstanding accomplishments in the fine arts, performing arts and the humanities fields.
Hana is a winner of the 2025 New York State Theater Education Association (NYSTEA)’s Annual Playwriting Competition, with her play performed at this past NYSTEA Student Conference. She was also the winner of the 2024 NYSTEA merchandise contest, which resulted in her logo design being used for the official 2025 NYSTEA conference pin. Hana, who is a member of the High School’s Drama Club, is the recipient of two Sojourner Truth Awards for art and won a recent Minisink Valley t-shirt design competition. She plans to major in film in college.
Gavin is a saxophonist who excels in theater and creative writing. He is a two-time NYSTEA Annual Playwriting Competition, with his plays performed at the 2024 and 2025 NYSTEA student conferences. His plays also premiered at Open Jars Studios in New York City. Gavin’s vocal successes include being named a member of the All-Eastern and All-County choirs. He’s also a member of the High School’s Drama Club. Gavin aspires to study playwriting and music composition or vocal arts in college.