East Rochester was proudly represented at the RIT START HERE Art Show, with multiple student works selected for this regional exhibition. Mariia Humeniuk earned top honors, receiving the Dean’s Award, the highest recognition presented at the show. Mariia is the first-ever recipient of this newly-established award for her pencil and charcoal drawing, Library in Ireland. The Dean’s Award includes a $96,000 scholarship over four years to Rochester Institute of Technology.

East Rochester was also represented by drawing and painting student Angelina Ceravolo-Mercado, whose colored pencil piece The Survivor was selected for exhibition, along with photography students Braedon Conley (Chickens After Dark) and Lucy Walter (Girl in Water). Student artwork submissions were coordinated by teachers Kate D’Onofrio-McIndoe and Katelyn Spath.

Kate D’Onofrio-McIndoe, who submitted the photography students’ work, shared why Lucy Walter and Braedon Conley were chosen for the exhibition. “I chose Lucy and Braedon to be part of the RIT show because of their perspectives,” she said. “Braedon and Lucy both photograph seemingly mundane things, but the way they utilize different elements and principles brings the viewer into the image and allows for exploration.” She noted that Braedon’s work is “mysterious and dark,” drawing viewers in to look closer, while Lucy’s photograph offers “something new to focus on every time you look at it.” D’Onofrio-McIndoe added that both students are “excellent photographers and storytellers,” and shared that Lucy Walter has also been accepted into RIT’s Photographic Arts and Sciences program.

Katelyn Spath, who submitted the work of Mariia Humeniuk and Angelina Ceravolo-Mercado, highlighted both students’ dedication and growth as artists. “I chose these students to exhibit their work at the RIT START HERE exhibition because they are incredibly hardworking and dedicated, putting countless hours into their pieces, and their effort and commitment deserve to be recognized,” she said. Spath described Angelina’s sea turtle drawing as immediately standing out, noting its “bright, vibrant colors” and the care and emotion visible in the piece. She also praised Angelina’s continued growth, saying, “She is always striving to improve as an artist, consistently pushing herself to do the best work she can.”

Spath also spoke to Mariia’s technical skill and ambition. “Mariia’s architectural graphite pencil drawing is astonishing in its realism and detail, a piece that immediately captivates with its scale and precision,” she said. “She consistently pursues ambitious projects, challenges herself to think bigger, and brings strong creativity to every project she creates.” Spath added that Mariia hopes to pursue a career in architecture at RIT and has a bright future ahead.

MLA/HS Principal Alicia Shippy also shared her pride in the students’ accomplishments. “I am always in awe of how talented our student artists are and I could not be more proud of Mariia’s accomplishment in earning the first-ever Dean’s Award,” she said. “Mariia is so deserving; not only is she a talented artist, but she is an incredible, kind, and hardworking young lady.”

There is still time to see these pieces in their full glory – the annual START HERE exhibition runs from January 23 through February 7, 2026, and features student artwork selected by middle and high school teachers from across the Rochester and Finger Lakes region. East Rochester is proud to celebrate the creativity, dedication, and talent of all participating student artists.