D'Esposito Earns National School Orchestra Award
If Joseph D'Esposito was a star running back or pitcher, he'd be on the back page of the local papers every week. He is a pretty darn good soccer player, but that's not the only place where he has left his mark. The Huntington High School senior is one of the best young violinists in the country and he's going places.
"Joseph is a modest young man with enormous musical talent and ability," said Lisa Leonardi, Huntington's orchestra director. "When asked to submit autobiographical materials and a photo earlier in the year, he refused because of his humble nature!"
Mr. D'Esposito is headed to Ithaca College and its prestigious music program. He's one of only ten violinists in the United States accepted by Ithaca. "That's a testament to his musicality, to say the least," Ms. Leonardi said. "They also awarded him a $10,000 a year scholarship to attend that elite school."
The teenager intends to major in music education at Ithaca. "I'm certain that when he is finally an orchestra teacher, he will be held in high regard by his peers," Ms. Leonardi said. "Joe absolutely loves playing the violin and spreading the joy of music."
Mr. D'Esposito's senior year is ending with a flourish. The Orchestra Parents of Huntington created a new $1,000 scholarship for a graduating senior majoring in music. The new honor, formally named the National School Orchestra Award was presented to Mr. D'Esposito earlier this month during Huntington's senior academic awards night. The senior's name will be inscribed on a plaque that will hang in the Huntington High School lobby, perpetuating his memory at his alma mater.
Mr. D'Esposito also earned the Evelyn Daniels Memorial Scholarship and the Orchestra Parents Scholarship. "Joseph has distinguished himself and left an indelible mark at Huntington High School," Superintendent John J. Finello said. "Our district is so much richer for having him in our midst."