Sam Soric Captures Otto Kahn Scholarship Award

Sam Soric has earned a special place in the hearts of his classmates and teachers at Huntington High School, where the senior has excelled academically and as a performing artist. The teenager recently learned he is one of a small group to capture a scholarship presented by Friends of OHEKA in honor of legendary patron of the arts and industrialist Otto Kahn.

The scholarship award is typically in the amount of $3,000. Mr. Soric will perform and be formally introduced and presented with the Otto Kahn Award at this year’s Friends of OHEKA garden party on Wednesday, June 11 from 5-8 p.m.

“Throughout his lifetime, Otto Kahn gave generously to support the arts in America, especially those who were struggling and needed financial assistance,” states a description of the award. “Mr. Kahn also served as Chairman of the Metropolitan Opera from 1911 until 1918 and its President until 1931, giving millions to insure its survival. In memory of Otto Kahn and in recognition of his generosity toward struggling artists during the early 20th century, we have established the Otto Kahn Awards. Each year Friends, in partnership with Gary Melius, bestows Otto Kahn Awards to deserving Huntington area public high school seniors who plan to continue their education and training in the fine arts, performing arts and music. Funds for the Otto Kahn Awards are raised at Friends’ annual June Garden Parties held in and around the Formal Gardens at OHEKA. This program has provided nearly $200,000 in scholarships.”

Mr. Soric said the key to his success has been “involving myself in a wide variety of clubs and activities. By dividing my time between academic honor societies, music extracurriculars, community service clubs and sports, I’ve been able to meet incredible people with different interests and grow as both a student and performer.”

Treasurer of the student government, senior band president and treasurer for the Italian, Math and National Honor Societies, Mr. Soric was selected for All-State after scoring a 99 on his NYSSMA adjudication. He became one of the first percussion drum majors in the long history of the Blue Devil marching band.

“I’ve especially enjoying being part of the school’s world language and music departments, which have helped me thrive at Huntington High School,” Mr. Soric said. “Immersing myself in drama club, marching band, honors ensembles and my Italian internship have been some of the most rewarding parts of my high school experience.”

Mr. Soric intends to major in vocal performance and business administration at Boston University.