Babylon Art Teacher Wins NYS Award For Advocacy In The Classroom

BABYLON, NY — Cristina Calvano, an art teacher at Babylon Junior-Senior High School, has been recognized with the Raymond C. Henry Award from the New York State Art Teachers Association, honoring her advocacy and innovative approach to art education.

The competitive statewide award includes a $500 grant and is presented annually to a NYSATA member whose work advances the field of art instruction through creative teaching practices and professional leadership.

Calvano plans to use the grant to guide her adaptive art students in creating original batik designs on socks and T-shirts — a hands-on project designed to promote advocacy, education, and inclusion. The student artwork will be showcased during two major awareness campaigns: Light It Up Blue for autism acceptance and Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day.

District officials said the project highlights how art education can foster both creativity and empathy while giving students a meaningful voice.

“Ms. Calvano has shown an incredible amount of dedication both to her students and the field of art instruction,” said Cheryl Schweider, director of fine arts and music for the Babylon Union Free School District. “This award is well deserved, and I am looking forward to seeing how she continues to foster creativity while building empathy and understanding for important causes.”

District officials said Calvano’s work reflects a broader commitment to inclusive learning experiences that connect students with their community through art.