Throughout the Mattituck-Cutchogue School District, students are receiving inspiration from learning about the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Mattituck Jr.-Sr. High School Art Honor Society members participated in the East End Arts Council’s MLK Portrait Project. The goal of the project is to inspire high school students to participate in a unique community project honoring the civil rights leader and brings together education of American history and art. The student-artists honored icon Louis Armstrong for his musical contributions by creating a multimedia piece consisting of 16 individual panels and measuring 48 inches by 48 inches. The artists include Marlowe Callamore, Gerri Caramore, Morgan Dunne, Valeria Funez, Hannah Gebbia, Maya Hayes, Rachel Haas, Charlie Johnson, Lily Lopez, Ever Meyer, Lou Morataya, Vivian Rodriguez and Victoria Winter. The artwork hangs in the Lyceum Gallery at Suffolk County Community College’s Eastern Campus, along with the artwork of 16 area schools.  

Additionally, Cutchogue East Elementary School third grade student Darlyn Paz Bonilla and fourth grade student Pepper Petracca submitted artwork to New York State’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Art & Essay Exhibition, a collaboration between the NYS State Education Department and the Office of General Services. Students were invited to submit artwork or an essay that reflects Dr. King’s teachings, illustrating his six Principles and Steps of Nonviolence essays. This year’s theme is “The Beloved Community.” Starting Jan. 12, 2026, student works are being viewed online at www.empirestateplaza.ny.gov/nyking.

Photo captions:

Photo A: Mattituck Jr.-Sr. High School Art Honor Society members participated in the East End Arts Council’s MLK Portrait Project honoring the music of Louis Armstrong.

Photo B: The artwork of Cutchogue East Elementary School fourth grader Pepper Petracca was selected for New York State’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Art & Essay Exhibition.

Photo C: The artwork of Cutchogue East Elementary School third grade student Darlyn Paz Bonilla was selected for New York State’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Art & Essay Exhibition.