William Floyd High School senior Keira Amaris is the William Floyd “Artist of the Month!” Keira, who was named “One to Watch” by the Parrish Art Museum last year and recently had her artwork highlighted in the New York State Art Teachers Association’s NYSSBA Exhibit, was selected to have her artwork grace the cover of this year’s high school yearbook!

This year’s theme is “And They’re Off…”, highlighting that even though our future graduates are concluding their K-12 graduation and stepping into their futures, they are still the children that we all once were. Keira’s yearbook cover design is a carousel that reflects the various clubs and activities at William Floyd High School and how it all goes around and relates to one another. “Keira’s eye for detail and a ‘playful’ use of color is what made this design the perfect cover choice,” said Theresa Bianco, Keira’s art teacher and chairperson of Fine Arts for the William Floyd School District.

Along with winning the “One to Watch,” Keira has had her work displayed in many local galleries and shows. “She has earned the highest rating of ‘Distinction with Mastery’ for three years on her NYSATA portfolio,” Ms. Bianco added.

“My passion for art began from the moment I could pick up a pencil,” said Keira. “I have always been the only one in my family that could draw inside the lines really well. My uncle would show me how to really draw.”

As she has gained more experience, Keira now prefers charcoal as her favorite medium. “I love the way it makes objects or people come to life. But I have also been very into pen work,” she added.

Keira’s special talent is not only reserved for the art room, as she loves to do BMX racing in her spare time. “I have been doing it for 11 years. I even won the title of being seventh best girl my age in the United States!”

After graduation, Keira plans on pursuing her post-secondary education and majoring in graphic design and fine arts. She was recently accepted into Savannah College of Art & Design and is hoping to also get into Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and SUNY Purchase.

Keira has attended William Floyd schools K-12 including Tangier Smith Elementary School and William Paca Middle School.