Hewlett High School unveiled their new state-of-the-art auditorium prior to the opening night performance of “Les Misérables”.
The auditorium includes improved acoustics, a newly built mezzanine that houses the sound and lighting systems with seating for 150, a fresh pain job and new flooring installed on the stage.
The renovations totaled $6.2 million and began in June 2024 under the watch of former Superintendent Ralph Marino Jr. part of a $15.4 million project for the entire high school. It was officially revealed on Nov. 18.
Renovations were completed before the school year began as the school held teacher orientation in the new auditorium in the beginning of September.
“Everything is new in the auditorium,” said Andrew Fund, the districts director of art and music education. “From the concrete floor to the ceiling, everything is beautiful and brand new. It’s incredible, the technology is state-of-the-art and we’ve never worked in a space where we have so much tech.”
Fund said this is an amazing opportunity for the students and community to learn, grow and showcase everything they can do in this space.
The auditorium was 30-years old and needed to be brought into today’s technological times.
“Our board of education recognized that there’s a need in our building to redo this auditorium in 2018,” Fund said. “Here we are today, opening up it’s very exciting.”
He said this new space is about the students and he’s excited to see the kids showcasing all of their talents on stage.
“I’m looking forward to seeing these kids showcasing what amazing things our teachers do in the classroom,” he added. “Whatever presentation they’re doing, we have the capability now of highlighting their successes.”
According to Superintendent Dina Anzalone, the developers of the project, SCC Construction Management of Hauppauge and the architect John A Grillo Design, said that Hewlett High School is now “the most high-tech auditorium in Long Island.”
Anzalone gave a special shout-out to the Board of Education members who approved the renovations of the auditorium and took into consideration the needs of the students and community.
“To be here today with you for the grand opening of Les Mis with the board of education who fought tirelessly to make sure this space is everything the community deserves, is just something that is absolutely incredible and applaudable,” she said. “We can’t thank you enough for your fierce advocacy on behalf of our students.”
Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education President Debra Sheinin said the board always looked for the best of the students and were excited for the opportunity to renovate the auditorium.
“This encompasses not just art,” Sheinin said. “This is everybody in the community who’s going to be involved. You can be instrumental, part of the band, receiving an award and now there’s so many reasons we can be using this new, beautiful area with a large capacity in the balcony.”
Sheinin said she is grateful for the support of the community, the parents involved, board members, along with Anzalone and Fund.
“I am still in awe,” she said. “We used this for staff orientation and couldn’t get over how beautiful this was. It’s breathtaking, I’m so excited the students will have opportunities to create memories here in this beautiful auditorium.”
She was most excited to see the state-of-the-art lighting, projection and audio systems that were installed.
“I don’t care what the performance is,” Sheinin added. “I just love seeing these kids performing on stage and being themselves.”
