FRIENDS OF

Throughout his lifetime, Otto Kahn gave generously to support the arts in America, especially those who were struggling and needed financial assistance. 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 $300,000 in scholarships. 

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For more information or an application, please call 631-367-2570.

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OUR 2025 OTTO KAHN AWARD WINNERS

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Friends of OHKEA proudly announces this year's Otto Kahn Awards. Seven talented high school seniors from the Town of Huntington received $3,000 each. The students either performed at our annual Garden Party or had their art work and photography displayed during the event. The following deserving students are pursuing their love of the arts as they begin their college education this fall: 

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Aaron Cimadevilla, Music  Walt Whitman High School / Mannes School of Music

Samantha Greenberg, Performing Arts Half Hollow Hills High School East / Syracuse University

Oliver Mauer, Music Half Hollow Hills High School West / Boston Conservatory

Emma Nadler, Fine Arts  Northport High School / Savannah College of Art and Design

Samuel Soric, Music Huntington High School / Boston University

Ainsley Waite, Performing Arts Half Hollow Hills High School West / The Trinity Laban Conservatoire of  Music and Dance, London

Kerry Yeung, Fine Arts Half Hollow Hills High School East / Pratt Institute

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OUR 2025 ELLEN SCHAFFER CIVIC LEADERSHIP

MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS 

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For the first time ever, we have created the Ellen Schaffer Civic Leadership Memorial Scholarship to honor the memory of Ellen Schaffer and the outstanding work she did for many years in her community— The Town of Huntington. Ellen was dedicated to the preservation and protection of OHEKA Castle and Firnds of OHEKA President from 1998-2024. The winners exemplify the qualities that Ellen stood for: 

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Kate Adams, First Place Walt Whitman High School / North Carolina State University

Julia Dean, Second Place Walt Whitman High School / University of Michigan ​

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