A string quartet of Colonie High School students performed at a New York State Education Department (NYSED) ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 5.  

The event, which commemorated employee longevity, was held at the New York State Museum in Albany. NYSED employees were recognized for reaching the milestones of 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 years of service to the state's Department of Education.

Dr. Betty A. Rosa, NYS Commissioner of Education and President of the University of the State of New York was the guest speaker at the ceremony.  At the conclusion, Dr. Rosa spoke with each of the student musicians, offering words of praise and appreciation for their performance.

The student musicians were Hei Cheng (grade 12, violin), Emily Donohue (grade 12, cello), Nguyet-Vien Le (grade 12, violin), and Grace Manuyag (grade 11, viola).  Music was performed prior to and at the conclusion of the ceremony while the honorees and their guests enjoyed a reception.

The Colonie High School string quartet, coached by Mr. Peter Cannistraci, is an extra-curricular ensemble that provides musical outreach within the local community. View a clip of their performance here.