Letter from the President

Dear Alumni and Friends,

I am honored to have been elected by our Board of Directors as the new President of the High School of Art & Design Alumni Association, on the 80th anniversary of our prestigious school. I have been involved with the school and Alumni Association since 1999. Over the years I wanted to find the best way to give back to the school that changed the life of the Washington Heights kid who stands before you today. With the Alumni Association I have finally found it. During the last 3 years, as an organization, we have reconnected with many alumni who, like so many of us, feel a deep connection to A&D no matter where life has taken us. Many of you have shared stories of how Art & Design saved your life and became the first step in the career that you have today. Your continued support is how we will pay it forward to the students today and in the future. Make a difference for that one kid that reminds you of where you came from.

Following Ed Velandria’s three years as President leaves some big shoes to fill. With your support and encouragement, I know the challenges ahead are attainable. Working closely with Ed and our outstanding board of directors, we successfully made enormous strides and will continue to build on those accomplishments.
Since we came on board, our main objective was to have everyone work together to get the school back on the map as the premier high school for the arts in New York City. We are well on our way to accomplishing just that with unique events such as the Draw-A-Thon and Urban Arts Show, but we could not have done any of this alone. We want to express our gratitude to The Friends of Art & Design (FAD) who have been incredibly supportive as partners and major sponsors of some of our events.
We also want to thank the amazing High School of Art and Design PTA and families who have consistently stepped up to support all of our events.

We invite you join us and support the bright and talented artists of the High School of Art and Design. Be a part of our efforts to keep the memory and traditions of the High School of Art & Design and School of Industrial Arts alive. If you are not currently an Alumni Association member, I encourage you to join. Help make this year bigger and better. The cost is only $25 annually.

The High School of Art & Design / The School of Industrial Arts will be 80 years old on November 8th. Get ready for a year-long celebration to commemorate this fantastic milestone. Thank you and I look forward to a productive and successful year.

Sincerely yours,
George Alonso
President
Class of 1980

Please consider becoming a member if you are not already! Your kind financial donations are always welcome as well! Click here to  donate  and  here to become a member.