S.I.T.H.S. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Hello everyone! I am ready to get back into the swing of things! With the spring semester of my junior year beginning, things have been a little bit crazy - but I wouldn't expect anything different : ] Since the new year, I have made three appearances at very different events and I'm glad to have the opportunity to share them with all of you!

First was my appearance at Staten Island Technical High School. This was actually my second appearance to my alma mater. As I had posted previously, I was interviewed in the new TV recording studio about what it means to be Miss Staten Island and how others can get involved in December. This event, held on January 11th, was the "Ribbon Cutting" for this new studio!

The entire Staten Island Tech community, including alumni, were invited to attend as they thanked everyone who made this dream become a reality. Mr. Mazza (who developed the vision), Mr. Maniscalco (principal of S.I.T.H.S.), and City Councilman James Oddo (who provided $1.25 million in funding) were at the top of this 'thank you" list. Special guest, Mark Rivera - long time saxophone player for Billy Joel - played with Tech's Jazz Band to celebrate the occasion.

City Councilman James Oddo gave a speech that made me even more proud to be a Tech graduate. He began by reading various headlines from across the country, of young kids who went down the wrong path. "[It's easy for adults my age to say that they worry about the future of our country],"he said, "but then I see a school like Staten Island Technical High School, and I know we're going to be okay." And it's true, the amazing young men and women that Tech creates is a true testament to the teachers and faculty, and the never-ending desire that they create to be better than oneself.

It was an honor to be a part of this very special day in Tech's history. A proud seagull, forever!