By LILLY MARK
Recently, Jericho High School’s Art Department held its second annual Art Alumni Day. Attendees learned insightful information from alumni who spoke about their college experiences, career choices, perspectives on art, and their experiences while at Jericho.
Class of 2020 graduate, Katie Rae David stressed the importance of making good use of the resources provided in Jericho. She said, “Take advantage of your high school art department. Your professors in college will not help you as much as the teachers here will.”
Many alumni gave their opinions on the importance of choosing careers and shared what resources helped them as they moved onto college. They pointed out that the skills they learned in Jericho art classes were very beneficial when learning and studying in college.
Class of 2020 graduate Jean Yoo said, “Don’t put down what you learned here. I think at the end of the day it will come back to help you in ways you would not expect.”
Students who take advanced art classes at Jericho were excused from classes to attend the presentation. Many students were inspired, and they felt it was helpful especially for their future college careers.
Junior Joe C. believes listening to alumni was very beneficial and will guide him while he considers colleges. He said, “I learned that you should embrace what you want to do going into college and make it work if you have a passion for it.”
Junior Joe C. attended the event for two periods and felt he gained useful advice.
Attendees felt relieved to hear that it is typical to be unsure about knowing what to study in college as a high schooler.
Sophomore Skylar W. emphasized how lucky Jericho students are to have so much guidance in the art department. She said, “I learned that it’s okay to not know what you want to do in the future right after high school. Do whatever makes you happy.”
The event helped her to more deeply appreciate her art teachers. She said, “We are lucky to have amazing teachers in the art department who are always there to help us.”
Art teachers were quite pleased about their second alumni day. Art teacher Mr. Cimminelli recognizes the importance of the event for his high school students. He said, “The idea is to have students find a connection and community within the arts. It is a huge opportunity for students to learn from people who were in their position, and not only us teachers but kids who lived through it.”
Mr. Cimminelli thinks alumni have a strong positive effect on high school students who are growing to understand what college may be like.
Mr. Cimminelli thoroughly enjoyed seeing his former students. He said, “My favorite part was getting to see everyone and hear about the amazing things they are doing. This is my 6th year in the high school and we had a student here today who graduated from every single year I have been here.”
Similarly, art teacher Ms. Pillich values the alumni effect on how current students choose courses and career paths. She said, “I think it really justifies the arts for them and hearing the importance from students who experienced it first hand, is validating for students who are unsure what courses they should take.”
Jericho art teacher Ms. Pillich is excited about future events. She said, “Immediately after the event, everyone was talking about next year and how to become more involved in the arts at Jericho.”
Ms. Pillich feels alumni can have a significant impact on current students. She added, “I think it really justifies the arts for them and hearing the importance from students who experienced it first hand, it validates for students who are unsure what courses they should take.”
The third annual Art Alumni Day is already being planned with hopes that this year’s seniors will be returning next year to talk to Jericho’s high schoolers.