The Frank Sinatra School of the Arts graduation ceremony had some Hollywood star power as actor Bruce Willis and singer Tony Bennett came to Astoria to help the roughly 150 graduates celebrate their special day.
The ceremony took place on Friday, June 26, at the school’s new facility – the Tony Bennett Concert Hall – and Willis delivered the keynote address encouraging the graduates to follow their artistic dreams.
“I don’t think anyone can tell you what you’re supposed to do after high school. You guys are on a journey,” said Willis. “I couldn’t be more pleased to send out new graduates into the world.”
Principal Donna Finn expressed pride and hope for the graduates as they continue in their educational endeavors.
“Hopefully the experience you have gained here at Sinatra will inspire you to become life-long patrons of the arts,” said Finn. “Your artistry is what makes you unique.
Other prominent guests included Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and City Councilmembers Peter Vallone Jr. and Eric Gioia.
Marshall spoke fondly of the school, saying that music and art can enrich the lives of students.
“When you see this school, it didn’t just happen,” Marshall said. “This school is superb.”
Bennett captivated the crowd with his performance of “The Best is Yet to Come.”
Speaking about the name of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr. noted that Bennett told him, “I don’t want it named after me, I want it named for my great friend.”
Tony Bennett founded the school in 2001 to honor Frank Sinatra by combining an art studio program with an equally challenging academic focus.
Beginning in September 2009, the school will move to its permanent location at the concert hall, which is also across the street from the Museum of the Moving Image.
Of the graduates, Vallone Jr. said, “You guys deserve superstars like Bruce and Bennett because you guys are superstars.”
He also praised the parents of the graduates, saying that this moment could not be possible without them, prompting the rest of the audience to a thunderous applause.
Valedictorian Marcin Hamielec emphasized the importance of striving to make a change in the world after graduation.
“It takes people of strength, courage and integrity to carry out justice,” Hamielec said.
Graduates and dance majors Brian Goldstein and Cheyenne Graves burst through the doors of the hall after the ceremony, ready to face life after high school.
“It’s been a long, hard four years, but we did it,” said Goldstein.
