Jacqueline Gonzalez-Alvarez plans to pursue her hopes and dreams at Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. The Huntington High School Class of 2022 member graduated a full year early. She was a standout in the fashion design and illustration program.
Ms. Gonzalez-Alvarez walked the runway twice at last spring’s high school fashion show. First, she wore a floral shirt with matching tie belt that she made. Later she walked out in a matching top and skirt that she created by cutting up an old pair of jeans and combining the denim with lace fabric.
Jacqueline Gonzalez-Alvarez at last spring's fashion show. (Darin Reed photo)
Named a Distinguished Senior last spring after compiling an exceptional academic record during every record of high school, Ms. Gonzalez-Alvarez worked closely with art teacher Kim Valerio in the fashion program.
“Jackie is a hardworking young woman who found herself and her own way at Huntington High School,” college counselor Bernadette Walsh said. “She is a stoic worker, looking to challenge herself and strengthen her transcript. With maturity second to none, she is excited to engage in college level work as soon as possible.”
The teenager maintains a positive attitude. “Perhaps what impresses me the most about Jackie is her character,” Mrs. Walsh said. “She is an honest, caring, noble and resilient young woman who I am proud to have worked with. In our very diverse high school she was able to bridge the gap among the many different groups that comprise our student body. She is proactive, friendly, outgoing, trustworthy, loyal, dependable and responsible. These attributes are admirable in anyone and Jackie has repeatedly exhibited all of them.”
Ms. Gonzalez-Alvarez captured both the Art Supplies Scholarship in Honor of Judy Menacho and the Fashion Design scholarship.
Mrs .Menacho was a gifted art teacher with a splendid sense of humor. When the longtime Huntington UFSD faculty member passed away in February 2021 it saddened her neighbors and former colleagues.
Mrs. Menacho’s neighbors contributed money to fund an “art supplies” scholarship and thought Ms. Gonzalez-Alvarez was well deserving of a very special award presented in memory of a sensational teacher.