Designer to the Stars in the Making
Allison Wieland is good at what she does; very good. She's a young fashion designer with plenty of promise. The senior's potential is so great, that Fashion Institute of Technology accepted her into its prestigious and demanding program for the fall semester.
Ms. Wieland said she is "super excited" about what lies ahead. "I have wanted to go to F.I.T. since I was in fourth grade," she said. It has been a dream of mine for such a long time and the fact that I was accepted is such an overwhelming feeling. I couldn't be any happier!"
The fashion world is a demanding one, to say the least, and fashion schools are known to be grueling places for aspiring designers. "It is going to be a hard next four years but I am up for the challenge," Ms. Wieland said. "When you're passionate about something it's worth it to go the extra mile and sweat a little!"
Her years at Huntington High School have been productive in a variety of ways. "Throughout high school, I definitely have watched myself grow as a person; a stronger and more independent little lady," Ms. Wieland said.
A quick look through Ms. Wieland's fashion portfolio offers proof of her talent. She's worked hard at developing and refining her skills and has worked closely with art teachers Amy Worth and Kristin Singer who lead Huntington's fashion program.
"Huntington High had a huge impact on the career aspect of my life," Ms. Wieland said. I have known exactly what I wanted to do for a long time, but Huntington gave me the tools to become as successful as I am now. I couldn't be any more grateful that Huntington has such a wonderful fashion program!"
Two pieces designed by Ms. Wieland were featured at last winter's holiday street fair fashion show in Huntington village. The show was sponsored by Lina'z, a popular children's clothing store located on Wall Street in the village.
Ms. Wieland won a Blue Ribbon Award at Huntington's recent district art show for her ingenious paper dress. Fashion II student Claire Beach pitched in to help out on short notice. "The dress is made from Women's Wear Daily, a very popular fashion newspaper and the skirt is some random black cardboard material I found in Mrs. Worth's closet.
Ms. Wieland's bonds with her teachers seem unbreakable, even in the face of graduation next month. "Mrs. Worth and Mrs. Singer are phenomenal teachers and I can't thank them enough," the senior said. "They have been so incredible, from freshman year teaching me the basic skills of drawing a ten head, to senior year teaching me how to create a portfolio, to sending my work off to colleges."
Most seniors are excited about the future and anxious to move on to college. Ms. Wieland is no different. She will behind a solid record of achievement and overwhelmingly positive feelings about the past four years.
"I have made such great memories in Huntington, including finding the most amazing friends anyone could ever have," Ms. Wieland said. "I have been so fortunate. They have been there for me through thick and thin. I honestly wouldn't take anything back from my years at Huntington. I will miss Huntington High very much and I am sad to go."