Toni Reyes-Sorto Chooses Fashion Institute of Technology

Toni Reyes-Sorto’s creativity has reached new heights in Huntington High School’s Fashion Design & Illustration program. The senior plans to pursue his dreams at Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan.

“FIT really sparked something in me,” Mr. Reyes-Sorto said. “It’s one of the top fashion schools in the world and it felt like a natural next step the moment I learned what fashion design could truly mean. That spark began when I first walked into Huntington High School as a freshman with no prior knowledge about fashion, just curiosity for creativity. Under the mentorship of Mrs. [Kim] Valerio, our fashion design teacher, I was introduced to the fundamentals of design, sewing, and illustration. She not only taught me how to sketch a garment or operate a machine, but how to turn inspiration into a visual voice. Over the years, I evolved from a student to an in-school intern for Mrs. Valerio which allowed me to take on leadership roles, contribute to class activities, and even mentor others.”

Mr. Reyes-Sorto starred at the district’s annual fashion show in May. “Toni created a velvet and fur coat for himself that he wore at the show,” Mrs. Valerio said. “He also created a beautiful deep purple gown for student Josie Sullivan, who was a guest model at the fashion show.”

The senior has truly fallen in love with fashion and the design process. “Fashion design to me is more than a career, it’s a way to create moments, make statements, and build legacies through collaboration,” Mr. Reyes-Sorto said. “I envision myself growing into a designer whose work is seen at iconic events like the Met Gala, where I could one day say, ‘I designed that look for [celebrity/artist].’ I aspire to collaborate with artists, entertainers, and global fashion houses, seeing my name next to theirs in editorials, on magezine covers, or on a red carpet. Ultimately, I would love to work with high-end designer brands that value craftsmanship, storytelling and innovation, while building my own path in the industry.”

Mr. Reyes-Sorto has also shined on stage as a high school drama club member, regularly appearing in fall and spring productions with the group.

“Throughout high school, I immersed myself in a wide range of activities that shaped who I am today,” Mr. Reyes-Sorto said. “I was part of the Huntington Blue Devil marching band for five years, serving as color guard captain for two seasons. I performed in the school’s drama club productions, participated in Chamber Orchestra as a cellist, and served as president of both the National Art Honor Society and Yearbook Club. I was also a member of Tri-M, Spanish, Math, and National Honor Societies. These experiences helped me build strong leadership, time management, and collaboration skills, all of which I carry into my work as a designer.”

The senior and Mrs. Valerio have bonded. “Mrs. Valerio has been more than a teacher; she’s been my biggest mentor,” Mr. Reyes-Sorto said. “Her encouragement helped me believe in my talent and push through self-doubt. She saw something in me before I saw it in myself. She’s the reason I fell in love with fashion, and she continues to inspire me to dream boldly.”

The veteran teacher feels the same way about her mentor as he does about her. “Toni is my fashion intern and also takes Portfolio in Fashion with me,” Mrs. Valerio said. “He is very motivated and hardworking and has been a pleasure to teach during the four years that I have had him as a student.”

Mr. Reyes-Sorto said the leadership roles he has played have served to strengthen his creativity, discipline and passion for design.

“My years in Huntington played a key role in helping me grow into the creative and driven individual I am today,” Mr. Reyes-Sorto. “The programs, resources, and support systems, especially in the arts. Huntington gave me the tools I needed to explore my interests and build a strong foundation for my future. Whether it was through fashion design classes, music ensembles, other extracurriculars, or leadership opportunities, I was always encouraged to push my limits and take pride in my work. While every journey has its ups and downs, I’m grateful for the access to opportunities that allowed me to discover my passion and pursue it with purpose.”