May 8, 2020
Dear Friends,
There are so many great things happening that I want to share them with you right away. I’m sure your pride in The Albany Academies will swell when you read about all the activities that have been going on.
Honoring Our Seniors.
While students of all grades are having to adjust to the new way of learning remotely, this is a particularly tough time for seniors who are missing out on many longtime traditions associated with senior year. To make sure they know we recognize what they’re missing and honor them as they near graduation, last week advisors, administration, and faculty members fanned out across the region and made surprise deliveries of congratulatory lawn signs to all our seniors. Each customized sign featured the student’s name and senior photo. WNYT, the local NBC affiliate, was on hand as engineering faculty member John McNally surprised AAG senior Makayla Stannard at her home. You can see the news clip here:
AAG Senior Sign surprise
Frontline Heroes.
In my last letter to you I spoke about our graduates who are risking their own lives as they care for those who have the Coronavirus. Let me share with you a little bit about Alessandra Archino ’14, who is currently working on the front lines during this global pandemic as an EMT for Mohawk Ambulance here in the Capital Region. Alessandra, who is studying to become a PA, has seen the extremes of this virus firsthand caring for patients who are just beginning to show symptoms and those who are extremely ill and on a ventilator. Her message to all of us is this: “This virus is very real – social distancing and the quarantine/stay at home order are very important. I encourage those who are struggling to never forget why we keep fighting the reasons why we need to hold on and persevere through this tough time. It is important to know that we are not alone and this current situation is temporary.” She has great advice: “Abide by the quarantine/stay at home orders, wash your hands, take care of your mental and physical health (and know that it is absolutely okay to reach out for help), and thank a frontline hero.” We extend our sincere thanks to Alessandra for her selflessness and her bravery as she cares for the ill in our community. We’re proud of you!
Professional Community Appreciation Week.
You may have noted that communities across the country are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week. At the Academies, we decided to recognize our entire professional team, both faculty and staff, with Professional Community Appreciation Week for their dedication to our students and our school. The seven members of our Senior Leadership Team spent a good part of Wednesday and Thursday delivering an Italian dinner for four to the homes of all 153 faculty and staff members. We were greeted with big smiles at every stop as we delivered a pasta dish, salad, and dessert, all prepared by the school’s chefs. The local ABC affiliate, WTEN, joined us as we visited Theater Faculty Member Rich Johnson’s home. You can see the news story here:
Faculty & Staff Dinner Delivery
Guess who made a brief cameo appearance?
#GivingTuesdayNow.
This May 5 global generosity movement, intended to unleash the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world, was a huge success here at the school. Through the generosity of our alumni, alumnae and families, we surpassed our goal of raising $75,000 to provide financial aid to families who are having difficulties with tuition. These funds will also be used to support faculty salaries as some budgeted funds had to be directed to distance learning expenses. My sincere thanks to those of you who supported this one-day fundraiser. We are thrilled with the outcome.
I think you’ll agree that it’s been a very good couple of weeks for The Albany Academies. We are forever grateful to our current students, our alumni, alumnae, our families, and our professional staff for the way you all represent us to the world.
Please stay safe and reach out if there is anything we can do for you.
Warmly,
Ann Wendth
Chief Advancement Officer
