Senior Richie Gray is One-of-a-Kind
Richie Gray is a one-of-a-kind 17 year old. Just ask his classmates at Huntington High School. The senior is an aspiring fashion designer and indefatigable when it comes to seeking out activities that will help him grow intellectually and socially.
Mr. Gray is a real-life dynamo. He's taken eight pre-college courses at Fashion Institute of Technology which have ranged from sewing and advanced illustration to pattern-making and draping. The teenager has been a member of the art honor society for the past three years and is a force to be reckoned with in the high school fashion program.
As for his future plans, Mr. Gray has his eye on Fashion Institute of Technology, Parsons: The New School for Design, Drexel University and Savannah College of Art and Design. They are all top schools with demanding curriculums and high-powered faculty members.
"This past summer I moved to Manhattan on my own to take college level courses at Parsons: The New School for Design," the teenager said. "During my studies at Parsons, I managed to land an internship at Rebecca Taylor for the summer. That was by far the most beneficial experience of my life; being able to learn hands-on with the designers and even get myself into some shows!"
Never Looked Back
The senior never looked back after making the decision to head into the big city. "Overall, moving to Manhattan was the greatest experience of my life so far," Mr. Gray said. "I met amazing people and learned so much. I will return soon to live there permanently! Fashion design is something I'm truly passionate about and hope to go far in."
Mr. Gray is a fan of Lady Gaga, is into frozen yogurt, takes comfort in his tight circle of friends and loves his Jeep. The stage has an almost magnetic appeal for him. Not surprisingly, over the years he's built a strong relationship with English teacher and drama club advisor Michael Swendemann.
The senior called the high school drama club "my dysfunctional family. I've been through just about everything with them. It's always been such an honor to be surrounded by such a unique, talented group of people. The best feeling in the world is knowing that after the long school day, I have a place I can go to where I can have fun and be with these amazing people. I have such a huge amount respect for every single member of the drama club, and of course Schwendy. I'll miss drama club very much.
Elected president of his class as a sophomore and junior, Mr. Gray is serving as the G.O. vice-president this year. "I love being able to plan and participate in the fun and exciting yearly events we do at the school such as homecoming, PlayFest and the prom," he said. The teenager has nothing but praise for class advisors Eliana Oranges and Lori Pyzocha, calling them "great women."
Favorite Courses and Teachers
As for favorite courses and teachers, well, Mr. Gray has a few. Kelly Krycinski and the 9th grade English honors class holds more than a few memories for the senior. "Ms. Krycinski is one of the most intelligent and compassionate women I've ever met," he said about the teacher he had as a freshman and has now again as a senior.
Art teacher Kristin Singer, who has helped bring the fashion program to dizzying heights, is another favorite. "I've had her for three years now and loved every second of every class I've been in with her," Mr. Gray said. "She's beyond talented and teaches me so much everyday. I had the honor of being her intern last year for the fashion program. I don't know what I'd do without her, especially this time of year with all my portfolio work that must be done! She's amazing!"
The fashion program is near and dear to Mr. Gray's heart. He has helped plan and execute the district's hugely popular fashion for the past two years and will do so again next spring. He has also received kudos as the show's emcee.
Found His Passion
One of the most memorable episodes of the senior's time at Huntington High School came when fashion students traveled to Washington, DC at the invitation of First Lady Michelle Obama to attend ceremonies related to the donation of her inaugural gown to the Smithsonian. Mr. Gray met Mrs. Obama, as well as designers Jason Wu and Tory Burch. The teenager called the trip "such an amazing experience."
As his time at Huntington High School nears an end, Mr. Gray has been reflecting on the past four years and how it relates to his future plans. "The art programs at the high school are the reason I found my passion," he said. "Every teacher truly loves art and loves to teach their students what they know. I'm so grateful for the art department at the high school. If anyone hasn't taken an art class yet, they definitely should. You never know what it will teach you."