Senator Onorato lauds new permanent home of Frank Sinatra School of the Arts at Kaufman Astoria Complex

 State Senator George Onorato (D-Queens) today attended the celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the new and permanent home of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria,

News from
State Senator George Onorato
Chairman, New York State Senate
Standing Committee on Labor
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FOR RELEASE: September 21, 2009
CONTACT:  Janet K. Kash  (518)455-3486  kash@senate.state.ny.us

SENATOR ONORATO LAUDS NEW PERMANENT HOME OF FRANK SINATRA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS AT KAUFMAN ASTORIA COMPLEX

    State Senator George Onorato (D-Queens) today attended the celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the new and permanent home of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, and called the event “a very exciting day for all  of us, and particularly for the students who will have the opportunity to thrive and pursue their education at this wonderful academic institution.”

    Noting that the legendary entertainer Tony Bennett is the founder of the school, together with Susan Benedetto,  Senator Onorato said, “One thing is clear.  Tony Bennett may claim that he left his heart in San Francisco, but we all know that his heart is right here at home in his native Astoria.  Without Tony's vision, and the vision of Susan Benedetto, we wouldn't have had the opportunity today to witness a dream come true: the completion of a very special school dedicated to the arts and named in memory of another legendary entertainer.  Old Blue Eyes would be proud.”  
 
    Senator Onorato added, “It is especially fitting that this school for the arts is located  at the Kaufman Astoria Complex.  It's a perfect storm: a school founded by a legend, named after a legend, and opening its doors in a site that is home to one of this country's most legendary studios.  I am sure that, in the years to come, many students attending the Frank Sinatra School for the Arts will go on to become legends themselves.”  
 
    The Queens lawmaker pointed out that there are many people who had a hand in making this exceptional academic institution a reality.  Senator Onorato expressed his gratitude to founders Tony Bennett and Susan Benedetto, Principal Donna Finn, the Honorable Peter Vallone, Sr., Mayor Bloomberg, Kaufman Astoria Studios,  Chancellor Klein, and the Department of Education as a whole. “This school is a great testament to our collective concern for the future of our children, our dedication to education, and our commitment to supporting and expanding the arts,” said Senator Onorato.  “It was wonderful to be a part of this very happy occasion.”

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Click here to read an article published in the Western Queens Gazette - Sinatra School Ribbon Cutting Western Queens Gazette - Queens,NY,USA - State Senator George Onorato called the event "a very exciting day for all of us, and particularly for the students who will have the opportunity to thrive ...