Congratulations on receiving an award from Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia High School!
Please thoroughly read the award letter you received, which outlines what you must submit. You must complete the online Award Acceptance Form (click HERE or at the bottom) by July 21, 2026 in order to receive your award money. Please read this entire page before filling out your Award Acceptance form.
Thank you notes to the people who created your award are very important and meaningful. Receiving a heartfelt note with a personal tone can make a donor feel more connected to you and to LaGuardia. Below are some guidelines on how to write a great thank you letter, as well as excerpts from longer thank you letters, which we hope will inspire your own notes. Art students, please make your own cards – a piece of original artwork made for the donor.
Please follow these DO’s and DON’Ts in your letter:
- DO address your note to the person listed on your award letter and make sure the name is spelled correctly
- DO add a date to your letter
- DO include information about yourself (including your studio at LaGuardia).
- DO include what the arts in general and your studio in particular means to you.
- DO include what attending LaGuardia, an arts oriented high school, means to you.
- DO include your hopes and dreams for the future.
- DO write legibly and large enough for anyone to read (if you are writing the note by hand)
- DON’T address your letter to “Dear Donor.” Address the letter to the name of the Donor.
- DON’T write your note on loose-leaf/notebook paper.
- DON’T include the specific amount of money you received for your award.
- DON’T forget to check spelling and grammar.
Please see below for an example of a full thank you note and additional excerpts from longer thank you notes:
Excerpts from last year’s thank you notes:
“Music has always been a part of who I am, and I’ve loved studying music as a vocal major. LaGuardia has given me so many tools, and now, because of your support, I have the chance to take what I love even further and to push myself to discover new sides of my craft, and to really step into the kind of performer I hope to become. I hope to not just strengthen my skills, but to grow more confident, more expressive, and more ready for everything that lies ahead in my journey as a singer.”
Vocal ’26 Student – recipient of the Brian Lipton Award
“My passion for music allowed me to be a more open-minded person. Attending LaGuardia H.S. allowed me to meet many people who have the same love for music as I do. I hope in the future, I’ll be able to influence other young musicians to never give up on their dreams. I am truly thankful for the Alumni & Friends Summer Study Award and I am committed to make the most out of this opportunity.”
Instrumental ’26 Student – recipient of the Dr. Stanley Fishman Award
“My time in the LaGuardia tech department has been one of the best experiences of my life so far. The skills I have learned are ones I will take with me into college and beyond. It was simultaneously the most challenging, fun, and rewarding experience I have had. I would like to thank you again for all you have done for LaGuardia and the tech department. Your support has helped shape me as a person and will continue to shape future generations.”
Technical Theater ’25 Student – recipient of the Denham Stein Fund for Technical Theater Award
“Your kindness has given me not only financial support but also the encouragement to keep pursuing my passion, and for that, I’m truly grateful. I’ve struggled with identity for much of my life, but at LaGuardia, I found a space where I finally feel seen. The arts have helped me find my voice — and taught me that it’s worth using. I love LaGuardia so much. It’s more than a school — it’s a community where creativity, expression, and growth are nurtured every single day. I always look forward to walking into such an empowering, inspiring environment — and I feel so blessed to be part of it.”
Drama ’26 Student – recipient of the Alumni and Friends Summer Study Scholarship
“My experience at LaGuardia has meant so much to me. Being in a place where I was able to express myself freely changed who I am as a person for the better. In my time at LaGuardia I gained confidence in my art and my ability to communicate through my practice. At Cornell, I will be seeking out the LaGuardia experience: the opportunity to learn artistically and academically in a community of people who challenge me.”
Fine Arts ’25 Student – recipient of the Class of M&A 1952W Award
“I wanted to take the time to express my heartfelt gratitude for the generous support you have provided me and my dance career. Dance is my favorite thing on the planet, thank you for guaranteeing that I get to do what I love this summer. As a junior Dance major at LaGuardia, I couldn’t be more grateful for this place. I’m excited to continue learning at the Broadway Dance Center Junior Training Program. I cannot thank you enough for your support. It means the world to me. Thank you for believing in me and my passion for dance.”
Dance ’25 Student – recipient of the Alumni and Friends Summer Study Scholarship
Established in 1983, Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia (A&F) provides vital financial support to the school and its students through need-based scholarships, merit awards, private lessons, master classes, as well as funding for each studio. Alumni & Friends’ mission is to raise funds to enhance the world-class arts education at LaGuardia; to ensure that all students can pursue their talents regardless of their financial situation and school budget cuts; and to keep alumni connected with each other and the school.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Karen Kramer, Director of Alumni Affairs at awards@alumniandfriends.org.
Complete your online Award Acceptance Form here