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Amy Biehl High School, 2004
Tony Monfiletto and Tom Siegel, two inspired public school teachers
in Albuquerque, New Mexico, set out in 1999 to create a school
that would hold itself accountable for students after they graduated
from high school. They aimed to prepare students for college
by requiring that all students, regardless of their learning
ability, would successfully complete two college classes before
graduating from high school. Additionally, every student must
complete a year-long community service project in their senior
year that is relevant to their college coursework. They named
the school after Amy Biehl because they felt that she was a
role model that high school students could relate to and her
mission for her own life was similar to what would be expected
of students at Amy Biehl High School. They opened their doors
in 2000, with the following mission statement:
“Amy Biehl High School was founded in the spirit of Amy
Biehl, a young person dedicated to social justice. Using a thematic
approach across subject areas, we teach students to apply and
demonstrate skills and knowledge and to analyze and address
community needs. Through service, students are challenged to
play meaningful roles in their communities while developing
leadership skills. We are a school of choice that assists a
diverse student body to acquire intellectual, social, and ethical
habits to prepare for post secondary education and life.”
Today, our motto is “Courage, Scholarship, Community”.
Four years later, our students are succeeding in college and
making a difference in their community. We have a high special
education population, yet currently, students are taking Physics
101, English 101, and Communications at the University of New
Mexico and Computer Animation, Woodworking, and Health at Albuquerque
Technical Vocational Institute. Those same students are also
working at Healthcare for the Homeless, Habitat for Humanity,
and New Mexico AIDS Services just to cite a few examples.
This Spring, we will graduate our first class of seniors! We
have invited Zach Biehl to speak at our graduation ceremonies
and he has graciously accepted! It will be a celebration of
our young student pioneers, their teachers and administrators
who have guided them through this revolutionary process and
the legacy that Amy has left all of us. Like our namesake, we
are not afraid to, in the words of Mahatma Gandhi “be
the change we wish to see in the world.”
Note: Amy Biehl High School has recently acquired
the old Federal Post Office building from the General Services
Administration in the heart of Downtown Albuquerque! This elegant
52,000 square foot structure, built in 1908, will be home to
200 students. We are in the process of renovating the building
to be suitable for school use, and look forward to being the
first urban high school in Albuquerque in more than 30 years!
Our students will have access to all of the wonderful downtown
museums, parks, public library, courthouses, art galleries,
zoo and cultural centers, and their presence will revitalize
the Downtown community in return. We plan to move into this
beautiful space in August 2004.
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| See the latest news from South Africa. |
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| Friday 8/25/2006 is the 13th anniversary of Amy's death. |
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| The ABF is sad to announce the death of Program Director Solomon Makosana. Solomon had been ill for the past several months and finally could fight no longer on August 3rd |
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| Please see the photos of the ABF's recent activities in Seattle. Click Here |
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| The Amy Biehl Foundation is still in dire need of financial assistance. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. |
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The ABF would like to thank Mr. Scott Creelman and Spalding for the generous donation of 25 soccer balls to our Sports Program.
The ABF is very appreciative for the donation of ballet slippers, tap and jazz shoes made by Pandre' Shandley and the Accent Dance Studios, Inc. We also thank our former intern Sarah Cotton for her work in this wonderful contribution. |
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The Amy Biehl Foundation joins the world in mourning for Coretta Scott King. She was a true hero, humanitarian, and social activist. Below you will find the content of the letter she wrote to the Biehl family following Amy's death.
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Biehl,
I am deeplyand personally saddened to learn of your daughter Amy's death. Your loss is shared by all the people of conscience in South Africa, at the King Center, and around the world - - people, who like Amy, have devoted their lives to the quest for worldwide freedom, peace and justice.
Tomorrow, August 28th, commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the March on Washington where my husband, Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. As I march tomorrow I will, of course, remember Martin, but I shall also remember Amy's valiant effort and supreme contribution.
Although there is pain and sorrow, you should take great pride in her selfless dedication to such a noble cause. My prayers are with you and your family, now and always.
May God bless you.
Sincerely,
Coretta Scott King
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| The ABF is proud to announce that Tony Monfiletto has agreed to join our Board of Directors. Tony is the co-founder the Amy Biehl High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tony's commitment to the education and development of young people is well known and respected. The ABF will benefit greatly from Tony's talents. |
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| The following program is being put together by ABF Board Member Lori Markowitz.
Worlds Apart HEARTS Together...Community Building Through Global Understanding.
A special middle school educational program will be taking place May 30th- June 2nd in Seattle, Washington.
The program will engage students from Washington Middle School and the Amy Biehl Foundation in artistic workshops and civic dialogue promoting literacy and creative learning through authentic interactions focusing on cross cultural understanding and community building.
Book It Repertory Theater will be performing and providing artists in residents during the program. The University of Washington students and faculty will additionally be participating.
The students will have the opportunity to learn and share their different cultures and experience constructive engagement. The project will prepare the students to become globally competent citizens recognizing their own responsibilities in the world developing leadership skills. The project will encourage the empowerment of youth to help shape their futures. Through the spirit of Amy, the "Power of One" will develop citizens that will build character and confidence.
For more information contact: info@amybiehl.co.za attention Lori Markowitz. |
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ABF NEEDS YOUR HELP...
The ABF finds itself at a crossroads; we need to examine our long-term sustainability
and direction. This letter outlines our needs along with our plans for the
future. Please take time to read it thoroughly and consider our request.
READ MORE
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