June 2005

The School of the Arts Foundation, Inc. (SOAFI) is proud to announce that Mr. Howard G. Minsky, of Palm Beach, has generously pledged $100,000 to establish the Sylvia and Howard G. Minsky Film School Development Fund which will provide future funding for the further development of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Film Department.

“We are delighted and honored that Mr. Minsky has chosen to support the development of young film students in Palm Beach County,” said Foundation Executive Director Patricia Montesino. “His generosity will enable us to continue to expand this program in years to come and help many young visionaries explore and develop their creative talents.”

The announcement came at the annual Dreyfoos School of the Arts Communication Arts Showcase. Film students at the highly-acclaimed arts high school produced a short film based on interviews with Mr. Minsky, which was screened at the Showcase. SOAFI Board Member Natalie Garibian Peters, who was also the school’s first valedictorian, delivered a testimonial to Mr. Minsky’s influence on young writers and filmmakers.
In appreciation for Mr. Minsky’s generous donation, SOAFI board member and former board president Dr. David Prensky presented Mr. Minsky with a plaque and a framed print signed by the school’s film students. The students and parents in attendance showed their appreciation with a standing ovation.

Mr. Minsky addressed the students and told them to “never, ever, ever give up on your dreams. If you want it to happen, you can make it happen.”

Mr. Minsky is a noted film producer, best known for producing Love Story, which won an Academy Award as Best Picture in 1970. Mr. Minsky also won a Golden Globe Award in 1970 as Best Producer for Love Story.

The School of the Arts Foundation Gala benefits The Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, a widely-acclaimed public arts magnet high school in West Palm Beach offering instruction in dance, visual art, communication arts, theater and instrumental and vocal music. In addition, it offers a high level academic program, with graduates going on to post-secondary education at many of the nation’s finest universities and arts academies.

Newsweek magazine recently ranked Dreyfoos School of the Arts as number 20 in its listing of the top public high schools in the nation. It has been cited by The College Board as having the highest performing Studio Art Advanced Placement program in the world. Dreyfoos also was recently recognition by the International Network for the Advancement of Arts Education as the Exemplary School of 2005. For more information, call 561-805-6298.