Recent Grad Brings Talent Home To Beautify School District

MASTIC BEACH, NY — A William Floyd High School grad has brought his talents home to beautify the district.

Tylee Trent, who graduated in 2018 and is a current student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, was recently commissioned to create artwork for the hallway outside of central registration in the district’s main offices "as a way to exhibit a more relaxing and welcoming atmosphere for families registering their children for school," the district said.

“When I first met with Tylee about my vision, I gave him the freedom to sketch what he felt would make people feel welcome, while also incorporating some aspects of our community as well as our school,” said Deborah Gurney, director of student services, William Floyd School District. “Tylee thought the beach would be a good example of a community spot,” she said, adding that she loves the finished product because she believes it's brought the wall to life.

Tylee, who achieved a great deal during his time at William Floyd, explained his vision. “I wanted the mural to represent diversity due to the different cultures within the district so using two children from different backgrounds was one thing I incorporated within the piece,” he said.

He said he also wanted to also include Smith Point County Park, a place he deems "a community treasure" and an area where students like to congregate.

Some of Tylee’s accolades at William Floyd include earning “Best in Show” in the mixed media category for his “Aquarius Painting” at the Suffolk County Art Leaders Association's All-County and Scholarship Show in 2017. He also received an honorable mention award at the 2018 show.

Additionally, he regularly received the highest rating of “distinguished” on his art portfolio at the New York State Art Teachers Association Portfolio Project adjudication throughout his time in high school. He also received a perfect score on his AP Advanced Art exam during his senior year.

“I had an amazing experience as an artist at William Floyd,” Tylee said. “I became so close with the art teachers; I looked at them as mother figures and that was something I truly value. The skills I learned were what made me become successful and the love and openness of every classroom was so important to me."

He also praised teachers, who are passionate about their mission and never fail to express that love to students, including Erin Almeida and Theresa Bianco, who "were my family. Without them I don’t think I would have loved being an artist as much as I do now.”

Bianco, who also serves as fine arts chairperson for the district, helped facilitate the project and oversaw Tylee’s work.

Patch photo courtesy William Floyd School District.