HCHS mourns the passing of Distinguished Graduate MARTINA ARROYO HS Class of 1953

Marina Arroyo was a generational talent in the world of opera.  As noted in her New York Times obituary, (linked below) she was"one of the first Black singers to have a major operatic career."  She discovered opera and her vocal talents when she attended an opera workshop as part of her high school studies.

In 2025 the HS Art and Music Department named an annual student award in her honor, The Martina Arroyo Award for Music and Mentorship given to a student who has distinguished themselves in their commitment to the music program at HCHS and to the improvement of their fellow students through guidance and support.  The Department was able to share with Ms. Arroyo that the school had named this award in her recognition of her pioneering career in music, education and mentorship.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/14/arts/music/martina-arroyo-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.I1E.t1CB.Yg_4kVBMCts0&smid=url-share