Dear Alumni, It is with a heart full of Red & Black tears that I write this post as the President of the DeWitt Clinton High School Alumni Association. The sad news in this post has likely reached many of you as you read these words. As a board, we waited to share the details about Mr. Blanco's service, we waited to share this flyer and we waited to create this post as a form of respect to his grieving family. Due to our society's current health realities, contact with Mr. Blanco in the last weeks of his life was very limited and delicate. He was surrounded by family and loved ones. I along with some other Class of 1999 as he would call us 'Blanco Superstars' alum, were contacted by Mr. Blanco's family several weeks ago at his request. We were able to engage with him and let him know how bright his light will forever shine in the hearts and memory of DWCHS alumni. I am still unpacking the emotions that surface when a mentor passes away and I know many of us feel this way. I know that this news came as shock to thousands of people. I ask that you think of how painful this moment is for his family. Above this message, you see a flyer with details about the wake services on October 14th. As an alumni association, we will pay our respects at the wake and extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family.
With love and light,
Sydney Valerio Class of 1999 President of the DeWitt Clinton High School Alumni Association Board
