Billy Joel Pledges $1.5M To Syosset's LI High School For The Arts

SYOSSET, NY — Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) has been training Long Island students in the performing and visual arts since 1972.

But six years ago, the school was at risk of closing, until Long Island native and superstar singer Billy Joel donated $1 million from his foundation, the Billy Joel Foundation.

Now Joel has pledged another $1.5 million, to fund programs at the Nassau BOCES-run school for five years. The foundation and Nassau BOCES will agree on the program specifics, Newsday reported.

LIHSA shared the news on the school's Facebook page:

"Check out our school on Fox 5 NY sharing the e extraordinary news that Billy and Alexis Joel— through The Joel Foundation—will continue to be a vital partner with a new $1.5 million pledge over five years. Everyone at LIHSA is grateful to Billy and Alexis Joel and LIHSA Advisory. This feature includes a spotlight on our students in songwriting, working on their original song compositions, under the direction of Kimberly Larkin and Dale Stuckenbruck, some inspiring words from our students and District Superintendent Dr. Dillon, and Assistant Principal Erica Giglio. We are all overwhelmed with gratitude!"

Joel grew up in Hicksville.

The Grammy winner and his wife said in a joint statement:

"We are incredibly proud of LIHSA's momentum and positive impact on the next generation of artists from Long Island. The vision of Nassau BOCES and the LIHSA team to develop a creative curriculum inspired us to continue our support."