A Conversation with Alison W. Sing ’64, EAGLE 100s – Special Honors Donor.
By: Trena Burns Walker ’75, Tracy Case Arnold ’82, and Nicole R. Washington ’80
As a Cleveland High School graduate of the Class of 1964, Alison Sing, along with many of his classmates, knew nothing about the gift from the classes of 1943 and 1944 that purchased the Cleveland Memorial Forest** to honor their former classmates who died while serving in the military during World War II. In 1997, Alison was elected to the Cleveland High School Alumni Association’s board. This was the first time he learned about the gift from the Cleveland High School students. (Note: Starting in 1942, the CHS students collected over $300, including gifts from the graduation classes of 1943 and 1944, to purchase land for a memorial forest).
During his 11-year tenure on the CHS Alumni Association Board, he had the privilege to serve as the vice-president, president, and treasurer. He gives credit to his fellow board members who created a solid foundation for an alumni association that just celebrated our 25th Anniversary in 2022.
We asked Alison why he decided to donate $15,000 for a Learning Center at the Cleveland High School Memorial Forest (CHSMF) in 2022. He responded:
“The sacrifices of our fellow classmates, no matter what year they attended Cleveland High School, cannot be forgotten. We must always honor their ultimate sacrifice in defending our nation. These young men and women served our nation, and we are the recipient of their sacrifice to defend our nation.”
Thanks to the hard work of the CHS Alumni Association Board in 2021, the Cleveland High School Memorial Forest is now permanently protected from future intrusion by outside development. The sale of the development rights to the King County Parks and Recreation will ensure that the Cleveland High School Memorial Forest remains “hallowed ground.”
Alison’s recent gracious donation provides only “seed” monies for the future development of a learning center at the Memorial Forest. Cleveland High School was reopened in 2007 as a STEM school devoted to teaching our young students Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The Cleveland High School Memorial Forest is an excellent site for giving our students a living laboratory with purpose and excitement for learning about the biology, botany, ecology, environment, fisheries, forestry, horticulture, scientific studies, and climate change issues that are now emerging challenges facing future generations.
Alison emphasized, “My gift is only a “drop” in a large bucket with the hopes that others who share my beliefs can make the future a better place for our children and their children’s future. The dream can be made into a reality. I see the Cleveland High School Memorial Forest as a living entity that honors CHS Alumni who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we may have a better life and an opportunity to raise our families. We must continue honoring those who are no longer among us.”
As a member of our alumni community, if you share this belief that we can make an impact, and if you have a background in construction, environmental, forestry, horticulture, or STEM to collaborate, then we want YOU to be a part of our 2030 Project Planning Committee!
There are many wonderful ideas and opportunities to envision for the Memorial Forest, and always stay true to the sacred land. Another way to help continue these efforts at the Memorial Forest is by donating to the various Memorial Forest projects. Remember, it isn’t how much one gives; it is the fact that we share the same belief in investing in our children’s future. Alumni can make a difference.
If you’re interested in serving on this committee, please visit the Contact Us page and sign up to help make this dream a reality.
Alison’s final thoughts…
“To all those who served in the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine, even as a reservist, we are the living tribute that reminds our fellow Americans that the sacrifices of their relatives will never be forgotten.”
We hope this story serves as an inspiration that everyone can make a difference!
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*In 1943, the original name was the Cleveland Memorial Forest. In 1997, the name was changed to the Cleveland High School Memorial Forest.
