The C.B.J. Snyder-designed Curtis High School was completed in 1904 and was the first high school on the island, as well as the first civic building completed after Staten Island became part of the consolidated New York City in 1898. Famous alumni include children's book author Lois Lowry (The Giver) and Wu-Tang Clan member RZA who referenced the school in the song "Sunshower"-- "Old Earth got nervous, walked me to Shaolin, sent me to Curtis."