For the first time in the history of the 35 year old recognition program, twin ceremonies were needed to honor the record number of students achieving academic honors.

Some of the highlights:

8 members of the Class of 2018 accepted to Ivy League schools

3 National Merit Scholars

• Tiffany L. Gonzalez – Winner 
• Andrew A. Lorino - Semi-Finalist
• Melody-Susan Kulaprathazhe - Commended Scholar

4 National Black Recognition Program Winners

• Samuel L. Brown
• Shane G. Evans
• Shania U. Murray
• Rachel Sarah Tenadu
• 6 finalists
• 7 semi-finalists

National Hispanic Recognition Program

• 1 winner - Joel D. Mendoza
• 3  commended scholars

Scholarships earned to date - $83 million

View the full program, and all honorees

On Tuesday, May 29th the “Class of 2018” celebrated completion of the program at a Recognition Ceremony.  In addition to sixteen days of professional development in the “Summer Intensive”, Cohort 1 participants developed unique change projects addressing district-wide focus areas.  Sample projects included use of restorative practices to establish shared classroom goals, open ended questioning in the science classroom and improved performance in conducting lab experiments, measuring impact of accountable talk structures in classrooms with new language learners, and identifying readiness indicators in children from birth to age two.  Change projects were implemented, adjusted, and presented during the yearlong “Residency”. 

Cohort 1 was comprised of 14 Yonkers Public Schools employees who are teacher leaders, assistant principals, or central office administrators.  Cohort 2, with nine Yonkers Public Schools employees, begins their Summer Intensive in June 2018.

The Yonkers Leadership Academy is another way we continue to foster a culture of Innovation, Inspiration, and Excellence for All at Yonkers Public Schools.