YONKERS, NY – May 10, 2024 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano joined Yonkers Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio and Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. this week to present his School Spotlight Award to the deserving administration, faculty, staff, parents and students at Yonkers Middle High School. Under Principal Dr. Sandy Hattar’s leadership, Yonkers Middle High School is being recognized for its distinguished ranking in the U.S. News and World Report, the successful establishment of a My Sister’s Keeper (MSK) chapter, and a commendable record of college acceptances.

“Yonkers Middle High School has emerged as a shining example of academic distinction. The school’s remarkable transformation, driven by its commitment to academic excellence is indeed commendable and noteworthy,” said Mayor Spano. “I extend my praise to Principal Dr. Sandy Hattar and her team at Yonkers Middle High School for their relentless dedication and resilience.”

Dr. Sandy Hattar and her team at Yonkers Middle High School have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of their learning community in the past year. Their dedication has resulted in significant improvements in the school’s performance.

Some of the initiatives that have contributed to the school’s success include:

• Receiving recognition for its impressive academic achievements, particularly its ranking in the U.S. News and World Report. Yonkers Middle High School has been ranked 406th out of 17,000 schools nationwide, a testament to its commitment to providing high-quality education.
• Successfully launched a My Sister’s Keeper (MSK) chapter, which has a bi-monthly mentoring program for girls in grades 6-8, engages in community service, and has planned future activities including a retreat and participation in Read Across America Week.
• Taking pride in its remarkable college acceptance record. This includes two students who have been accepted into Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one into the Ivy League (University of Pennsylvania), and 38 into top-tier colleges.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Spano for honoring Yonkers Middle High School with this prestigious award. Principal Hattar's leadership, coupled with our students' academic and personal achievements, highlights the vibrant spirit and commitment of our school community. From significant college acceptances, including Ivy League placements, to impactful community initiatives like My Sister’s Keeper, our students are not only excelling academically but are also actively enriching their community. This recognition from Mayor Spano underscores the bright future that lies ahead for our scholars and educators alike,” noted Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio.

Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. added, “We are grateful to Mayor Spano for recognizing Yonkers Middle High School with the School Spotlight Award and for reminding us that is ‘our time’ to leave a legacy for others to follow. Under the exceptional leadership of Dr. Sandy Hattar, our school community has not only achieved impressive national rankings and college acceptances but also set the benchmark in academic and community engagement. This accolade is a testament to the hard work of our teachers, faculty and ambitious students, propelling us to forge a path of excellence for others in our school community to emulate."

Mayor Spano’s School Spotlight Award highlights four Yonkers Public Schools within the academic school year for their significant academic success, extracurricular achievements and community involvement.