2013 Youth Scholarship Awards Ceremony
By Henry Street Settlement
Some 68 college and college-bound students who have participated in Henry Street’s programs were awarded scholarships at the 11th Annual Youth Scholarship Awards Ceremony held on June 20, 2013, at 301 Henry Street. The scholarships, ranging from $500 to $1,400, were made possible with generous support from the Abrons/Aranow Scholarship Fund.
The students, family members and friends heard welcoming remarks by Raana Kashi, Director of Adolescent Educational Services at Henry Street, followed by a lively rap written for the occasion and performed by Henry Street Executive Director David Garza. The first keynote speaker was Dr. Soribel Genao, a Lower East Side native who is now an assistant professor at Queens College, who told the students, “When opportunity knocks, open the door!” Arel Moodie, the second keynote, urged the students to complete college. “Don’t go to college, go through college,” he said.
Student speakers were Timothy Delgado, NYC College of Technology, Class of 2017, and Tatiana Fernandez, Barnard College, Class of 2017.
Following the presentation of the awards, attendees enjoyed a dinner served by Henry Street staff.
To qualify for the scholarship, students were evaluated on the basis of financial need, grade point average, involvement with Henry Street Settlement and an essay they submitted. Some 110 students applied this year. Most of the students are involved in Henry Street’s Expanded Horizons Program, which offers college preparation services including assistance with the SAT, identifying financial aid, the college essay and application and trips to visit college campuses. Funding for Expanded Horizons, which serves 800 students each year, is provided by American Eagle Outfitters Foundation, The Rose M. Badgeley Residuary Charitable Trust, The Frances L. & Edwin L. Cummings Memorial Fund, The Leo Rosner Foundation, The Teagle Foundation, Inc., The Xerox Foundation, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development and the New York State Education Department.
