On September 15th, YPIE hosted its 15th Anniversary Gala and celebrated its students’ remarkable journeys to and through college.
Under a beautiful starlit ceiling, supporters, volunteers, and friends filled the Barbara Walters Campus Center at Sarah Lawrence College to put college within reach for thousands of Yonkers students.
YPIE proudly honored Carl E. Petrillo, Vice Chairman of the YPIE Board of Directors and Chairman of Yonkers Contracting Company, Inc. for his steadfast dedication to YPIE students. Mayor Mike Spano, with his deep commitment to education in Yonkers, presented this award to Mr. Petrillo.
“There is no more important mission than educating our children and equipping them with the tools they need to face the challenges of this world, said Carl E. Petrillo. “We truly change lives at YPIE and I am proud to be part of it.”
Charlyn Brea, one of YPIE’s earliest graduates, shared her experience with YPIE and the impact having a college degree has had on her and her family.
"I hope you know that, when you invest in students, you are part of giving an individual the opportunity to build a life for themselves, to actualize their potential, and that kind of impact reverberates,” stated Charlyn.
YPIE students surrounded the room, presenting projects from their YPIE Majors, including science research, finance, journalism, and debate, among others.
Yonkers Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada, New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer, and several elected officials and business partners attended this celebration.
“Many of you have been with us for the last 15 years as we’ve learned and grown. You’ve seen us evolve,” stated Samuel Wallis, YPIE Executive Director. “But one thing remains steady – that college is still the most reliable path towards upward mobility in this country...for first-generation students especially, a college degree can transform the possibilities for them and for their families.”
We are very grateful to all those who helped us to celebrate 15 years of partnering with the Yonkers Public Schools to ensure thousands of students on are on the path to college success!
See the Digital Journal and Gala photos from this special evening.
Comments