Former NY Governor George Pataki
The Foundation in Support of Educational Excellence (FSEE) will honor former New York Governor George E. Pataki alongside the school’s visionary founders, Eduardo LaGuerre and Sobeida Cruz, at its May 1 gala.
This year’s event will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Charter School of Educational Excellence (CSEE), a K-12 public charter school that opened its doors in 2005 in a defunct supermarket on Warburton Avenue.
Governor Pataki’s leadership was instrumental in the establishment of charter schools in New York. In 1998, he successfully championed the state’s first charter school law, which created more educational choices for families.
“Governor Pataki’s foresight and determination fundamentally reshaped New York’s education landscape by making charter schools a reality,” said Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson, Co-Chair of FSEE. “His efforts provided thousands of children with access to high-quality education, including the students of CSEE. We are also thrilled to recognize Eduardo LaGuerre and Sobeida Cruz, who faced immense challenges in founding and growing CSEE. Their unwavering commitment has transformed the lives of countless students and families.”
LaGuerre, Founder and Chair of the Board of Trustees of CSEE, played a pivotal role in securing funding and overseeing the development of the school’s first facility. He formerly collaborated with the New York City Board of Education on the Charter High School for Sports Management. Cruz, a dedicated board member, has a distinguished career in public service, including leadership roles with the New York Power Authority and the South Bronx Community Planning Board.
Since last year’s gala, CSEE has continued to achieve remarkable milestones. The school opened a state-of-the-art fitness center; celebrated a state championship victory by the girls’ volleyball team; began rehearsals for its spring production, Seussical the Musical, set for May 16 & 17; and welcomed the NBA and the Hospital for Special Surgery, which filmed a national high school sports training safety video featuring CSEE student-athletes.
The May 1 gala starts at 6 p.m. at Kanopi in White Plains. The evening will feature an exquisite dining experience crafted by acclaimed Chef Anthony Goncalves at Kanopi, offering guests a memorable culinary experience while supporting FSEE’s mission to enrich student opportunities at CSEE.
For sponsorship opportunities and ticket information, please visit the CSEE’s websiteor email scruz@cseeschool.org.
About the Foundation in Support of Educational Excellence:
The Foundation in Support of Educational Excellence provides critical enrichment programs for students at the Charter School of Educational Excellence, ensuring access to high-quality education and extracurricular opportunities that inspire success.
