School 16 Students, Mayor Spano’s School Spotlight Award, Photo by Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano joined Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. to present his School Spotlight Award to the deserving administration, faculty, staff, parents, and students at School 16. Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Vanessa Vasquez, School 16 has achieved notable progress in two pivotal areas: Innovation & Future Ready Skills and Student Agency, Leadership & Civic Engagement.
“With Principal Dr. Vanessa Vasquez at the helm, School 16 is setting a remarkable example for our city by advancing innovation and equipping students with future‑ready skills,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “Their commitment to fostering student agency, leadership, and civic engagement not only enriches each student’s educational experience but also strengthens the fabric of our Yonkers community. School 16’s work shows what is possible when a school empowers young people to lead, think critically, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.”
Initiatives that have contributed to School 16’s success include:
- Innovation & Future Ready Skills – School 16 advances future‑ready learning through its Recycled Roots: Yonkers Landmarks Gallery Walk, an interdisciplinary Pre‑K–8 project that connects classroom instruction to real‑world environmental challenges in Yonkers. Students engaged in hands‑on, developmentally appropriate activities, conducted research, created original work, and presented their learning in a public gallery walk. The initiative strengthens the school’s foundation in sustainability education and supports its broader Future Ready vision, including its pursuit of Green Ribbon School designation aligned with the pillars of Environmental Impact, Health and Wellness, and Sustainability Education.
- Student Agency, Leadership & Civic Engagement – The Recycled Roots: Yonkers Landmarks Gallery Walk strengthened student agency and civic engagement by positioning students as active contributors to sustainability learning within their own community. Through a focus on Yonkers landmarks and Earth Day themes, students examined real local issues and deepened the connection between academic learning and civic responsibility. The gallery walk provided an authentic platform for students to present their work, elevating student voice, ownership, and leadership as ambassadors of sustainability.
“Thank you to Mayor Mike Spano for shining a spotlight on the achievements of School 16,” said Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio. “It gives me hope to see our students tackling real-world environmental challenges.”
Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. added, “School 16 shows what’s possible when strong leadership, innovative teaching, and student voice create a thriving learning culture. Under Principal Dr. Vanessa Vasquez’s leadership, students are building future-ready skills while learning to lead and serve their community. This recognition reflects the efforts of students, staff, and families who bring Yonkers Magic to life every day.”
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.