The Yonkers Police Athletic League and Mayor Mike Spano recently hosted the finalists for the PAL Poster Contest for a welcome celebration at City Hall, where Spano unveiled the new poster that will be posted at locations throughout the city. It features the work of contest winners Leah Ann Thomas and Carter Wuestenhoefer, and Yonkers Police Det. Dale Hughes and Sgt. Patrick Curtis.
Also in attendance were Police Commissioner Charles Gardner, Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada, and Yonkers Board of Education President the Rev. Steve Lopez. The contest underscores the importance of creating a trusting relationship between young people and the police in every community. It also gives the people of Yonkers an opportunity to see firsthand the future leaders of the city.
Spano told all of the finalists, “You are all winners.” The finalists were: Cerulean Acevedo of St. Ann’s School; Barbara Egiziaco and Anthony Egiziaco of Hostos Micro Society School; Samantha Cruz, Penelope Marte Aguilar, Jasmin Rosales, Juan Flores and Gerardo Maldonado of the Scholastic Academy; Lee Ann Thomas of Montessori School 31; Angel Morel of PS 16; Jack Tickell of Sacred Heart School; and Carter Wuestenhoefer of Casmir Pulaski School.
The PAL Poster Contest is named after Sgt. Michael D’Ambrosio, who was the driving force behind making the contest into one of the most popular and positive events in the city.
Editor’s note: As a board member of the PAL, it is important for the community to know that, while in a period of transition after the passing of longtime PAL Chairman Angelo Martinelli, the PAL continues to do the good work in the community. Hundreds of young boys play basketball during the week in the Walshin Center instead of hanging out on the streets. Also, new programs for girls have been implemented by Melvina Lathan, PAL vice president.
This year’s poster contest will be delayed until the fall in order to give the recent winners a chance to shine in their glory. But for those who wish to serve their community in a meaningful way, the Yonkers PAL could always use your help. To find out more, call 914-377-7381 or visit yonkers-pal.org.
