Left to right: CSEE co-founder Sobeida Cruz, William Cotter, Lydia Cotter, Diane Cotter Liesching, Gov. George Pataki, Lynne Ward of National Resources, CSEE co-founder Eduardo LaGuerre, FSEE co-chair Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson.
Community leaders joined with former Gov. George Pataki and the Foundation in Support of Educational Excellence (FSEE) on May 1st to celebrate 20 years of public charter schools in Yonkers.
The gala reception at Kanopi in White Plains commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Charter School of Educational Excellence (CSEE) and celebrated the school’s remarkable journey.
The evening highlighted the contributions of former New York Governor George E. Pataki, whose leadership was pivotal in establishing charter schools in New York State. Attendees also paid tribute to CSEE’s visionary founders, Eduardo LaGuerre and Sobeida Cruz, and the late real estate developer Joe Cotter, for their dedication and support.
“The gala was a tremendous success, celebrating two decades of educational excellence and honoring the individuals who have made CSEE a beacon of opportunity for our students,” said Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson, the FSEE’s co-chair. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our community and look forward to continuing our mission.”
The foundation presented a memorial plaque to Lynne Ward of National Resources to honor the late Joe Cotter’s contributions as more than 230 guests cheered.
The event also showcased CSEE’s recent achievements, including the opening of a state-of-the-art fitness center, the girls’ volleyball team’s state championship victory, and the school’s production of Seussical the Musical.
The evening featured an exquisite dining experience crafted by acclaimed Chef Anthony Goncalves at Kanopi. The funds raised will support FSEE’s ongoing mission to provide critical enrichment programs and opportunities for CSEE students.
Photo caption:
