MARIA REGINA HIGH SCHOOL’S LAW AND JUSTICE CLUB STUDENTS LEARN FIRST HAND FROM YONKERS WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER, TRADITIONALLY A MALE-DOMINATED CAREER
As part of Maria Regina High School’s extensive and inspiring celebration of Women’s History Month, 19 members of the Law and Justice Club recently learned first-hand from representatives of the Yonkers Women in Law Enforcement (YLWE) what it’s like to pursue and become a female police officer, traditionally a male-dominated career.
The YWLE was established in 2018 in recognition that only about 12% of the police ranks of New York State’s third largest city were women (it is about 17% today). The renowned all-girls Catholic high school has contributed to some of the incremental increase more than a dozen of graduates including Theresa Donohue (Class of 2010) over the last 15 years. She was one of the six members of the YWLE who visited the Club in uniform to share their personal experiences and answer questions. The students also gained insight into the training, activities and responsibilities of a law enforcement officer.
In addition to Donohue, the YLWE contingent included Nicole Molinaro, President; Lauren Soto, Ashley Callery, Rachelle Sainten and Courtney McCormack.
Molinaro noted in a post on the school’s social media platform: “It was truly special to connect with such a driven and thoughtful group of young women…. Conversations like these matter. Representation matters. Being able to answer questions, offer guidance, and simply be present is something we don’t take lightly,” adding: “We are grateful for the warm welcome and the opportunity to engage with the youth. The future is bright, and we are proud to play even a small role in inspiring it!”
The Law and Justice Club members who enjoyed the unique learning experience included:
- Alexis Salas, Bronx
- Amanda Iaccarino, Yonkers
- Brianna Bock, Yonkers(President)
- Calli Kazorck, Yonkers(Community Helper)
- Corinne Dunleavy, Yonkers(Secretary)
- Dania George, Yonkers
- Eva Downes, White Plains
- Gabriella Joly, Brewster
- Isabella Ostuni, Tuckahoe
- Ivanna Franco, Yonkers
- Juliette Ianni, Ridgefield, CT
- Katherine Mundo, Bronx
- Lorenne Mazzarella, Yorktown Heights
- Lydriana Amaro-Jeannot, Bronx
- Madison Rocco, Bronx (Vice President)
- Meerub Fatima, White Plains
- Nadia Mauro, Scarsdale
- Samantha Coppinger, Irvington
- Selah Johnson, White Plains
Moderator of the Law and Justice Club, Law teacher Michael Mazzuca, stated: “It was a privilege to welcome the Yonkers Women in Law Enforcement to our club, especially as we celebrate the achievements of women throughout history. Seeing our students, including our own alumna Theresa Donohue, engage with these professionals provides an invaluable perspective on breaking barriers in male-dominated fields. This experience does more than just teach them about the law; it empowers them to see themselves as future leaders who can serve their communities with the compassion and excellence that define a Maria Regina education.”
To learn more, visit www.mariaregina.org
