On September 15th, Yonkers Partners in Education, a nonprofit organization that prepares students for college success, hosted its 15th Anniversary Gala and celebrated its students’ remarkable journeys to and through college.
Under a beautiful starlit ceiling, supporters, volunteers, and friends filled the Barbara Walters Campus Center at Sarah Lawrence College to put college within reach for thousands of Yonkers students.
YPIE proudly honored Carl E. Petrillo, Vice Chairman of the YPIE Board of Directors and Chairman of Yonkers Contracting Company, Inc. for his steadfast dedication to YPIE students. Mayor Mike Spano, with his deep commitment to education in Yonkers, presented this award to Mr. Petrillo.
“There is no more important mission than educating our children and equipping them with the tools they need to face the challenges of this world. We truly change lives at YPIE and I am proud to be part of it.”
Honoree and Vice Chairman YPIE Board of Directors
Charlyn Brea, one of YPIE’s earliest graduates, shared her experience with YPIE and the impact having a college degree has had on her and her family. “I hope you know that, when you invest in students, you are part of giving an individual the opportunity to build a life for themselves, to actualize their potential, and that kind of impact reverberates,” said Charlyn Brea.
YPIE students surrounded the room, presenting projects from their YPIE Majors, including science research, finance, journalism, and debate.
Yonkers Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada, New York State Senator B. Shellley Mayer and several other elected officials and business partners attended this celebration.
“Many of you have been with us for the last 15 years as we’ve learned and grown. You’ve seen us evolve,” stated Samuel Wallis, YPIE Executive Director. “But one thing remains steady – that college is still the most reliable path towards upward mobility in this country…for first-generation students especially, a college degree can transform the possibilities for them and for their families.”
YPIE is very grateful to all those who helped to celebrate 15 years of partnering with the Yonkers Public Schools to ensure thousands of students on are on the path to college success!
Learn more at ypie.org.
