Mayor Mike Spano joined YPIE in honoring Hon. Karen T. Beltran at this year’s YPIE Gratitude Celebration alongside YPIE Board Chairman David Westin, YPIE College Student Ashley Tobar, and YPIE Executive Director Sam Wallis.
On a beautiful, sunny afternoon, Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) recognized the impact and dedication of its 230+ volunteers and partners at its annual Gratitude Celebration.
Mayor Mike Spano joined more than 100 volunteers, YPIE Board Members, community members, staff, and friends to express gratitude to YPIE’s volunteers for making a lasting difference in the lives of Yonkers students.
The Honorable Karen T. Beltran was recognized with the Wendy R. Nadel Volunteer Legacy Award, created in honor of YPIE’s founding executive director.
“Judge Beltran has been a fierce advocate for Yonkers students and has lifted many young people into the legal profession,” said Sam Wallis, YPIE Executive Director. The Hon. Karen Beltran served as President of the Yonkers Council of PTAs/PTSAs and joined the YPIE Board of Directors in 2015. She has been a leading voice on several Board committees and provided YPIE students the opportunity to have Summer Law Internships, which have positively impacted their interest in pursuing a career in law.
Several students who participated in these summer law internships attended the celebration.
“Not many high school students have access to internships in their field of interest, which can be extremely beneficial in college when it comes time to declare majors,” said Ashley Tobar, YPIE College Student attending John Jay College of Criminal Justice. “I can say with full certainty, thanks to this internship, that becoming a lawyer is what I want to do. I hope to one day be able to help young, inspired high school students the same way Judge Beltran helped me.”
Judge Beltran accepted this award and shared her strong belief in Yonkers students. “We share a deep love and commitment to YPIE and do the work for one reason only – for the students. We see their potential, admire their grit, and want them to soar to the highest level. We want to help them in any way we can to break cycles and achieve their goals and aspirations, not only for themselves but for their entire family and the Yonkers community. What happens here at YPIE sparks societal change and empowers the youth in our city.”
YPIE also recognized a “Volunteer of the Year” from each Yonkers high school. “The impact we have on young people would not be possible without the time, dedication, and love of our volunteers who, at 230 strong, may very well be the largest corps of volunteers in Westchester County,” stated Stacy Winitt, YPIE Senior Director of Volunteer Engagement.
YPIE thanks the Cross County Center for hosting this annual Gratitude Celebration on its beautiful mall and all the YPIE community members who participated in this meaningful event. Learn more at ypie.org/volunteer
