The Say Yes to Education (Syracuse) celebrated a five-year anniversary yesterday with a program at John T. Roberts School. The event featured speeches by Say Yes Founder George Weiss, educators, politicians, and a few initial graduates. Syracuse University Chancellor Nancy Cantor cited the Say Yes program as a metaphor for Syracuse as a “city of opportunity.”
Current and former Syracuse City School Superintendents Sharon Contreras and Daniel Lowengard speak about the success of Say Yes.
Below is an inspiring speech by Amber Jackson, an inaugural Say Yes Scholar and 2013 graduate of Hobart William Smith Colleges.
“To change a community, you have to change the soil.” – Ron Finley
I’d like to thank the students I had the chance to meet and work with at Westside Academy at Blodgett this year. We took a journey and learned from each other. After the first day I thought a lot about the Tony Danza Book, I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had.
We did photo walks, technical research, contests and model shoots, and their skill levels continued to rise to the challenge. But soon I noticed that the children were teaching me as much about creativity and expression as I taught them about photography. Visiting the Westside neighborhood daily was an eye-opening experience. The assignment helped me become a better photographer and a better person.
Also, a special shout-out to Ms. Darby (the program director), Mr. Hicks (the principal), and Syracuse City School District alum Adrian Sicam (the multi-talented artist who allowed SIF to use his music for this piece).
Dr. Sheadric Barbra, Principal of Dr. King Elementary School in Syracuse, shares part of his personal journey during the Syracuse City School District and Say Yes to Education’s Parent University on Saturday morning. His brother, education activist Dr. Zheadric Barbra is in the background. The event was held at the University United Methodist Church. The theme of the conference was “Getting Men Involved in Education.”
Georgia Businessmen John Walker (left) and Jason Geter came to Syracuse to participate in the Syracuse City School District’s Black History Program. They are pictured here with organizer and Syracuse Special Education teacher Karen Blue.
Professor, Martial Arts Champion and Entrepreneur El-Java Abdul-Qadir gave the keynote address and discussed sacrifice, education and character as some of the keys to build leadership for the next generation.
Bomba y Plena Dance Troup from La Casita
Syracuse University Break Dance team
Spoken word artists, including Signature MiMi, from the Verbal Blend Poetry Program at Syracuse University, also participated.
Yesterday’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Promise
Dance Theater of Syracuse performs “Even Time Takes Time.”
Central Tech alumni Freeman Finch (photographer) and Manny Breland (retired educator and SU legend) prepare to enter the ceremony.
The Institute of Technology (ITC) High School (formerly Central Tech and Syracuse Central) welcomed back alumni in a homecoming event held between two basketball games last night. Former students and members of the community took tours of the new building and got a look at the new gym.
DJ Rivers takes a free-throw during the first half of the junior varsity game (vs. Marcellus).
Central Tech alum and basketball legend Roy Neal points out members of a historic championship team at Central Tech from a vintage photo.
Kevin Edge and Richard McKinnon, members of the Central Tech class of 1972, said they were impressed with the new facilities.
Erick Cork: Born to InspireThose who can do; those who can’t teach. Those who can’t teach administrate; and those who administrate should hire Erik Cork.
Cork, who plays the role of a walking Hip-Hop thesaurus, dj, preacher, high-0ctane story-teller and teacher, brought his Rap, Rhythm and Rhyme Workshop at Bethany Baptist Church today.
Hundreds of students from several Central New York school districts and their parents attended. The day was an educational experience today that was exciting, refreshing and pure edu-tain-ment.
Rap, Rhythm & Rhyme: Children learn in different ways
I saw parents stare in unanimous disbelief as they watched elementary age to high school-aged children enthusiastically participate in learning vocabulary words and study skills to the beat of contemporary music.
Cork’s philosophy illustrates that children be excited about learning. All it takes is a fresh approach, flexibility in formula and higher expectations (by parents and educators).
Rap, Rhythm & Rhyme: No child left in the background
Syracuse Common Council President Van Robinson presents a city proclamation with on-air personality Fanny Villarreal during the Hispanic Heritage Month yesterday at Delaware Academy.
SCSD Superintendent Sharon Contreras, the keynote speaker, talked about her Hispanic heritage and about Latino achievements and educational goals.
SU Professor Alejandro Garcia, one of the educators honored at the ceremony
