Awards Night at Grover Cleveland High School

On Thursday, May 24, it was with great pleasure that our S.M.B.S. family honored an amazing young man, Alex Martin, with the fifth scholarship.  Presenting the award was Ms. Roslyn Sternlieb, our secretary, who prepared a beautifully short but concise speech describing the purpose of our organization.

In the front row sat, one of our scholars, Richard Bohan (2009), who came to his alma mater to congratulate our new scholar Alex.  S.M.B.S. board present included Roslyn Sternlieb, Fanny Mera and Diana Diaz-Torres.  Close friends such as Rita Iocco, James Carroll and Crystal Carroll were also front and centered to show their love and support. 

We cheered and congratulated Alex as he came down from that stage proudly and in awe that he was selected amongst so many qualified young people in New York City who applied.  Alex gratefully accepted our award amongst many other honors this evening. 

We are proud to add this talented and brilliant young man to our S.M.B.S. family.  At the end of the ceremony, he gave us a beautiful gift as he showcased his guitar and singing talent. 

Thank you all who attended and those who continue to support our organization and our efforts to help wonderful kids like Alex to pursue higher education.

Written by: Diana Diaz-Torres, Executive Director of S.M.B.S.

Announcing Our Fifth Scholarship Recepient 2012

After the review of many highly qualified applicants, the decision was made. Our fifth scholarship recepient was selected.

His name is Alexander Martin an outstanding senior from Grover Cleveland High School, who will be attending St. Lawrence University in the Fall 2012. 

We are unable to provide more than one scholarship per year. Yet, we wanted to recognize the following students for their achievements, interest in the arts, their rise from adversity and overcoming social barriers. 

Certificate of Achievement were awarded to:

Salman Ahmad            Francis Lewis High School

Kyle Alfred                 The High School of Fashion Institute

Taisha Aguilar             Lower Manhattan Arts Academy

Moody Bennett            DeWitt Clinton High School

Yilkari Castillo            Lower Manhattan Arts Academy

Cassie Davis                Lower Manhattan Arts Academy

Jesus Dominguez         Lower Manhattan Arts Academy

Javier Franco               Multicultural High School

Nancy Gao                   Francis Lewis High School

Nicole Godreau            Townsend Harris High School

Shenika John Jordan     Professional Performing Arts School

Shammara Lawrence    The High School of Fashion Institute

Nicole Maldonado        Bushwick Leaders High School

Jason Marin                  Francis Lewis High School

Namutoni Parris           Lower Manhattan Arts Academy

Marie Esthel Polanco   Long Island City High School

Sandra Rojas                Performing Arts and Technology High School

Olivea Tavares             Excelsior Preparatory High School

Tiffany Tavarez            Lower Manhattan Arts Academy  

Amibel Tineo               Bushwick Leaders High School

Paola Vargas                Pan American International High School

Kadashia Williams      Excelsior Preparatory High School

Lashley Winter            Boys and Girls High School

Ting Zheng                  Francis Lewis High School

Congratulations to all applicants on your achievements. 

Best wishes on all your future endeavours.