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My Brother's Keeper Honors Graduating and 2023-2024 Fellows in Coronation Ceremony
On Tuesday, June 13th, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District's (NECSD) My Brother's Keeper (MBK) Fellows invited the districts' younger Goldbacks from Heritage Middle School, South Middle School, Horizons on the Hudson, Meadow Hill GEM School, Temple Hill Academy, along with esteemed community members to witness an intimate coronation ceremony to acknowledge and praise MBK's graduating fellows and introduce the new cohort of MBK Fellows for the 2023-2024 school year.
Each MBK fellow was accompanied by their mentor. These mentors spoke words of affirmation and honored their graduating MBK Fellow individually. The graduating MBK Fellows then shared how MBK has positively impacted their lives. They provided further insight into their commitment of service, community, and leadership. Some of the graduating fellows have been representing the Newburgh Enlarged School District in the State of New York MBK chapters since middle school.
Dr. Freeman-Mack presented each of the graduating fellows with gift cards to help purchase college supplies and basic needs. Senior fellow, Christian Betrand, was awarded a brand new laptop to take with him to Utica University in the Fall of 2023. Dr. Freeman-Mack cited his commitment and leadership as a MBK fellow. Christian was recognized as a scholar athlete who embodies what MBK represents.
There were many esteemed guests present to witness this rite of passage including, District Attorney David M. Hoovler, Founder of the Newburgh Armory Unity Center Mr. Bill Kaplan, Mayor of Newburgh Torrance Harvey, NAACP President Mr. Ray Harvey, Board of Education Vice President, Mr. Philip Howard, and Orange County Legislature Genesis Ramos.
Mr. Philip Howard addressed the audience as he spoke of his personal commitment to each MBK fellow. He discussed the work they do together to not only better themselves, but the Newburgh community as a whole. Mr. Howard challenged the esteemed guests to help be a part of the greater solution in Newburgh and to expand the reach of MBK. During Mr. Howard's impassioned plea to the community members, District Attorney David M Hoovler, interjected and offered to provide each of the 2023-2024 MBK fellows with brand new laptops.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, there was a powerful moment where the MBK fellows gathered at the front of the auditorium and performed their pledge:
I will honor the sacrifices of my ancestors
I will believe in me
I will pursue my dreams
I will help others along the way
Immediately following the ceremony, a reception was held for all of the guests and fellows. The menu consisted of delicious soul food catered by Fish & Chickzz of Newburgh. Desert was also served.
Congratulations to all of the MBK fellows:
GRADUATING MBK FELLOWS: Chris Betrand, James O. Garland, Deondre Johnson, Anthony O'Garra
2023-2024 MBK FELLOWS: Dyonne Cameron, Hanif Inman, Matthew Patterson, Jamari Robertson
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
