South Middle School Welcomed Hundreds for Annual Black History Month Celebration

South Middle School welcomed hundreds of guests to their annual Black History Month celebration. The event included student performances, speeches, dances, artwork, songs, and food, as students, families, faculty, and staff joined together to celebrate. This year’s theme, "Honoring Our Past to Help Shape and Inspire Our Future," came to life through the generous donation of time and resources to dozens of faculty, staff, administrators, and community members. 

SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION

A WARM WELCOME FROM YOUR HOSTS

MS. JAYLISE VANDERVORT & MR. RICKY JOHNSON
 

SMS REMARKS

MR. PHOENIX - MR. JOSEPH
 

“LIFT EVERY VOICE & SING”

“WAKE UP EVERYBODY/STAND UP”

SMS CHORUS LED BY MUSICAL DIRECTOR, MR. SANTACROCE
 

EXCERPTS OF SMS’ “BEAUTIFUL HAIR”

SMS DRAMA CLUB LED BY THEATER DIRECTOR, MRS. SMALL
 

STUDENT CELEBRATIONS: SONGS & POEMS

Songs: Lylia Gonzalez, Grace Sukhai, Praise Glasper, Alexandra Maisonet, Jewel Lara, Evolet Monfil Bonilla

Poems: Demari Waitley, Alexander Sukhai, Rhianna Smith, Kay’Den Hering, Aaqua Peterson
 

2025 MBK FELLOWS

NECSD SCHOLARS: CARLOS BERRIOS & JAHSAII PETERSON
 

REMARKS FROM PHIL HOWARD

NECSD BOARD MEMBER

PHOTOS |  Black History Event Photos (Provided by Mr. Marks)

PHOTOS | South Middle School Welcomed Hundreds for Annual Black History Month Celebration

Following the formal program, guests were invited to the cafeteria for delicious food made by Mr. Wenzel and his two interns from NFA West Campus. The dishes had historical explanations of why they were chosen for the celebration.  

On the way to the cafeteria, guests could view the Black History Art Gallery walk, led by students of National Junior Honor Society and created by SMS Art Teachers: Ms. Cacace & Ms. Flores. 

While in the cafeteria, guests enjoyed performances by the Newburgh Performing Arts Academy African Troupe, led by Director, Kim Turner, and Arthur Lorde and the Mini Hip Hop Team, led by Director Kim Turner.

Additionally, we would like to offer a special acknowledgment to the following individuals for their continued support and for going above and beyond to make this event memorable:

• Mr. Donaldson: Thank you for securing the dance troupe and performers, organizing the program, and co-hosting.
• Mr. Marks: Thank you for documenting the event with photos.
• Ms. Ebony Clark: Thank you for helping to secure MBK scholars to speak at the event.
• Ms. Kara Tancredi, Ms. Spellman, Ms. Pupi, and NJHS: Thank you for transforming and decorating the cafeteria and auditorium – both spaces looked terrific!
• Our Office Staff: Ms. L. Howard and Ms. Pedraza-Negron – thank you for sending out communications, working on the flyers, and all the amazing things you do to support SMS.
• Ms. Moore and Ms. Cacciatore: Thank you for working on the program and serving on the planning committee. A special thank you to Ms. Lewis for preparing students for their performances.
• The FACE Team (Mr. Morgan and Ms. Leola Williams): Thank you for always supporting SMS with all our events.
• Volunteers: A huge thank you to all who volunteered as servers and assisted in other capacities: Ms. Pedraza-Negron, Mr. M. Dubaldi, Ms. Mejia-Jenkins, Ms. Consorti, Ms. Panessa, Ms. Wahba Pallone, Mr. Woods, Mr. Toromanides, Ms. Pupi, Ms. Richardson, and Ms. Burke.
• Custodial Staff: Mr. Morrison, Mr. Travis, and Mr. Chris – thank you for ensuring the school was tidy and everything was in place.
• Security Staff: Mr. Ricky, Mr. Tirado, Mr. Wildman, and Mr. McMillian – thank you for ensuring a safe, smooth, and orderly event.
• Catering: A special thank you to the Wenzels for catering and ensuring we had an abundance of food, and to all those who cooked and made donations: Ms. Panessa, Mr. Buxton, Ms. Givans-Chambers, Ms. Mejia-Jenkins, Ms. Berrios, Ms. Manzano, and Ms. Wahba.

South Middle School would also like to thank the following for their continued support:

• NECSD Central Administration
• SMS Faculty & Staff
• SMS PTG
• FACE Team

We also want to express our thanks to all the parents, PTG members, Ms. Cassie Sklarz, Ms. Karrie Bunce, Ms. Pushkanster, and DJ Chandra for your support.

Once again, thank you to everyone who contributed. Your efforts helped make this event a success, and we are so grateful for your support.

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!