Students at P.S. 5, the Dr. Ronald E. McNair school in Bedford Stuyvesant, last week celebrated their inaugural STEMMY Awards, honoring educational excellence.
Under the leadership of Principal Lena Gates, students, parents, faculty and staff of P.S. 5 rolled out the red carpet for the student-led award ceremony, according to a news release.
The black-tie affair included a surprise guest appearance from rapper Papoose, a Bed-Stuy native.
“The STEMMY Awards is just another incentive to motivate our students,” said educator Brittney Barriteau. “We know they are intelligent; we know what they are capable of. We need to keep them motivated and continue to push them to try their best.”
The first STEMMY for Education was given to Dr. Lester Young, Jr., New York State Education Department Board of Regents first African American Chancellor.
“This award demonstrates to all of us that not only do we know how to educate our children,” said Dr. Young, Jr. “But we also love our children.”
Additional educational honorees included District 16 Superintendent Branden T. Mims; Medgar Evers College Dean Dr. Evelyn Castro; and educator Dr. Brenda Boyd-Bell.
STEMMY for educational excellence were also given to students Harold Anderson, Caitlyn Smith, Gerald Smiley, Cach Grandison and artist Asani Enriquez.
STEMMY Awards were also presented to community stakeholders. Honorees included Dr. Divinah “Dee” Bailey, founder of Watchful Eye; Wayne Devonish, founder of 500 Men Who Make a Difference; Jefferson Avenue Lion’s Club; Tina Watkins, local community resident and P.S. 5 volunteer; restaurateurs Sabrina Brockman of Grand Champs; and Eduardo Mantelli of Saraghina.
