2017 News
With 10 Students, 8th Class Is Largest Yet
Flags flying. Students holding pennants of the colleges they will be attending. From left: Kate Fenneman Stokes, Soma Golden Behr, Nogaye, Roselka, Xabier, Tasmia, Absetou, Jennifer, Deloris, Abdoulaye, Bai Hao, Emely and Melanie Rosen Brooks.
Scholarship Plus welcomed its eighth class on June 14 in a ceremony that had notable firsts. The class was our largest yet -- 10 outstanding women and men. And the ceremony also introduced a longtime key member of the organization as our new Executive Director.
An overflow crowd of supporters and family members more than filled the 120 seats in New York Public Radio's Greene Space auditorium for the ceremony. Also present were all six members of the program's fourth class, now brand-new college graduates. (For what they are up to now, please click on Scholar Updates at left.)
The ceremony began with another welcome: Soma Golden Behr, the Scholarship Plus co-founder, introduced Kate Fenneman Stokes in her new role as Executive Director. Laura R. Walker, President and CEO of New York Public Radio, welcomed the audience and reflected on her organization's history with Scholarship Plus from our earliest days, as well as on the bonds that had been formed with our interns who have worked at the station during the summers.
Three of the new college graduates took the lead in introducing the members of the new class. Philomina Kane and Emony Robertson -- keeping it serious but not solemn -- gave the biographies of the new students and then introduced the individuals that each of the scholars had designated as Teachers Who Made a Difference. Shaunpaul Jones handed each new scholar a rose, and gave envelopes containing certificates to each Teacher Who Made a Difference.
The students then said a few words about why they had selected their Teachers Who Made a Difference, and the recipients of that award each responded. (For the list of this year's Teachers Who Made a Difference, please scroll down to the end of the photos below.)
After the ceremony, many stayed for a reception. One of those present was Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, who later posted this on social media: "The program understands that kids need support -- a hand up to succeed. These students I saw last night will fly ... and it was so moving to hear their testimonials to their teachers and their teachers' pride and love towards their students."
Kate Fenneman Stokes, whose new responsibilities as Executive Director were announced at the ceremony, flanked by Soma Golden Behr, at left, her predecessor and the organization's co-founder, who now becomes the Senior Advisor, and Melanie Rosen Brooks, Director and co-founder.
Laura R. Walker, President and CEO of New York Public Radio, welcomes the new class.
Emony Robertson, at left, and Philomina Kane, right flank Absetou, who will be attending Cornell -- from which Emony just graduated.
Roselka introduces her Teacher Who Made a Difference, Habiba Khokhar, science teacher and college counselor at ELLIS Preparatory Academy.
Jennifer reacts to a comment by her Teacher Who Made a Difference, Ryan Scheb, a history teacher at Cristo Rey New York High School.
Bai Hao embraces his Teacher Who Made a Difference, Kasey Tong Ladner, who teaches second grade at P.S. 42, the Benjamin Altman School.
Aixin Li, at right, who just graduated from Smith College, speaking with Lynn Povich, the head of the "Pod" -- a group of donors -- who were with Aixin through all four college years.
Kate Fenneman Stokes speaking with Howard Stein, a longtime supporter of Scholarship Plus.
Lawrie Mifflin and Jayson Jones, both active supporters of Scholarship Plus.
Melanie Rosen Brooks, at right, with, from left, her mother, Lorraine Rosen, Joan Marks and Peggy Zamore.
Scholarship Plus students with the individuals they selected as Teachers Who Made a Difference. From left, Habiba Khokar, Ofra Biener, Nogaye, Roselka, Xabier, Margaret Ferrigno, Tasmin, Jennifer, Ryan Scheb, Deloris, Brian Moran (representing Phara Guberman), Abdoulaye, Azikiwe Peters, Vileti Akolo, Absetou, Lillian de Jesus and Emely.
The 2017 Teachers Who Made a Difference
Each year the members of the newly selected Scholarship Plus class are asked to select an individual for our Teacher Who Made a Difference award. The award consists of a certificate and a modest honorarium. Here are this year's Teachers Who Made a Difference:
Habiba Khokar, science teacher and college counselor at ELLIS Preparatory Academy, selected by Roselkis.
Margaret Ferrigno, guidance counselor and club supervisor at Staten Island Technical High School, selected by Tasmia.
Vileti Akolo, Relationship Abuse Prevention Program Coordinator, Edwin Gould Services for Children and Families, selected by Absetou.
Aziki Peters, math teacher at Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy II, selected by Abdoulaye.
Ryan Scheb, history teacher at Cristo Rey New York High School, selected by Jennifer.
Ofra Biener, science teacher and coordinator of the Carl Sagan Research Program, Forrest Hills High School, selected by Nogaye.
Lillian de Jesus, director of college and career counseling at University Heights High School, selected by Emely.
Sally Wheeler, English teacher at Manhattan Village Academy, selected by Xabier.
Phara Guberman, mentor through moot court, litigator at Paul Hastings Law Firm, selected by Deloris.
Kasey Tong Ladner, second grade teacher at P.S. 42 Benjamin Altman School, selected by Bai Hao.
New – And a Bit Older – Faces
Join Scholars at Summer Gathering
The annual summer gathering is always a reunion, with older scholars reuniting with friends and members of the newest class who have been interns at New York Public Radio catching up with classmates who have spent the summer at college programs. Something new was added to the mix at this year's gathering on Aug. 10, as several members of the newly formed Associate Board joined the group.
The Associates, all early career professionals, a number of them from the New York Times and Seinfeld scholarship programs, quickly revived old connections and made new ones, especially with members of the current Scholarship Plus classes. They also contributed some hard-won wisdom: When asked by Kate Fenneman Stokes to talk a bit about some stumbles they had made along the way, several responded with specifics. One spoke of changing a planned major after failing a key course, and then discovering an academic field – and a career – that has been deeply fulfilling.
Mostly, though, the gathering was marked by the hum of cheerful talk, as old friends reconnected, and new friendships begun. Soon it was time for goodbyes until next time, as the members of the latest class of scholars prepared to begin their first college years.
Several current scholars gathered around former NYT Scholarship recipient Alenadreale Banton, a physician who attended Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education of the City University of New York, and Frances Lester, a Scholarship Plus staff member.
Marlen Amaro, a former NYT Scholarship winner who chairs the Associate Board, makes a point.
Absetou, in her college colors, listens as Kadijat, a University of Pennsylvania sophomore, adds some emphasis.
From left: Dorje, a Binghamton University senior; Muska, a senior in the City University honors program; Shuofei, a Binghamton sophomore; Karen, a senior in the Maccauley Honors Program at Hunter College, and John, a Cornell junior.
Kate Fenneman Stokes, executive director of Scholarship Plus, addresses the group as her predecessor, Soma Golden Behr, listens below.
Fabien, a Brooklyn College senior who is aiming for a career as a medical illustrator, visits with Autumn Von Plinsky, a member of the Associate Board who is an artist and graphic designer.
Anna Antoniak, an N.Y.U. international education specialist who is vice chair of the Associate Board, makes a point to a group that includes, at far right, another member of the Board, Amar Ramroop, a Merrill Lynch financial adviser.
Tools for Practical College Insights
Include 'Human Barometers'
Sharing their campus experiences, and advice, were Sumitra, at left, a Fordham sophomore, and Kadijat, second from right, a University of Pennsylvania sophomore. Back to camera: Kate Fenneman Stokes.
Expert advice on the realities of college life was the subject at an afternoon gathering of this year's Scholarship Plus class on Aug. 9 in a seminar room at the City University's Graduate School of Journalism. The experts on hand included three current students, Kadijat, a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania, Karen, who is entering her final year in the Maccauley Honors College at Hunter College and Sumitra, a Fordham sophomore. The sessions were led by Gabriel Gaskin, a senior trainer at the Posse Foundation, who was joined by Kate Fenneman Stokes, executive director of Scholarship Plus.
Topics ranged from time management – "In college you won't have unlimited funds," Gabriel Gaskin said to an accompaniment of nods, "but you will have almost unlimited time" – to note-taking techniques, where to study, managing money, extracurricular activities and dealing with roommates. Among the advice: "For a girl, whenever you go to a party, always have a buddy system." "Time management is the issue for our scholars." "This may be the first time you have had a drink. This is new – don't go overboard." "Outside New York, people are nice!"
Techniques ranged from general discussions to use of the "Human Barometer" and responding to a TED talk on how to cope with being an introvert in what seems like an extroverts' world. In the "Human Barometer," a whiteboard had been prepared with the words "Agree" and "Disagree" at opposite ends. Participating students were asked to go to one side or the other – or to the center, or somewhere in between – in response to such propositions as, ""Affirmative action in higher education has worked well," "On college campuses, plagiarism is too heavily punished" and "Colleges and universities should have the right to monitor students' internet use." Discussion ensued, and students could change their positions as the conversations progressed.
Numbers were part of the conversations: In some courses, books can cost $500 or even $1,000 – it's worth checking with those who have taken the class already to see if a cheaper second-hand volume, perhaps even an earlier edition, is all that really required. For a student commuting to a New York City school, the $120 monthly cost of a MetroCard adds up to $1,200 for an academic year.
"How do you present rules to your roommates?" one student asked. "When is the best time to do so?" The answer: "The first day." Rules should cover, among other things, noise, cleaning and relationships – "do rules that you know you can follow." And advice that was specific to roommates, but carried further: "Be cordial!"
Gabriel Gaskin, at right, a senior trainer at the Posse Foundation, makes a point as, from left, Xabier, Nogaye and Abdoulaye listen.
The "Human Barometer" in action: Three are in agreement, two disagree and Bai Hao makes the case for his position.
Responding to a subsequent proposition, Emely and Kadijat are on the "Disagree" side, and Kadijat states her case.
The Broadway Musical 'On Your Feet!'
Gets Us On Our Feet for Standing Ovation
Muska, a senior in the honors program at City University Honors Program; Ellen Marson, manager of group funding for Scholarship Plus; Elira, a graduate of New York University from our third class who is now an executive with a financial organization, and Shuofei, a sophomore at Binghamton University.
Scholarship Plus students, alumnae, supporters and friends enjoyed a music and dance-filled evening at a performance of "On Your Feet!" on July 26. The musical is based on the lives of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, the 26 Grammy Award-winning husband and wife team; the New York Times review described it as "a salsa-splashed showcase of the dance-floor hits and swoony ballads that made Gloria Estefan and the ban Miami Sound Machine a radio and MTV staple."
Students from the current class shared a pizza dinner beforehand, then went to Marquis Theater in the Marriott Marquis Hotel, where they and their friends were joined by students from earlier classes as well as others connected with the program. Escalators whisked us to the theater for the 8:00 curtain. The curtain calls at the end of the show – with a stage full of dancers and singers and a 13-piece band – brought the audience to its feet.
Outside the theater, from left: Jennifer, Emely, Sumitra and Tasmia.
At the curtain calls, the Scholarship Plus group joined an entire audience on its feet.
The Battery, the Statue of Liberty,
And a Ride on an Aquatic Carousel
In the Battery, before boarding ship, from left: Abdoulaye, Emely, Jennifer, Warrie Price, President and Founder of The Battery Conservancy, Sumitra, Nogaye and Kate Fenneman Stokes.
"This is my favorite day of the year!" were the welcoming words from Warrie Price, President and Founder of The Battery Conservancy, as she welcomed five Scholarship Plus students to the conference room of her offices overlooking New York Harbor on July 19. Ever since the founding of Scholarship Plus the feeling has been mutual, as the visit to the Battery and the Statue of Liberty has always been among students' favorite memories of the summer.
Mrs. Price described the history of the Battery, and of the joint private and government efforts that have transformed it in recent decades. Once a dilapidated swath of waterfront, it is now a welcoming 25-acre green space with abundant gardens, careful attention to design and maintenance, an organic farm and the spectacular SeaGlass carousel. Mrs. Price spoke of coming in to work each day with a sense of anticipation, urging the students to use their college years to explore, and to search for work that was satisfying and in which each of them could make the best use of their talents.
After the presentation, Mrs. Price led us through the Battery, describing existing attractions and plans for the future, then left us in front of Castle Clinton, where we began the boarding process for the boat that took us to Liberty Island. After exploring the island, the base of the Statue of Liberty and its museum, we returned to the Battery, and another treat, also arranged by Mrs. Price. Having come off the water, we then went under water – virtually – with a ride on the SeaGlass carousel.
At the Battery Conservancy Headquarters.
On Liberty Island after leaving the Battery.
1 … 2 … 3 … Jump!
Abdoulaye and Jennifer, back on land but virtually underwater at the SeaGlass carousel.
Emely catches the motion on video as the fish spin and move up and down on their rotating turntables.
Insights on Perspective
At the Whitney Museum
In front of Deana Lawson's photograph "Son of Cush," part of this year's Whitney Biennial. From left, Kate Fenneman Stokes, Emely, Anna Kay, our Whitney educator, Abdoulaye, Jennifer, Sumitra, Nogaye and Melanie Rosen Brooks.
Three very different works of art were the focus as a Whitney Museum staff member escorted Scholarship Plus students on a July 12 gallery visit – one that ended in a turnabout, as all the visitors took up drawing pencils and sketched part of the work of an artist from the museum's current Biennial show.
Seated on the floor or on stools in a semicircle around each work of art, the students were asked to look closely at the two paintings and a photograph, considering what the artists' techniques said and suggested about the work. Anna Kay, a museum educator, took as her theme the idea of the artist as observer, in a Socratic exchange with the visitors that included information on the artists and their techniques.
Three works were considered: Edward Hopper's "New York Interior" and Archibald John Motley Jr.'s "Gettin' Religion," both from the permanent collection, and the photographer Deana Lawson's "Son of Cush," chosen for this year's Whitney Biennial, an apparently casual photo that contained many complexities and surprises. In an exercise designed to help illuminate those complexities, each member of our group was given a piece of cardboard, a sheet of paper and a drawing pencil, and asked to draw some aspect of the photo. The discussion that followed led to a number of insights.
The visit ended with time for more individual exploration of the museum, and with a surprise: Passes giving each student, along with a companion, a free admission to the museum.
Anna Kay, a Whitney educator, makes a point about Edward Hopper's "New York Interior."
Turnabout: The group sketches details of Deana Lawson's "Son of Cush."
For Scholars and Graduates, A Family Get-Together
They came from Stanford, Boston, Austin, Maine and Brooklyn, comparing notes about the challenges of freshman year, about studying ecological biology in Ghana or helping to arrange an international affairs conference in Budapest. A score of Scholarship Plus students and graduates were joined by staff members and friends of the program at the annual holiday gathering early in January on the Upper West Side.
One had to leave early because her alarm would ring at 5:30 to get her ready for a long day of teaching first-graders in the South Bronx. Another, a member of the first Scholarship Plus class, is now counseling young people at the Manhattan Day and Night High School, and dealing with the joys and challenges of a 2-year-old.
Most of the conversations were in constantly-shifting small groups. Twice, however, the students and graduates were asked to address everybody in the room. Once it was to bring everybody up to date on their current status and activities. The second time it was to respond to a question: "What did you have for breakfast this morning?"
"Lucky Charms," said one student. "Tea," said another. "Two shots of espresso," said a third. "Soylent," said an efficiency-minded budding scientist, who praised the simplicity of the meal in a bottle. Another, and very slender, science major responded: "Air."
Camera ready: Current and former Scholarship Plus students were joined by staff members and former New York Times Scholars at the annual gathering.
From left around the table: Keli Almonte, in her second year at Amherst, Kadijat Sylla, a freshman at University of Pennsylvania, Vasiki Konneh, a Colby Freshman, and Jaime Nino De Guzman, in his final year at Columbia's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. In background, Zeshan Gondal, a Yale sophomore.
Fabien Paul, Maimouna Dieye and Raquel Beckford smile for two cameras. Maimouna, a member of our first class, graduated from Mount Holyoke and now advises students at Manhattan Day and Night High School. Raquel, who graduated last year from Trinity College in Hartford, is now teaching first graders in the South Bronx. Fabien is in his junior year at Brooklyn College.
Two seniors, Emony Robertson of Cornell and Aixin Li of Smith, with Luis Soto, a New York Times Scholar and University of Rochester graduate who is an NBC Sports operations executive and supporter of Scholarship Plus.
Spanning the continent: Luna Lin, in her first year in Harvard's Ph.D. math program after graduating from Barnard, with Kevin Baichoo, a Stanford junior, at center, and Muhammad Gondal, a freshman at Bentley University in Massachusetts.
Kate Fenneman Stokes prepares to ask for a report on what each student had for breakfast.
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