The former and current head of The Syracuse Rescue Mission (Clarence Jordan and Alan Thornton) talk at the Vision Center on South Salina Street following the 2013 Teen Tech graduation ceremony.
Mercy Works Director Gina Rivers prepares Synergy students during their orientation last week. The event was held at the Vision Center on South Salina Street.
The Say Yes to Education (Syracuse) celebrated a five-year anniversary yesterday with a program at John T. Roberts School. The event featured speeches by Say Yes Founder George Weiss, educators, politicians, and a few initial graduates. Syracuse University Chancellor Nancy Cantor cited the Say Yes program as a metaphor for Syracuse as a “city of opportunity.”
Current and former Syracuse City School Superintendents Sharon Contreras and Daniel Lowengard speak about the success of Say Yes.
Below is an inspiring speech by Amber Jackson, an inaugural Say Yes Scholar and 2013 graduate of Hobart William Smith Colleges.
“To change a community, you have to change the soil.” – Ron Finley
I’d like to thank the students I had the chance to meet and work with at Westside Academy at Blodgett this year. We took a journey and learned from each other. After the first day I thought a lot about the Tony Danza Book, I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had.
We did photo walks, technical research, contests and model shoots, and their skill levels continued to rise to the challenge. But soon I noticed that the children were teaching me as much about creativity and expression as I taught them about photography. Visiting the Westside neighborhood daily was an eye-opening experience. The assignment helped me become a better photographer and a better person.
Also, a special shout-out to Ms. Darby (the program director), Mr. Hicks (the principal), and Syracuse City School District alum Adrian Sicam (the multi-talented artist who allowed SIF to use his music for this piece).
Georgia Businessmen John Walker (left) and Jason Geter came to Syracuse to participate in the Syracuse City School District’s Black History Program. They are pictured here with organizer and Syracuse Special Education teacher Karen Blue.
Central Tech alumni Freeman Finch (photographer) and Manny Breland (retired educator and SU legend) prepare to enter the ceremony.
The Institute of Technology (ITC) High School (formerly Central Tech and Syracuse Central) welcomed back alumni in a homecoming event held between two basketball games last night. Former students and members of the community took tours of the new building and got a look at the new gym.
DJ Rivers takes a free-throw during the first half of the junior varsity game (vs. Marcellus).
Central Tech alum and basketball legend Roy Neal points out members of a historic championship team at Central Tech from a vintage photo.
Kevin Edge and Richard McKinnon, members of the Central Tech class of 1972, said they were impressed with the new facilities.