Fellows Spotlight: Peekskill High School MBK Seniors Recognized at 21st Annual MLK Youth Legacy Awards
We featured this Fellows spotlight in our
Congratulations to Peekskill High School seniors Kendall Cousins and Steven Ayala. These students, who are both involved in the PHS My Brother’s Keeper program, were recognized by the African American Men of Westchester at the organization’s 21st Annual Youth Legacy Awards Ceremony. The awards ceremony was held virtually on Monday, January 18, 2021.
Steven Ayala is a current MBK Fellow and Kendall Cousins is a member of the Peekskill High School MBK Mentoring Program and the Black Diamonds program. Due to their scholarship, leadership and community service, these young men were recommended by their MBK mentor/PHS teacher, Mr. Mark Andujar. As members of the class of 2021, both young men were awarded the Albertina Bloom Scholarship in the amount of $2,500.
This award is presented annually in memory of Ms. Bloom, who was a dedicated, passionate and compassionate teacher in New York City. She resided in Westchester County and was a volunteer for many years. Her goal was to support young people with, “promising educational potentiality and good character.”
The young men thanked the My Brother’s Keeper program for helping them to develop and grow into leaders in their community. Kendall and Steven have applied to numerous colleges and they are considering their options for the fall. Dr. David Mauricio, Superintendent of Schools paid special tribute to Kendall and Steven recently at a Board of Education meeting, complimenting these young men for their achievement and representing, “Peekskill Pride.”