Program News 2008
A Red Carpet Affair
As our network of full-time evening high school programs for older adolescents, or Young Adult Borough Centers (YABCs), continues to grow, Good Shepherd is working to ensure that our students leave the programs with special memories as well as diplomas.
"We've been looking for ways to enrich the experiences of our students," says Fernando Tinio, the Division Director who oversees our Bronx-based YABC programs, "and in addition to giving them more personalized attention than they may have previously received at school, we're also providing the kind of events that are hallmarks of the high school experience."
More than 360 young people from the Stevenson, Grace Dodge, Monroe, Walton and Columbus YABCs (as well as several students from our Monroe GED program and the first graduating seniors from Bronx Community High School) dressed to the nines and walked the red carpet at the 40/40 club for an evening of dancing and mingling with their fellow students. "It was great, really a night to remember," said Kimberly, a Stevenson YABC student, "YABC has made such an impact in my life that I am going to truly miss it."
Each of the five Bronx YABCs chose a prom King and Queen based on attendance, grades and involvement in YABC activities. "It felt wonderful to be selected to represent my school," said Kristen, the Grace Dodge Queen, "and I am so thankful to Good Shepherd for making this happen."
Several of our Brooklyn YABCs also put on proms, including Downtown Brooklyn, our very first YABC program, which held their second prom this year, and the Lincoln YABC, which held their festivities on the Atlantis cruise ship. The site of our ninth and newest YABC program as well as a comprehensive integrated supportive services program, Automotive High School in Williamsburg, held a prom for the first time in ten years, under the joint chaperonage of the Automotive Department of Education and Good Shepherd staffs.
June 26, 2008
