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On Wednesday January 11, 2012, the Department of Education’s New York City Mentoring Program observed Mentoring Recognition Day at a memorable event at the American Museum of Natural History. In partnership with the American Museum of Natural History and Home Box Office, Inc. (HBO), the New York City Department of Education recognized the 2012 Mentor and Mentee of the Year, Brian Bergeron and Mariano Perez, at a reception that drew over 400 participants. Deputy Chancellor for Equity and Access Dorita Gibson, The Fund for Public Schools C.E.O. Julia Bator, Caroline Kennedy, American Museum of Natural History President Ellen Futter, and HBO Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Dennis Williams shared their insights on the value of mentoring.
The Mentor-Mentee of the Year designation is awarded to a pair that most exemplifies the positive impacts of a mentoring relationship. Each of the New York City Mentoring Program partnership programs under the New York City Mentoring Program umbrella are eligible to nominate the work of one exceptional pair, provided the pair has been together for at least one school year and the student mentee is a graduating senior. Nominations are reviewed by a committee of Department of Education professionals who weigh the longevity and quality of the mentoring relationship, as well as the impact the mentor has had on the mentee’s life.
The 2012 Mentor and Mentee of the Year winners Brian Bergeron, a mentor in the AIGA/NY Mentoring Program and Mariano Perez, a senior at the High School for Art and Design in Manhattan have been paired since 2008. Their shared love of graphic design led Brian and Mariano to bond during drawing and portfolio review sessions. “Having a mentor is great because they can give you new ideas and tell you all about the different career options that are out there”, said Mariano. “Yet for me, the Mentoring Program went beyond providing me with useful information. Brian inspired me to grow as an artist and a person.” Mariano received a $1,000 check for college expenses provided by the Mentoring Tree Foundation.
For the first time this year, the New York City Mentoring Program recognized Second Place Honorees Susie Kricena and Paige Madison. Susie Kricena, a mentor in the XtraCredits! Program (run by Viacom Entertainment Group) spoke about Paige’s transformation from a self-conscious and reserved sophomore to a confident and gregarious senior at the Professional Performing Arts High School (PPAS) in Manhattan. Paige credits her mentor for this transformation saying, “In the midst of a dark time of my life, Susie [and her] optimistic spirit filled with light entered.” Paige received a $500 check also provided by the Mentoring Tree Foundation.
From left to right: American Museum of Natural History President Ellen Futter, Mentee of the Year Mariano Perez, Caroline Kennedy, Deputy Chancellor for Equity and Access Dorita Gibson, Second Place Honoree Mentor Susie Kricena and her Mentee Paige Madison, HBO Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Dennis Williams, NYC Mentoring Program Director Lori Mastromauro, and The Fund for Public Schools C.E.O. Julia Bator.
Photo: R. Mickens / ©American Museum of Natural History
After the program, Mentoring Recognition Day attendees took in the new exhibit “Beyond Planet Earth – The Future of Space Exploration” and a planetarium showing at the American Museum of Natural History. Attendees also received goody bags thanks to the generosity of HBO, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Association of American Publishers.
In 1983, the New York City Department of Education created the New York City Mentoring Program, which is the largest mentoring program operated by a school district in the United States. The program serves 31 high schools through 33 programs with 30 partnering organizations, including law firms, financial institutions, alumni associations, and entertainment companies. Mentors also facilitate conversations about goal setting, provide advice on schoolwork and the college admissions process, and broaden students’ horizons by exposing them to the city’s vast cultural resources. There are currently over 800 students participating in the New York City Mentoring Program; since the program’s inception, over 28,000 students have participated.
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