(l-r): Undergraduate Scholarship Committee Chair Denise Seegobin introduces FWA President Anne Izzillo at the MBHS graduation ceremony

June 27th marked the end of another successful year for the FWA's Mentoring Program. With the guidance of their mentors, twelve mentees graduated from Murray Bergtraum High School (MBHS) and are looking forward to continuing their education in the Fall. The graduation ceremony took place at the historic Brooklyn Academy of Music. Anne Izzillo, FWA President, and Denise Seegobin, Chair of the FWA's Scholarship Committee, were seated on stage with the other distinguished guests and school officials including Dr. Andrea Lewis the MBHS Principal and Tom Zarillo the Assistant Vice Principal. B.J. Coleman, President and CEO of Coleman Entertainment Group, was the guest speaker. Seven mentors were seated in the front row of the theatre.

Mentor Cynthia Drew and Mentee Francheska Marte

During the ceremony, the graduates had the opportunity to listen to the inspiring words of Anne Izzillo and Denise Seegobin announced the FWA Scholarship winners. Nine mentees were awarded scholarships that will continue to motivate them to succeed. The Craig Crawford Players, a jazz band, provided uplifting music as the student names were called. Receiving their diplomas on the stage of such a beautiful venue, the 350 graduates felt like stars.

The graduates sang a lively rendition of "Tomorrow" by Tevin Campbell. In part, these were the words:

I hope tomorrow will bring a better you, a better me.
I know that we'll show this world we got more we could be.
So you should never give up on your hopes and your dreams.
You gotta get up, get out, get over it, get it on to be strong.

Mentoring students is a rewarding opportunity. Through the FWA's Mentoring Program, mentors are matched with mentees and meet monthly at their convenience. There are also several fun and educational activities scheduled during the school year. The Mentoring Committee is looking forward to another successful year when the school year resumes in September.

Mentees and graduates Shatique Hicks and Ashley Earl

Mentee and proud graduate Michelle Rojas

Mentee Sequenza Howes Williams graciously accepts her scholarship from FWA President Anne Izzillo