Monday, July 15, 2013 (Bronx, NY ) –Associate Dean Ana I. García Reyes gave the keynote address at the Dr. Antonia Pantoja Preparatory Academy’s Graduation Ceremony on June 21, then on June 24, she did the same for the graduating class of Middle School 390 (M.S. 390). The first ceremony took place at the Antonia Pantoja Preparatory Academy School and the second in the Repertory Theater at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College.
At the former event, Principal Nancy Díaz presented an award to Dean García Reyes in recognition of her “outstanding and dedicated services to the educational community.”
In response, García Reyes said: “It is a privilege to address the 2013 graduating class, and I would like to thank Principal Nancy Díaz for inviting me. She is a highly committed professional and a great visionary who founded the Dr. Antonia Pantoja Academy. Mrs. Díaz is also an outstanding role model who goes beyond the call of duty to serve the diverse student body that she represents in the Bronx. Your academic achievement is a testament that with discipline and persistence you can fulfill your dreams. Congratulations to the parents and the faculty for helping these students succeed, and to the beautifully diverse graduating class 2013.”
The 66 graduates of Pantoja Prep are of Latino, African American and Asian descent.
On the latter occasion, Dean García Reyes brought greeting to the graduating class of Middle School 390. The ratio of females to males in this class is 38:28. And, of the 130 students who graduated from Middle School 390, approximately 90 percent are Hispanics from several countries, 8 percent are African American, also with various nationalities, and the other 2 percent are Asians and whites. M.S. 390 Principal Robert Mercedes said: "I thank Hostos Community for being a wonderful host, and for being a great partner in educating students and training New York City public teachers via the annual summer teacher training program.”
Dean García Reyes brought greetings on behalf of the college and commended the faculty and staff for putting together the beautiful ceremony. She encouraged the students to continue their studies and quoted Brian Tracy by saying: "Willpower is essential to the accomplishment of anything worthwhile, adding that "Education is the key to a brighter future for you and the members of your community. İFelicidades a la clase de graduados 2013!”
About Hostos Community College:
Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change, transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities since 1968. Hostos serves as a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, and a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs. The College’s unique "student success coach" program, which partners students with individualized guidance, is emblematic of the premier emphasis on student support and services.
Hostos offers 29 associate degree programs and 5 certificate programs that facilitate easy transfer to The City University of New York (CUNY) four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. The College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. The Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture (HCAC) is one of the pre-eminent Latino arts centers of the northeast. The HCAC has distinguished itself for showcasing traditional art forms as well as emerging and internationally renowned artists. Hostos Community College is part of CUNY, the nation’s leading urban public university serving more than 480,000 students at 24 colleges.
Media Contact:
Soldanela Rivera - srlopez@hostos.cuny.edu
Rich Pietras – rpietras@hostos.cuny.edu
Phone: 718-518-6872 or 917-627-9097 or 718-518-6513