By Jitu K. Weusi
It was a cold December night with temperature in the 20’s and a stiff wind blowing.
Inside the Boys and Girls High School, Library, over 300 students, parent leaders, educators, community folks and elected and appointed leaders gathered to give a warm welcome to the newly appointed principal, Dr. Bernard Gassaway.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Dr. Lester Young Jr., member of the New York State Board of Regents. He highlighted the importance of Boys & Girls H.S. as a senior high school to the upliftment and advancement of the Community. He applauded the leadership of the late Frank Mickens who “lifted all boats (everything went up)” during his tenure as principal.
Students from the High lead by Ashley who sang, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, followed by Efekoro Beroro, Senior Class President and Deborah Akinbowale, Student Government President, praised the opening months of Dr. Gassaway’s tenure. Parents, who viewed themselves as consumers, were the next speakers of the evening. Ms. Toye Jackson, PTCA President at Boys and Girls High School and Mr. A.K. Matthews, Parent Association President of several feeder schools, spoke glowingly of Dr. Gassaway and presented him with a poetic plaque.
Next to the microphone was the Honorable Councilman Albert Vann. Because of Vann Support for the High, the audience was sprinkled with high ranking elected officials, Congressman Ed Towns, Judges Cheryl Chambers and Robin Sheares, Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, State Senator Velmanettte Montgomery and Councilman Charles Barron were present.
Vann introduced members of the Boys and Girls High School Advisory Board which includes: Colvin Grannum Esq., Phyllis Hurd, Rev. David Hampton, Rev. Conrad Tillard, Ms. Bernice Green-Greaves, Our Time Press publisher, Don Lee Osborne, Dordy Jourdain, CEO of the Bedford Y, Mrs. Brenda Fryson, former Community Board #3 Chair, and former educator Joan Eastmond.
Under Vann’s leadership the Advisory Body presented Dr. Gassaway with a 52 inch Color H.D.T.V.
Dr. Gassaway was appointed on August 17, 2009 and has pledged to take Boys & Girls High School back to the top. He needs the help and support of all of us!