Leadership in Action: NECSD Fellows Shine at NYS MBK "Stand & Deliver"
Newburgh’s future leaders were on full display in Albany earlier this month. Our NECSD My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Fellows traveled to the state capital to participate in the annual NYS MBK Stand & Deliver Symposium, a high-energy convening of young men of color from across New York State.
Representing Newburgh alongside peers from New York City, Long Island, Buffalo, Poughkeepsie, and Westchester County, our Fellows spent the symposium immersed in a culture of excellence, brotherhood, and civic responsibility.
The Power of the 90-Second Story
The centerpiece of the event was the "Stand & Deliver" Speaker Showcase. This isn't just a speech; it is a TED-style challenge where each Fellow has exactly 90 seconds to share their personal journey and the impact the MBK mission has had on their lives.
Our NECSD scholars stepped to the podium with confidence, articulating how the program has helped them:
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Find their voice as advocates for their community.
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Build a brotherhood that transcends school walls.
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Commit to service projects that address local needs in Newburgh.
The symposium also featured keynote addresses from inspiring leaders and mentors, including Dr. Anael Alston and Dr. Alfonso Wyatt, who challenged the Fellows to "change the narrative" by setting the standard for personal mastery and academic success.
Our very own MBK Fellow, Rayden Gould was greeted by NYS Commissioner of Education, Dr. Betty A. Rosa.
More Than a Program: A Statewide Movement
The Stand & Deliver symposium is a critical milestone for MBK Fellows. It provides them with:
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Networking: Connecting with other young leaders to share strategies for community improvement.
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Professional Development: Engaging in workshops focused on leadership, public speaking, and college readiness.
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Mentorship: Strengthening the bond between students and the adult mentors who guide them through their senior year and beyond.
The NECSD students represented our district with immense pride. Their participation in Albany serves as a reminder that when we invest in our young men, we aren't just helping them succeed individually—we are strengthening the very foundation of Newburgh.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence
Whether it’s inspiring our community, honoring history at a Gorhams game or standing on a stage in Albany, the message remains the same: our students are active participants in making our world better.
MBK Fellows and Mentors
Our NFA MBK Fellows include: Cameron Ford, Rayden Gould, Rischneider Guerrier, and Taymere Mann, representing each of our campuses and our NFA P-TECH program. Mentors for the program are: Dr. Richard Brown, Dr. Kristy Brown, Ms. Angela Nonnon, and Mr. Robert Poinsette. NECSD Board of Education member, Mr. Philip Howard, regularly volunteers and supports our MBK program through weekly meetings with scholars at our middle school and high school campuses.
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
