CNY RISE Center held its 13th Annual Friendship Dinner on November 7, 2018. The topic of the event was “The Impact of Poverty on Education” presented by Superintendent Jaime Alicea from Syracuse School District (SCSD). Superintendent Alicea described the challenges in the classroom that come with the poverty. He also highlighted the current services provided for the low-income families within the district and encouraged everyone to join those initiatives.
The event started with welcome speech by Tim Saka, Board President of CNY RISE Center. Mr. Saka emphasized the role of education to overcome the poverty and he also mention about his own challenges of growing in a low-income family and pursuing higher education as an immigrant in the US. Following the welcome speech, the dinner is served, an opportunity for guests sharing the table to share ideas and know about each other.
The program launched its award winners after the keynote speech by Superintendent Alicea. The winners were Daniel Lounsbery from SCSD, Magistrate Jawwaad Rasheed and Darris William from 100 Black Men, Mariel Anderson from Onondaga Community College, Mark Cass from Northside Learning Center, all of whom were recognized by their valuable effort in helping the students facing poverty in Syracuse area.