The Biondi School to Induct Judith Johnson−Member of New York State’s Board Of Regents−Into Its Black History Wall of Fame

The Honorable Regent Judith Johnson, member of New York State’s Board of Regents serving the 9th District of New York State and a powerful force in improving quality and access to education for diverse populations, will be this year’s inductee into the Biondi School Black History Wall of Fame on Friday, February 10, 2017. The announcement was made today by Dr. Angela White, Assistant Executive Director, Superintendent of Schools for Leake & Watts’ education programs.

The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at the Biondi School Auditorium on the Leake & Watts Yonkers campus. The Biondi School serves special education students K-12 whose ability to learn is affected by an emotional, cognitive, or other disability.

Judith Johnson has devoted her professional life to public education—whether through her work in the classroom, leading local school districts, or helping to reshape national and local education policy. “Throughout her career, Regent Johnson’s focus has been on ensuring that children from all races and backgrounds receive the same access to high-quality education, and to encourage student achievement at every level,” said Dr. White. “She has been a powerful and vocal advocate, and is an inspiring role model for African-American youth.”

Regent Johnson commented, “It is an honor to be inducted into the Biondi School Black History Wall of Fame, and to be recognized as a role model for the diverse student body here. I know students in this school arrive filled with hope and resilience. They face many challenges, yet they remain committed to becoming contributing members of our communities. Biondi students have an opportunity to excel in this supportive educational environment.”

Emphasizing New York State’s goal to accommodate the needs of all students, Regent Johnson added, “This school has a distinctive mission for special education students—it is to ensure talents are recognized, nurtured, and celebrated. Every day each staff member enters the building, they are reminded of the importance of ensuring all students, without regard to race, socio economic status, home zip code, gender, or any protected class distinction, have the same educational opportunities available to every student in New York. In return, each Biondi student has the awesome responsibility to contribute to the ongoing narrative that defines the American story.”

Regent Johnson’s induction marks the sixth year The Biondi School has commemorated Black History Month by honoring accomplished African-Americans who have made significant contributions to society. Previous recipients of the award include former head of the National Urban League Hugh B. Price; New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins; civil rights attorney Mayo Bartlett, co-founder of Safe Passage; and Biondi School Assistant Principal Al Grimes, a member of the first African-American college relay team to win the National Invitational Two Mile Event.

This year’s induction will include remarks from Regent Johnson along with student presentations. Following the program, a plaque with Regent Johnson’s name will be hung on the Black History Wall of Fame in The Biondi School, where it will be visible to inspire students every day.

“Regent Johnson has consistently been recognized as an educational champion for struggling youth who can bring diverse groups together to innovate programs that help students rise to their potential, a commitment that mirrors the philosophy of The Biondi School, and every program at Leake & Watts,” Dr. White noted.