FASNY is Honored by Haitian Resource Center for Continued Dedication to Children

The French-American School of New York (FASNY) was recently honored by the Haitian Resource Center (HRC) for its dedication to children and for being a constant ally to the Center. The School received the recognition during HRC’s Second Annual Fundraising Gala in New Rochelle.

“It is wonderful to be honored for our continued partnership with the Haitian Resource Center, a vital organization in our community,” said Mischa Zabotin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of FASNY. “We are proud of the partnership that we have developed with the organization and of having helped many children in the process.”

The Haitian Resource Center was established in March 2013 to provide services to the growing and underserved Haitian population in Westchester County. HRC operates under the auspices of the Thomas H. Slater Center in White Plains. Many within the Haitian community face obstacles such as language, integration, immigration, citizenship, access to resources, among others. HRC seeks to break down these barriers by providing direct services, referrals and advocacy.

Several FASNY representatives including Gilbert Ekotto, Dean of Middle School Students, attended the ceremony to receive the award. Ekotto accepted the award on behalf of the students who have volunteered at HRC and thanked the parents and teachers who helped to organize the community service. He also thanked the Board of Trustees for their support.

“I was honored to receive the award on behalf of FASNY,” Ekotto said. “The entire program was very moving. I was glad to be part of such a special program.”

The day after HRC’s Gala, FASNY students who were the most involved with the Resource Center were recognized during an Assembly at the school and were presented the award. Ekotto explained to all the students that their service makes a difference and he re-affirmed FASNY’s commitment to the Haitian Resource Center.

“Everyone felt very proud of the students, and of the school,” Zabotin said. “It was great for the students to see the outside world recognize their efforts in such a concrete way. I am sure that this experience with HRC is going to inspire many more hours of community service!”

About FASNY
The French-American School of New York is a Westchester County independent, coeducational day school serving over 850 students in Nursery through Grade 12. Accredited by the French Ministry of National Education, the International Baccalaureate Organization, the New York State Department of Education, and the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), FASNY offers a rigorous academic program taught in French and English, with an option in 11th and 12th grades to take the IB Diploma Programme in English only.

Photo Captions
Photo1: From left, Marie Désir, FASNY parent; Martine Carroll, FASNY teacher and parent; Gilbert Ekotto, FASNY’s Dean of Middle School Students; Judeson Saintil, HRC Co-Founder & President; Blandine Fillion, FASNY trustee; John Botti, FASNY trustee; Heather Miller, Executive Director of Thomas H. Slater Center.

Photo2: From left, Judeson Saintil, HRC Co-Founder & President; Gilbert Ekotto, FASNY’s Dean of Middle School Students; Martine Carroll, FASNY teacher and parent; Marie Désir, FASNY parent; Blandine Fillion, FASNY trustee; and John Botti, FASNY trustee.