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PEARLS Hawthorne School Choir & Band Students, Mayor Spano’s School Spotlight Award
(Photo Credit: Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers)

YONKERS, NY – February 2, 2023 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today joined Yonkers Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada to present his School Spotlight Award to the deserving administration, faculty, staff, parents and students at PEARLS Hawthorne School. Under the leadership of Principal Marwan Sayegh, PEARLS Hawthorne School is being recognized for its thriving music program consisting of 250 choir and band students in grades 1-8.  

“PEARLS Hawthorne School continues to place a strong focus on the overall quality of education for our students,” saidMayor Spano. “I commend Principal Marwan Sayegh, as well as the administrators, teachers, staff for fostering music education and recognizing its importance to a child’s intellectual development. Special thanks to the choir and band students for dedicating their time and continuously giving back to Yonkers.” 

PEARLS Hawthorne School music program offers its students the opportunity to showcase their emerging talent whileproviding music education, confidence, friendships, and volunteerism.

Since September 2022, PEARL Hawthorne’s band and choir have performed at:

Ø  PEARLS Hawthorne School Open House Nights (choir), Halloween Parade (Band) and Winter Concerts (Band/Choir)

Ø  Performed for National Parent-Teacher Association President, Anna King (Choir/Band)

Ø  Westchester East Putnam Parent Teacher Association Luncheon (Choir)

Ø  City of Yonkers Veterans Day (Choir)

“Music and art are a crucial component of the District’s comprehensive curriculum because they contribute to students' overall academic and social-emotional success at school,” noted Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez. “The joy and enthusiasm emanated by the PEARLS choir and band students’ performance was energizing and joyous. The Trustees, working with Superintendent Dr. Quezada, embrace every opportunity to showcase the talents of our students and staff.”  

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada added, “Access and opportunities for music and art instruction in every school has driven my work as an educator. The benefits for students participating in visual and performing arts were documented by an analysis from the National Endowment for the Arts. Their study found that students’ involvement in arts programs had positive outcomes including improved high school graduation rates and school engagement. It also noted that school arts programs are especially important for economically disadvantaged children where they may have less access to art and cultural resources. PEARLS music teachers Avid Williams and Prateek Thakur, with the encouragement from Principal Marwan Sayegh, are examples of the talented nurturing arts educators in every school. The choir and band did an outstanding performance.” 

Mayor Spano’s School Spotlight Award highlights four Yonkers Public Schools within the academic school year for their significant academic success, extracurricular achievements and community involvement.