2024 April Blount Award Winners: Excellence in Girls’+ Education
Student Leadership Network is thrilled to honor excellence in teaching across The Young Women’s Leadership Schools (TYWLS) with the 2024 April Blount Blue Ribbon Awards! The award is named in honor of a phenomenal teacher and leader at TYWLS Brooklyn, Ms. April Blount. She brought learning to life for all of her students, making it fun and magical for them while still holding them to high standards. In 2019, the TYWLS community lost Ms. Blount, yet her legacy and excellence live on.
To honor Ms. Blount’s accomplishments within her school and network community, Student Leadership Network recognizes one teacher from each TYWLS school with the April Blount Blue Ribbon Award each year based on criteria that uphold the WholeGirl+ Education model. The award recipients were announced at the network’s TYWLS Mix and Mingle end-of-year celebration for educators earlier this month.
Congratulations to this year’s April Blount Blue Ribbon Award recipients!
Andy Jordan, TYWLS Astoria
Mr. Andy Jordan spearheads TYWLS Astoria’s Computer Science Honor Society and the high school Robotics team with impressive results. He creates spaces for his students to shine, from leading a workshop at the WholeGirl+ Education National Conference, where he gave the stage to his robotics students, to bringing teams to support and compete at their sister school TYWLS Brooklyn’s first-ever hackathon.
Michael Cohen, TYWLS Astoria’s Assistant Principal, applauded Mr. Jordan for “developing resilience and grit in his students and leading TYWLS Astoria to win the highest ranking award at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Qualifier. Last year he led students to win the U.S. Congressional App Challenge as well.”
Stephanie Mota, TYWLS Bronx
Ms. Stepahanie Mota is an exceptional art teacher who has a remarkable talent for uncovering and nurturing the hidden artistic abilities of her students. From 7th grade to AP Studio Art, her teaching offers students a rich and continuous journey in creative exploration.
“Beyond her role in the art room, she is deeply involved in student leadership,” remarked Devon Eisenberg, Principal of TYWLS Bronx, “facilitating the Student Union where she guides students in leading town halls and affinity groups. Additionally, she co-facilitates the student-run newsletter, empowering students to develop their voices and share their insights with the school community.”
Hadiya Cameron, TYWLS Brooklyn
Since arriving at the school seven years ago, Ms. Hadiya Cameron’s many roles – teacher, grade team leader, department team leader, hiring team member, and more – illustrate her commitment to leading by example. “She has an intense drive to give students the academic and life education that they deserve that truly makes our whole school a better place,” said Catherine Mitchell, Principal of TYWLS Brooklyn.
From trips to the theater and a museum to teaching algebra, Ms. Cameron encourages students to share their emotions in class and makes sure each student is getting the instruction they need. “We are so grateful that she’s such an amazing teacher and strong advocate for our students!”
John Bjornton, TYWLS Manhattan
Mr. John Bjornton has been a champion of middle school students during his TYWLS tenure. He cares about his students, has a great rapport with them, and holds them accountable to routines that help them learn math. A few years ago, he introduced Aviation Science to the students, opening up a truly different world.
“He is an out-of-the-box thinker,” said Colleen McGeehan, Principal of TYWLS Manhattan, “and he always puts kids first!”
Matthew Lazarus, TYWLS Queens
Mr. Matthew Lazarus embodies the health and wellness pillar in every aspect of his work at TYWLS Queens. From introducing innovative units to the curriculum to enriching students’ educational experiences to promoting overall well-being, Mr. Lazarus’s efforts support students in developing pride in their school identity and commitment to the school community.
“His ability to follow up and follow through with students and colleagues, often extending his support beyond school hours, speaks volumes about his character and dedication,” said Mala Panday, Principal of TYWLS Queens. “I have deep respect for the way he leads his life, demonstrating the same values he teaches his students.”
Samantha O’Leary, TYWLS Staten Island
One of TYWLS Staten Island’s founding staff members, Ms. Samantha O’Leary is affectionately known as “the Jackie of all trades.” Ever willing to roll up her sleeves and pitch in to support students, staff, and administrators, Ms. O’Leary has held the roles of grade team leader, testing coordinator, town hall planner, and many others.
“She does not stop and will find the answer and be an innovator each and every time,” shared Aisha Shepard, Principal of TYWLS Staten Island.
