YMCA Honors Superintendent León with Sir George Williams Founders Award and 7 High School Seniors with Scholarships

NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools proudly announces that Superintendent León received the YMCA’s Sir George Williams Founders Award at the 33rd Annual Leaders and Legends Recognition & Scholarship Dinner.

The Sir George Williams Founders Award is named in honor of Sir George Williams, founder of the YMCA, and is presented as part of the organization's annual celebration recognizing leaders who believe in and advance the mission of the YMCA. For Newark Public Schools, Superintendent León's selection represents more than an individual achievement. It is a recognition that reflects positively on the entire district and its ongoing commitment to Newark's students, families, and community.

“To have our Superintendent recognized with the Sir George Williams Founders Award is an extraordinary honor for Newark Public Schools,” said the Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “This recognition and the seven seniors who received scholarships speaks to the power of leadership rooted in service and to our collective belief that every child in Newark deserves opportunity, support, and a pathway to success. My board colleagues and I proudly celebrate Superintendent León and the scholarship recipients as we share this honor as one Newark Public Schools family.”

The Leaders and Legends Recognition & Scholarship Dinner also carries a mission closely aligned with the district's commitment to young people. Proceeds from the event provide college scholarships to deserving local seniors and support YMCA programs serving area youth. The YMCA of Newark and Vicinity describes its work as extending across after-school programming, family support, youth recreation, volunteerism, civic engagement, and mentorship.

This year’s scholarship recipients are Mikel Lucero from American History High School, Oluwaseyifunmi Esan from Bard High School Early College, Laila Marcelino-Rocha from Malcolm X Shabazz High School, Fatimat Saeed Abdallah from Science Park High School, Ana’Le Sanderson-Green from Technology High School, and Matthew Dunn and Nia Jack from West Side High School.

The district celebrates these recognitions as another moment of pride for Newark and a reminder that the work of public education reaches far beyond the classroom. Through strong schools, community partnerships, and shared responsibility for young people, Newark Public Schools remains committed to preparing students for academic success, and to become leaders who will strengthen their city and communities for generations to come.

“I am humbled by the honor and find great pride in witnessing the seven seniors who received college scholarships in the presence of their families, and I congratulate the other distinguished honorees”, said Superintendent León.

Congratulations to Superintendent León, this year’s scholarship recipients, and the distinguished honorees.