Friends of District 75 Awards

Miller PhotographyWinners and well-wishers from the UFT staff are (from left) Colvin, Williams, Paraprofessionals Chapter Chair Shelvy Young-Abrams, Guzman, Matranxhi, Labissiere, Hendricks, Paraprofessionals First Vice Chair Doreen Raftery and Manhattan Borough Representative Evelyn DeJesus. See more photos >> The UFT’s seventh annual Friends of District 75 Awards ceremony, held on June 22 at the union’s Manhattan headquarters, had a different emphasis this year. According to UFT District 75 Representative Walter O’Leary, the event usually honors those who are outside — but supportive — of the school system’s district for special education students. But this year, O’Leary reported, those honored were closest to the heartbeat of District 75: the UFT members and staff who work directly with or for the students. More than 100 people turned out to celebrate the winners, who are some of the best friends that special education kids have. Receiving certificates of appreciation were Paraprofessionals Representative Milton Williams of Educational Vision Services in the Bronx, Ruthie Guzman of PS 256 in Queens, Marima Matranxhi of PS 721 in Brooklyn, Pierre Labissiere of PS 53 in Brooklyn and Nichol Hendricks of PS 138 in Manhattan. After greetings from UFT Special Representative and District 75 Liaison Reginald Colvin and guest speakers, the group celebrated with a dinner dance. “The event showed the unity and camaraderie among all of the facets of District 75,” said O’Leary. “We are grateful to all the honorees, who make every day better for our children.”