Paraprofessionals

Priscilla Castro, the interim chair of the Paraprofessionals Chapter (left), and event emcee Anthony Harmon, the UFT staff director (right), congratulate paraprofessional Marlon Lett of M.S. 128 in the Bronx, winner of the prestigious Humanitarian Award.

Paraprofessionals from each borough display the awards they received to honor their work as they pose with Castro (second from left), UFT President Michael Mulgrew (back row, middle) and New York State Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson of Queens (right).

Paraprofessionals fill the Grand Ballroom of the hotel for the luncheon and awards ceremony.

Former Paraprofessionals Chapter Chair Shelvy Young-Abrams, who retired last year after 53 years of service, is one of three UFT heavyweights honored with a special award at the event. She received the inaugural Velma Hill Award, named for the chapter’s founder and first chair.

Paras (from left) Shiuli Debi of PS 15 in Queens; Supti Paul of the HS for Law and Public Service in Manhattan; Florence Dent of the HS for Law and Public Service; and Alo Saha of PS 143 in Queens, enjoy cotton candy and popcorn at the Carnival.

"It’s crucial for all of us to honor those who opened the doors for us, to keep carrying the torch, to keep opening doors for those who come after us," American Federation of Teachers Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus, a former UFT vice president and the national union’s first Latina officer, says in her keynote address.

Event emcee Anthony Harmon, the UFT staff director (left), congratulates Reginald “Reggie” Colvin, who retired last fall as the first vice chair of the Paraprofessionals Chapter, as he receives the inaugural Shelvy Young-Abrams Award for his contributions to the chapter. Young-Abrams retired as chapter chair last year.

Paraprofessional Chapter Executive Board Member at Large Michael Santos, dressed as a ringmaster, cheers on Wei Fong Liao, a retired para who worked at PS 124 in Chinatown, as she spins the prize wheel.

Martha Vargus, a para at East West HS of International Studies in Queens, tries to win a prize by shooting hoops at the Carnival.

Estela Melendez, a para at PS19 in Queens, enjoys a massage from a student who learned massage techniques especially for the event. Students from five career and technical education high schools showed off their skills in health and cosmetology at the Carnival.

Dalila Calabrese (center), a para at PS/IS 192 in Brooklyn, practices taking a mind break to relieve stress during the “MindUp for Life/Mindfulness” workshop.