Elana Shoykhet, a teacher at Wings Academy HS in the Bronx, and her student, Lorenza Leiva, who is going to college after overcoming a speech challenge, accept congratulations during the Better Speech and Hearing Month celebration on May 19 at UFT headquarters. Lorenza’s artwork was part of a display of award-winning art and poetry by students.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew welcomes speech teachers, students and their supporters.

Mindy Karten Bornemann (left), the chair of the speech improvement chapter, with the Friends of the Chapter Award recipients, including members of the UFT Teacher Center who helped pioneer distance learning to increase the number of speech teachers in the city.

Kristal Thomas, a speech provider in Brooklyn, accepts awards on behalf of her students.

Speech Improvement chapter members, parents and students applaud the accomplishments of the past year.

Justine Archer, a Staten Island speech provider, receives an award for her contributions to the chapter.

Kaitlyn Fusco receives an award on behalf of her students.

Speech provider Florence Bianco receives an award for contributions to the chapter on behalf of herself and her colleague, Kelly Enamorado.

Members of the Better Speech and Hearing Month committee flank Mindy Karten Bornemann (fifth from right), the speech improvement chapter leader.