After serving the community for 16 years, Bronx Connect recognized those that make the Bronx a better place. Celebrating its ‘sweet sixteen’ this year, the faith-based, community program honored Bronxites who are making a positive impact on their community at an awards ceremony held on Thursday, June 16 at the Bronx Museum of the Arts. This year’s remarkable honorees included Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, hip-hop artist Grandmaster Caz, fashion designer Jerome LaMaar and supermodel Devyn Abdullah.
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Legendary hip-hop artist Grandmaster Caz (l) received his award from Christopher Garcia, RTG Cure Violence manager and Rev. Wendy Calderon Payne, Bronx Connect executive director.
Photo by Miriam Quin
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(l-r) Bronx Connect’s Christopher Garcia; Michael Alvarado, supervisor; Rev. Wendy Calderon Payne; Taneka Seldon, staff member; Tara Brown-Arnell, director and Michael Rodriguez, outreach worker.
Photo by Miriam Quin
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(l-r) Ariany Polo, court liaison; Gabriela Martinez, case manager; Shakedria Mathis, employment specialist; Kathyn Goldbeck, executive assistant and Emily Romero, AII Rec administrator.
Photo by Miriam Quin
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Bronx Connect’s Michael Alvarado (1st on r) celebrated with police officers Logan (l), Sean (2nd on l) and Hubberd (r).
Photo by Miriam Quin
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Honorees Jerome LaMaar (3rd on l) and Devyn Abdullah (c) met with Bronx Connect students (l-r) Kevin Williams, Tyler Puiaeos, Eddiana Wallace, Bobby Campbell and Stephan Landsmark during the celebration.
Photo by Miriam Quin
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Jerome LaMaar graciously accepted his award from Bronx Connect’s Ruth Stukes (l), program manager and Rev. Wendy Calderon Payne.
Photo by Miriam Quin