Two SWBOCES students at Irvington program honored for 'Overcoming the Odds'

  Two students in the Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Special Services program at Irvington High School are being honored by an educational advocacy organization at its annual awards event on May 18.

Jared Thomas of Yonkers and Julian Greenburgh are among four honorees at the 26th Annual Overcoming the Odds Awards Virtual Celebration hosted by Student Advocacy. 

“Student Advocacy provides guidance and hope to young people who, for multiple reasons, are at risk for failing and/or dropping out of school,” Executive Director Diane Rosenthal tells River Journal. “We believe that access to education transforms lives, and our team works hard to advocate for the school-based services that enable all children to fulfill their potential. The OTO Awards give recognition and voice to children who are often overlooked in our community.”  

Both Jared and Julian attend Career and Technical Education classes at SWBOCES' Career Services campus in Valhalla each morning and academic classes at Irvington High School in the afternoons. 

"Both of them are very hardworking, very respectful," Irvington Principal Alberta Grant-Johnson said. "Their families are very supportive and involved, and they really advocate for them."

Ms. Johnson said both students are pursuing their high school diplomas well as a Career Development and Occupational Studies credential for their studies at the CTE campus.

Read more about Julian and Jared and the Overcoming the Odds Awards at River Journal.