The fledgling My Brother’s Keeper chapter at Southern Westchester BOCES’ Rye Lake Campus Middle-High School marked an early milestone as members were celebrated with certificates of achievement for their efforts on multiple fronts this school year.
The celebration reaffirmed the group’s mission, honored the hard work of its members and highlighted the chapter’s contributions to Westchester County’s 20th Annual Holiday Gift Drive.
The certificates presented by Ernest McFadden, Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, came directly from the Office of the Westchester County Executive and recognized students for their “Leadership, Generosity, and Compassion in support of the Westchester County Youth Bureau.” The Rye Lake MBK chapter contributed 121 toys to the drive.
My Brother’s Keeper was launched nationally by former President Barack Obama in 2014. Its mission is to empower boys and young men of color to reach their full potential. The Southern Westchester BOCES chapter, launched this school year and led by advisor and Team Leader Curtis Anderson, gathered with school staff and administrators on April 8, 2026, for the special celebration.
“Why are we here?” Mr. Anderson said, addressing the room. “Our mission is to build leadership, create a brotherhood, and learn how to succeed in real life. We also hold each other accountable.”
After he spoke, he invited three student members to step up and speak at the podium about their journeys and experiences with the program before receiving their awards.
“I have matured a lot this past year,” said Junior Neil Beato. “I want to thank Curtis for everything you do for us and for all of the activities. It has been really motivating me to do better in school.”
All of the young men who stepped up spoke at length about how thankful they were to the staff members and their fellow brothers for their support.
“Over my three years at BOCES, I’ve learned how to be strong, how to get past things and how to see other people’s point of view,” said sophomore Jace Thomas. “I want to say thank you to my brothers who are all sitting here now. I appreciate you all a lot. You know the times when I’m down, you all pick me up. The bond we have is different from just being friends. We look at each other as brothers. I’m very happy to have all these people who I love in my circle here today.”
The strides each one of these young men is making is done with a team at their back. They highlighted their brothers in the program, Anderson, Interim Principal Alberta Grant-Johnson, Assistant Director Dr. Alexandria Connally and the many other staff members who support them every step of the way.
The dedication these young men display is apparent and inspiring, and their generous contributions to the gift drive let other youths in their community know that they are loved.
Another milestone in the SWBOCES chapter’s first year came with members' attendance at the recent 2026 Youth Leadership Symposium at the Westchester County Center on April 21.