Recently, The Washington Post issued its annual rankings for America’s most challenging high schools. I am happy to report that Harrison High School ranked No. 23 in the Northeast and No. 1 in Westchester County. The index score reflects the number of college-level tests administered at the school in the previous calendar year divided by the number of graduates that year. Also noted are the percentage of students who come from families that qualify for lunch subsidies and the percentage of graduates who passed at least one college-level test during their high school career. Congratulations to the dedicated teachers, mentors and administrators whose continued support made this very impressive achievement possible.
I would like to recognize the drum and bugle corps, Westchester Brassmen, for their recent success at the Bugler’s Hall of Fame Show. Former members of the Bugler’s Hall of Fame include Louis Armstrong and Dizzie Gillespie. The Brassmen’s drum ensemble competed with other performers and took first prize. The drum corps also provided additional entertainment for the evening’s festivities. Congratulations on a job well done.
It was an honor and a privilege to attend this year’s Field of Honor Ceremony at Harrison High School. The Field of Honor project gives our community the opportunity to recognize a veteran, or current member of the armed forces, by purchasing a flag which is then placed in a designated area on the high school lawn. It was a moving tribute and I was glad I was able to attend.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Westchester, NAMI, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to assisting those who are affected by mental illness. They have initiated an awareness ribbon campaign and, in the month of May, you will see white ribbons tied around some of our town trees. On Saturday, May 21, NAMI will hold their annual NAMI Westchester 5K Walk in Rye Town Park. These events will raise awareness and, as a result, free people from stigmas that prevent many from seeking the help they need. For more information about NAMI Westchester, visit namiwestchester.org.
Congratulations to both the Harrison and Purchase fire departments on their very successful open houses. Recently, both departments hosted these well-attended events and I was happy to see many friends and familiar faces enjoying the tours and exhibits. Special hands-on learning displays taught children important safety guidelines in preventing fires or evacuating buildings in the event of a fire. They were very informative presentations and all those in attendance learned about the requirements and rewards that come with being a firefighter.
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending County Executive Rob Astorino’s State of the County address. Mr. Astorino’s message cited Westchester’s improved economy and reaffirmed his confidence that Westchester County is moving forward. He pledged to keep spending under control and restated his goal of balancing needs versus necessities.
In closing, I would like to wish Harrison residents peace and joy during this Passover and Greek Easter season. It’s a wonderful time to honor both holidays which are celebrated each spring. May the blessings be plentiful to all and may happiness last throughout the year.
