JANE CHESNUTT AND COUNCIL MEMBER ROSIE MENDEZ AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO UNION SQUARE COMMUNITY

Four Students Receive Scholarships During 15th Annual Union Square Partnership Education Program Luncheon

New York (May 19, 2008) – The Union Square Partnership today honored outstanding achievement in community service and academics by presenting Jane Chesnutt, Editor-in-Chief of Woman’s Day, New York City Council Member Rosie Mendez, and four Washington Irving High School students with awards and scholarships at the 15th Annual Union Square Partnership Education Program Luncheon held at the Union Square Ballroom.

The Union Square Partnership Education Program works with Washington Irving High School (WIHS) to enrich students’ personal and educational experiences. The initiative is guided by the active involvement of community members, area businesses and school partners.

Jane Chesnutt received the 15th Annual Cus D’Amato Community Service Award for her long-standing commitment to the USP Education Program. She is a founding member of the WIHS Business Advisory Council and has continued to lend her support to USP’s education efforts through her involvement with the USP Education Committee.

“Jane Chesnutt was one of the very first business partners to join our efforts when the advisory council was created,” said Jennifer Falk, Executive Director, Union Square Partnership. “Her unwavering support and efforts on behalf of the students at Washington Irving is a testament to her long-standing commitment to the Union Square Partnership Education Program. Jane hires summer interns to work at Women’s Day, and works with student reporters at the school newspaper, The Washington Irving Times. She gives generously of her time and energies to bring key stakeholders together and increase our students’ chances of success in whatever they choose to do after graduating from high school.”

“The children of Washington Irving High School represent New York City’s future,” said Jane Chesnutt. “It is a privilege and a joy to work on their behalf, and I thank the Union Square Partnership not only for honoring me but also for their strong support of the Education Program and the many students it benefits.”

The Cus D’Amato award is given to someone who has made an exemplary commitment to the neighborhood, and the students and staff of WIHS. The award is named in honor of Cus D’Amato, the owner of the legendary Gramercy Gym, who nurtured the minds and spirits of those he coached in the ring. Previous recipients include actress Bette Midler, Bob Kerry & The New School, and Jennifer Garvey Blackwell & the Vineyard Theatre, last year’s honoree.

Council Member Rosie Mendez, who represents District 2, received the 2nd Annual Norman Buchbinder Community Leadership Award for her support and dedication to the Union Square Partnership Education Program. Through the efforts of community leaders like Council Member Mendez, the program continues to provide Washington Irving’s students access to the educational resources they need and deserve. NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Robert Walsh received the first Community Leadership Award last year.

“As a founding member of the Union Square Partnership, Norman Buchbinder was a constant inspiration reminding us that it is our civic responsibility to do more and get involved,” said Jennifer Falk. “Council Member Mendez has been a strong supporter of the Union Square Partnership Education Program and has been instrumental in fostering the continuation of our work at Washington Irving. Her impact can also be felt outside the classroom due to her support of cultural and counseling agencies working with students to overcome challenges in their communities.”

“Norman Buchbinder was incredibly dedicated to improving the Union Square community, and I am so honored to receive an award named after him,” said Councilwoman Rosie Mendez. “Washington Irving students have benefited tremendously from the Union Square Partnership’s work and the valuable resources the organization provides, and I am proud to contribute to that effort.”

Four graduating seniors at Washington Irving High School each received an unrestricted $1,500 yearly scholarship for up to four years to cover college-rated expenses. The recipients are Jonathan Felix, who received the Union Square Partnership Scholarship; Cliford Supris, who received the Jill and Jim Gabbe Scholar Award; Flora Flores, who received the Claire Chesnutt Scholarship; and Rong (Andy) Zhang, who received the John & Elaine Kanas Family Foundation Scholarship. To receive the scholarship, the students had to participate in the Partnership’s Education Program, meet community service requirements, write an essay about their academic goals, and make a presentation to the Partnership’s Board of Directors.

In 1994, the Union Square Partnership established a relationship with WIHS that has since evolved into one of the city’s most comprehensive public-private partnerships in education affecting thousands of students. The USP Education Program leverages the energy and resources of the area to enrich students’ educational experiences and prepare them for successful futures.

The program brings businesses and community members directly into the school to provide everything from books and computers to tutoring and mentoring support. This award-winning program focuses on: college & career programs, academic support, after-school activities, volunteerism efforts, character education & counseling, and family involvement activities.

About the Union Square Partnership
The Union Square Partnership (USP) is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for the revitalization of the 14th Street-Union Square neighborhood. USP through neighborhood improvements, park maintenance, small business support services, and an association with Washington Irving High School works to ensure the community’s continued growth as a center for business, culture and education. It seeks to improve the quality of life for its residents and businesses, by providing supplemental public safety, sanitation, economic development and marketing services. For more information, visit unionsquarenyc.org.

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