Schools

UPDATE ICE Responds on Detention of Marble Hill High School Student

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Following news that a New York City high-school student attending English Language Learners and International Support Preparatory Academy (ELLIS) in Marble Hill, was detained by U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials when he, reportedly, appeared at a Manhattan courthouse for a routine hearing on May 20, we reached out to ICE and asked what offense, if any, the student had been charged with, and where he was currently being held.

Music Program Thriving under Erin Reik at P.S. / M.S. 95 Sheila Mencher School

By P.S. / M.S. 95 Staff
Under the leadership of Principal Serge Marshall Davis, P.S. / M.S. 95, the Sheila Mencher School, has a thriving music program. Erin Reik, who holds a Bachelor of Music in classical vocal performance from William Paterson University and a Masters of Art in teaching from Lehman College, is the music teacher shepherding the program to new heights.

Unity Democrats Announce Endorsements in Upcoming Democratic Primary

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The Unity Democratic Club announced their official endorsements for multiple political races in the upcoming 2025 primary elections in late February. These included City Council Member Justin Brannan (C.D. 43) who represents parts of Brooklyn for the role of NYC comptroller, a role currently held by Brad Lander, City Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. (C.D. 17) for Bronx borough president, a role currently held by Vanessa L. Gibson, Danielle Herbert Guggenheim, a Unity Democrat member and former vice-president, for City Council District 11, a role currently held by Eric Dinowitz, and finally incumbent City Council Member Pierina Sanchez for District 14.

Second Man Arrested in Hit & Run Collision in which Bronx Buccs “Coach D” was Killed

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Following the death last November of 60-year-old local, volunteer football coach Dwight Downer as a result of a hit and run car crash, police said a second person has been arrested in connection with the incident. Downer coached local football team the Bronx Buccaneers, who regularly practice in the Williamsbridge Oval in Norwood, as well as Bedford Park’s DeWitt Clinton football team.

NYPL Kicks Off Anti-Prom at Clason Point Library

By SÍLE MOLONEY
To close out Bronx Week 2025 with an evening of fun, the New York Public Library is hosting its annual Anti-Prom event on Friday, May 16, at Clason’s Point Library, 1215 Morrison Avenue.

Co-Directors of “Mean Girls” Launch Free 2-Week Acting Camp Open to High School Students

By SÍLE MOLONEY
This summer, Arturo Perez Jr. and Samantha Jayne, co-directors behind the “Mean Girls” movie, are launching “The Yes Bus Acting Camp” in New York City for the very first time. They said this free, two-week, acting camp is open to all high school students in New York and New Jersey with a special focus on uplifting young performers from immigrant and underserved communities.

Denzel Washington Speaks to Fordham University Students & Faculty About His Work on “Othello”

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Members of the Fordham University community, including current students, faculty, and President Tania Tetlow, had the opportunity to attend a special performance of Othello in early May, starring the university’s famous and “beloved” alumnus, Denzel Washington, FCLC ’77, in the title role, followed by an exclusive sit-down conversation with the two-time Oscar winner and other cast members.