Educator of the Year Award

Charles Cowan, aka Mr. C, is the Recreational Specialist for the Summer Day Camp and is the Head Instructor for the Youth Development Basketball Program. He leads athletic activities in the After School Program and the Summer Day Camp to keep children physically active and fit.

Luther’s belief in hard work, dedication, and service to others aided him in his 30 years of working in the City of Mount Vernon. During this time, he had the distinct privilege of working with a multitude of professionals such as MV BOE Principals, Teachers, Support Staff, Security Officers, and City Officials. Luther further served the Mount Vernon community as co-chair of the Community That Cares Coalition, working with Deputy Youth Bureau Director Dina Williams, CTC Coordinator Claudette Coote, and countless others.

Kathleen Halas has served as Executive Director of the Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc. since February 2003. A child care resource and referral agency, the Council has been promoting safe, quality and affordable child care as a catalyst for family self-sufficiency and well-being, school readiness and workforce preparedness, for more than 50 years. The Council proudly supports Westchester’s child care and after school community of 740 programs serving children from birth to 12 years of age. The Council was recognized as an “outstanding nonprofit” by 914INC in 2017.

Frances-Ann Lightsy is a lifelong resident of the great city of Mount Vernon, NY. Upon her graduation from MVHS, she attended The College of New Rochelle, earning a Baccalaureate of Arts Degree. She then attended Sarah Lawrence College (as a Hearst Foundation Fellow) and earned a Master of Professional Studies Degree. Ms. Lightsy continued with a Professional Diploma in School Administration and Supervision from the College of New Rochelle, a certificate as a National Education Policy Fellow through Columbia University Teachers College, and a certificate in Family and Community Engagement (FACE) from Harvard University.

Ms. Turnquest-Jones is a very outspoken and passionate educator, inspiring young lives in New York City and in her home town of Mount Vernon, NY. She firmly believes in the quality education of ALL youth regardless of their circumstances. She joins an impressive list of past recipients of this award who share in her belief that all children are special.