Photos

Mar 22, 2025

2025 Paraprofessional Awards Luncheon

Nearly 1,100 paraprofessionals and other members gathered at the New York Hilton Midtown on March 22 to celebrate the outstanding work of their colleagues, attend professional learning sessions and have fun at a carnival. City Council Education Committee Chair Rita Joseph, a key supporter of the RESPECT check legislation, was the keynote speaker.

Trina James (center), an honoree from PS 180 in Manhattan, is surrounded by supporters from her school.

Erica Berger

A man greets his former paraprofessional at the UFT Paraprofessional Awards Luncheon on March 22, 2025.

Anthony Thompkins (right), a paraprofessional at George Washington Carver HS for the Sciences in Queens, warmly greets his own former paraprofessional, Dr. Renee Freeman, now a UFT District 75 advocate in Queens.

Erica Berger

Stephen Bradshaw, one of this year’s Humanitarian Award recipients and a paraprofessional at MS 217 in Queens, is celebrated by all the paraprofessionals at his school.

Erica Berger

UFT Paraprofessionals Chapter Chairperson Priscilla Castro addresses her members.

Erica Berger

Honoree Sonia A. Riley (second from right), a paraprofessional at Brooklyn’s Kurt Hahn Expeditionary Learning School, celebrates with members of her family.

Erica Berger

UFT Treasurer Victoria Lee presents to a packed room about pension benefits at the 2025 UFT Paraprofessionals Awards Luncheon on March 22, 2025.

UFT Treasurer Victoria Lee presents to a packed room about pension benefits. Paraprofessionals are automatically enrolled in the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) thanks to a UFT victory in 2021.

Erica Berger

Paraprofessionals complete an activity in a workshop about visual aids to support English language learners.

Erica Berger

Kendra Edwards (center), a paraprofessional honoree from PS 23 in the Bronx, is congratulated by UFT Paraprofessionals Chapter Chair Priscilla Castro and UFT President Michael Mulgrew at the 2025 UFT Paraprofessionals Awards Luncheon on March 22, 2025.

Kendra Edwards (center), a paraprofessional honoree from PS 23 in the Bronx, is congratulated by Castro and UFT President Michael Mulgrew.

Erica Berger

Marsha Malone-Culcleasure, a paraprofessional at PS 36 in Brooklyn, accepts one of two Humanitarian Awards bestowed during the UFT Paraprofessionals Awards Luncheon on March 22, 2025.

Marsha Malone-Culcleasure, a paraprofessional at PS 36 in Brooklyn, accepts one of two Humanitarian Awards bestowed during the event.

Erica Berger

Debra Elhadri, the chapter leader at PS 75 in Brooklyn, cheers after winning a game at the festival.

Erica Berger

Trina James (center), an honoree from PS 180 in Manhattan, is surrounded by supporters from her school.

Erica Berger

Stephen Bradshaw, one of this year’s Humanitarian Award recipients and a paraprofessional at MS 217 in Queens, is celebrated by all the paraprofessionals at his school.

Erica Berger

UFT Paraprofessionals Chapter Chairperson Priscilla Castro addresses her members.

Erica Berger

Honoree Sonia A. Riley (second from right), a paraprofessional at Brooklyn’s Kurt Hahn Expeditionary Learning School, celebrates with members of her family.

Erica Berger

UFT Treasurer Victoria Lee presents to a packed room about pension benefits. Paraprofessionals are automatically enrolled in the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) thanks to a UFT victory in 2021.

Erica Berger

Paraprofessionals complete an activity in a workshop about visual aids to support English language learners.

Erica Berger

Kendra Edwards (center), a paraprofessional honoree from PS 23 in the Bronx, is congratulated by Castro and UFT President Michael Mulgrew.

Erica Berger

Marsha Malone-Culcleasure, a paraprofessional at PS 36 in Brooklyn, accepts one of two Humanitarian Awards bestowed during the event.

Erica Berger

Debra Elhadri, the chapter leader at PS 75 in Brooklyn, cheers after winning a game at the festival.

Erica Berger