By Ellen de Saint Phalle, Member, Bronxville Rotary Club

May 10, 2017:  Bronxville Rotarians and members of the community gathered at Siwanoy Country Club on April 29 to honor Dr. David Quattrone, superintendent of the Bronxville schools, for his outstanding service. The evening's program not only recognized Quattrone but also raised funds for two educational not-for-profit organizations, YearUp and Destination: College. 

Rotarian John Priesing, who was president of the Bronxville Board of Education that hired Quattrone, praised Quattrone for his exceptional leadership and his impressive record guiding the district. Rick Rugani, Jim Hudson, David Brashear, Denise Tormey, and Jeff Rohr, all of whom served as board presidents over the course of Quattrone's tenure, also attended the dinner. "Their presence here tonight," said Priesing, "is evidence of their great regard and high esteem for David."

Current board president Jeff Rohr also spoke of Quattrone's impact on The Bronxville School. Acknowledging the students and faculty in attendance, Rohr emphasized the admiration and respect Quattrone has garnered from both students and faculty and that his lasting legacy is The Bronxville Promise. The Bronxville Promise is a framework of four dispositions--innovation, leadership, critical thinking, and engagement with the world--designed to guide the way students plan their course of study, the way teachers organize teaching and learning activities, and the way parents and the larger community support the school. 

Quattrone thanked the Rotary, pointing to the common goals of both The Bronxville Promise and the Bronxville Rotary: growing ideas, putting skills to use to help others, giving of oneself to serve others, and making a difference. He grew emotional as he thanked his faculty and students for their support and shared responsibility in establishing The Bronxville Promise. Quattrone's remarks were greeted with a standing ovation.

The evening also included presentations from representatives from Destination: College and YearUp. Three high school students involved with Destination: College, a nonprofit group working to make athletes into student-athletes in underserved school communities throughout Westchester County, Maggie McKelvey, James Swartz, and Demetreus Lee, spoke of their personal experiences and the difference Destination: College has made in their lives. Whether tutoring or being tutored, the students agreed they were not only building academic skills but also creating close personal connections. Fern Watters, a volunteer for Destination: College, thanked David Quattrone for supporting the organization and promoting student involvement.  

Elaine Perez, director of development for YearUp, a nonprofit organization that empowers low-income young adults to go from poverty to professional careers in a single year, thanked the Rotary for its support in helping to make a difference in the lives of the students they serve. YearUp's intensive training program combines marketable job skills, stipends, internships, and college credit. Perez echoed the importance of serving others and giving of time and talent to those who might not otherwise receive the help they need to thrive and succeed.

Doris Benson and David McBride presided over the auction to benefit both organizations. The Bronxville Rotary is part of a global service organization, Rotary International, with 1.2 million members committed to making positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad. In addition to its annual benefit, the Bronxville Rotary provides weekly volunteers for Meals on Wheels and the Midnight Run. More information about The Bronxville Rotary can be found on its website: http://www.BronxvilleRotary.com. 

Pictured here:  Dr. David Quattrone at the Bronxville Rotary event honoring him.

Photo by N. Bower