School-Wide Events

12/20/2024:

 

Please see the America Scores December Newsletter below, highlighting PS 249's great performance in their recent Poetry Slam!

ASNY TEAM GROWS WITH EXCITING NEW HIRE America SCORES New York is delighted to announce that Maya Stephen will join our team as Director of Programs in January 2025.   Born and raised in South Florida, Maya joins ASNY from the NWSL's Washington Spirit where she held the role of Community Development Manager, working closely with DC SCORES during a historic season for the franchise.  SUPPORT OUR END-OF-YEAR GIVING CAMPAIGN Maya graduated Cum Laude from Sacramento State University after beginning her collegiate soccer career at Fisher College, where she led her team to its first-ever postseason appearance as a freshman.    A dynamic sports professional and creative visionary, her experience spans professional and collegiate sports, the nonprofit sector, and mental health, organizing impactful events, building brand loyalty, and driving meaningful community engagement.    "This is an incredible appointment for our organization," said ASNY Executive Director, John Riordan. "Her passion for and knowledge of the sports based youth development space is deep and I am looking forward to seeing what she can achieve for us. We have big plans for 2025 and she will be a vital voice for our work. She's already hit the ground running as a Poetry Slam judge which was perfectly timed!"   With a passion for storytelling through the lens of underserved communities, Maya brings a fresh perspective to the youth soccer space. Her creative work, including her celebrated piece “Soccer’s Black History: Female Trailblazers Who Led the Way,” reflects her dedication to using sports as a medium to inspire change.   At the Spirit, she managed strategic partnerships and oversaw community programs that supported women, youth and marginalized populations. Additionally, she played a key role in launching inclusive campaigns for Black History Month, Pride, and Hispanic Heritage Month, bringing cultural significance to the forefront of her work. Maya Stephen (pictured left) with her fellow Poetry Slam Judges (from left to right) Madi Dangerously, Negus Adeyemi, Kristin Boyle, Chastity Wielingen and Pamela Price. (Photo by Luis Fonseca) "Joining America SCORES New York, where youth are empowered to become community leaders with soccer at the core, is a dream come true!” said Maya.    “I’m excited to meet our Poet-Athletes and coaches, enhance our programs and partnerships, and help youth use their voices to impact their neighborhoods. With soccer on the rise in our country, this is the perfect time to leverage the sport for social good and drive positive change in one of the greatest cities in the world." CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR POETRY SLAM WINNERS! PS 173 (WASHINGTON HEIGHTS) - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GROUP CHAMPIONS PS 249 (BROOKLYN) - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GROUP RUNNERS-UP PS 386 (THE BRONX) - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GROUP THIRD PLACE Adam (PS 153), Brittany (PS 249) and co-third-placers Arianna, Wavel (PS 249) and TJ (PS 153) were the Shine Award winners for the Elementary School competition.   And pictured below, the Mott Hall Middle School Girls Sine Award winners   (All pictures by Luis Fonseca)