Dear Brilla Staff, Families, and Friends,
In January, Brilla kicked off its 10th anniversary celebrations during our all-staff, in-person State of the Schools Address, held at a local community college because we have outgrown our school auditoriums. Our annual State of the Schools is an opportunity to gather and collectively review where Brilla is and where we are headed over the coming year. For the first time, an external guest joined us, OBIE Award Winner, Ty Jones, of the Classical Theatre of Harlem. He gave a powerful witness about the power of classical theater to uplift and inspire all people.
The State of the Schools also provided the occasion for me to make an important announcement. As of June 2023, I will be retiring from my role as Executive Director of Brilla Schools Network. It has truly been a privilege to serve Brilla these past 5.5 years alongside so many dedicated colleagues. I couldn’t be more excited that Yeime Valle, one of Brilla’s founders, will take the reins from me as Executive Director effective July 1. I have no doubt that Yeime will make an inspiring and fantastic leader.
Yeime was part of Brilla’s founding team in 2013, and she has truly shaped the trajectory of our network. As an immigrant from Panama and mother of six who raised her family in the Bronx, Yeime knows and understands the children and families we serve better than most. Yeime has already begun working closely with me and other senior leaders to build on the strong foundation established in our first ten years, and to address the challenges and opportunities we will encounter as we continue to serve our scholars and families into the next decade.
We are confident that the next decade will be a bright one for Brilla and each of our scholars. We are extraordinarily proud of our 8th graders who received more than ninety acceptances to eighteen different Catholic high schools. That’s a 100% acceptance rate! Our scholars have also received close to $1 Million dollars in academic and financial aid. Some notable acceptances include:
- Dayana Genis received a full scholarship to Groton School, the #1 Christian High School in America!
- Bryan Diaz was accepted to Regis High School, the #1 Best Catholic High School in America.
- Michelle Duran was accepted to the United Nations International School with a $45,000 scholarship.
- Keyla Veras received a full academic merit scholarship to Cardinal Spellman High School.
- Nathaly Vasquez received a scholarship enabling her to attend Notre Dame High School.
- Brunel Caleb Bawuah will be attending Fordham Prep as a George Jackson ‘76 Scholar. He will be our third scholar in a row to attend Fordham Prep!
We can’t wait to see how each of our scholars will thrive in high school, college, and beyond. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the committed team of educators and parents who have worked tirelessly to make their dreams come to fruition.
I’d like to particularly congratulate Mayra Torres, Director of Operations at Brilla College Prep Middle, who was named as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in the South Bronx by Mott Haven Community Partnership. In the words of Principal Will Scott, “Mayra is tireless in her pursuit of excellence.” We’re so fortunate to have you on our team, Mayra!
Wishing you and yours a joyful spring season!
My warmest regards,
Luanne Zurlo
Executive Director, Brilla Schools Network
Brilla Public Charter Schools 