Cherished families, dedicated staff, and supportive friends,
The turning of leaves and the gentle autumn breeze provided the perfect backdrop for a momentous occasion in the heart of South Bronx. The Brilla community came together in a joyous ribbon-cutting ceremony to witness the unveiling of their new network office, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, and a welcoming residence for Seton Teaching Fellows. This celebration marked not just the expansion of facilities but the growth of an educational vision that has been nurturing young minds for over a decade. At the heart of the day’s festivities were the three plaques, each a symbol of gratitude, each a narrative of partnership and philanthropy that brought these projects to fruition.
The Network Office Plaque now reads in honor of William E. and Carol G. Simon. The William E. Simon Foundation’s philanthropic spirit has bolstered the backbone of Brilla’s educational network.
The Gymnasium Plaque: The gymnasium, a space that promises to be filled with the echoes of cheering teams and the scuff of sneakers, is named in honor of Robert and Kate Niehaus. This plaque is a testament to their dedication to Brilla’s students’ physical and social development, ensuring a place for healthy growth and athletic excellence.
The Seton Teaching Fellow House Plaque: The Seton Teaching Fellow house, a new home for the educators who are at the heart of Brilla’s mission, was named in honor of Louis V. Gerstner III, the late son of Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. and former President of the Gerstner Family Foundation. His commitment is immortalized on the plaque that will inspire the Fellows who reside there, symbolizing his belief in the transformative power of dedicated teaching.
As the ribbons were cut, it was clear that these new spaces were more than just physical structures. They embody Brilla’s mission to provide an environment that supports students’ intellectual, social, and physical growth. With the close of the ceremony and the beginning of Brilla’s second decade, the community looks to a bright future.
Instilling Virtue and Sharing Joy: Brilla Students Lead by Example This Thanksgiving
As the autumn leaves turn and the air takes on a chill, the Brilla Schools’ community is gearing up for a special Thanksgiving tradition, “The Thanksgiving Food Drive.” This event is more than just a food drive; it’s a living lesson in the virtues of generosity and gratitude — core tenets of the Brilla educational experience.
In the week leading up to Thanksgiving, students are learning about these virtues and putting them into action. By participating in the school-wide initiative to donate non-perishable goods to a local soup kitchen, they earn a chance to win a special Thanksgiving prize. This isn’t any ordinary raffle—it’s one where the act of giving becomes a hopeful bridge to receiving. The fortunate students whose names are drawn will be gifted a turkey and a $50 voucher for Thanksgiving provisions, an act that celebrates the dignity of giving and receiving aid within the community.
This year, the call goes out once again to the friends of Brilla: your donations are instrumental in continuing this cherished tradition. Each contribution promises the joy of a Thanksgiving meal to families who might otherwise go without. Your support transforms the value of virtue taught in the classroom into tangible acts of kindness, filling Thanksgiving with warmth for many.
Click here to make a difference in a family’s Thanksgiving this year. Let’s give together, for every family deserves a seat at the table of gratitude.
Con cariño,
Yeime White De Valle
Executive Director
Brilla Schools Network
Brilla Public Charter Schools 