Dear Brilla Families, Friends, and Staff,
As we close the 2024–2025 school year, I am filled with a profound sense of fulfillment and gratitude. This quarter has been an inspiring season of culmination, celebration, and anticipation—moments that beautifully reflect our mission to grow children in character, spirit, and academics.
In March, I had the privilege of representing Brilla at the Kern Partners for Character and Educational Leadership (KPCEL), a national gathering focused on what matters most: forming scholars of strong character.
Sharing Brilla’s story with thought leaders from across the country was both humbling and energizing. I returned renewed in our mission to form not only academically successful students, but young people rooted in the virtues of courage, justice, wisdom, and self-control. At Brilla, academic rigor and soul-deep formation go hand-in-hand, and it’s that unique combination that continues to set our schools apart.
Consequently, May brought one of the most touching moments of the year—our “Brilla 10 Years” celebration, honoring those who have served our community with a decade of love and commitment. This year, we celebrated Jolleen Wagner, our Chief Mission & Advancement Officer, whose dedicated leadership has helped shape the heartbeat of Brilla. The evening was made even more meaningful by the presence of Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, whose affirming words underscored the impact of our work in and for the Bronx. Longtime friends and partners, including Sunshine Day Care, Fr. Luis Vera of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, and Luane Zurlo, Brilla’s former Executive Director, were also honored that night and reminded us that our story is one of enduring relationships rooted in shared purpose and service.
And lastly, this past Monday, June 23rd, we gathered at the Hostos Community College Center for the Arts to mark a major milestone: the 8th-grade graduation of Brilla College Prep Middle’s Class of 2025. We proudly celebrated the promotion of 89 scholars, who will now go on to attend a range of excellent high schools, including but not limited to some of those highlighted below:
- Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice,
- Nightingale Bamford School,
- LaGuardia High School of Music & Performing Arts,
- Mount St. Michael Academy,
- Vertex Partnership Academies,
- Academy of Mt. St. Ursula,
- Trinity School,
- Frank McCourt High School,
- St. Jean Baptiste High School,
- Concord Academy, and
- KIPP Charter High School.
The atmosphere was alive with joy and hopeful anticipation. As families and staff cheered, our scholars stood as shining examples of what’s possible when a community comes together to nurture growth with love and excellence. Watching them walk across the stage, I was reminded that every early morning, every late night, and every quiet act of care from our educators and families has helped to cultivate futures filled with promise.
But it doesn’t end there. As we celebrate the close of one chapter, we eagerly prepare to open the next. We are thrilled that Brilla Veritas Middle is expanding and moving to a new campus on 151st and Melrose, deepening our roots and commitment to the South Bronx. At the same time, Brilla Pax is preparing for a transformational move into the Highbridge neighborhood—bringing our joyful and rigorous model to even more families who are seeking a brilliant path for their children. These expansions are not just about buildings or zip codes. They are about people—scholars, families, and staff—who will be welcomed into school communities that see them, value them, and commit to helping them flourish.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the tireless dedication of our principals, teachers, staff, families, scholars, donors, and community partners. Your persistent belief in our mission and your love for our children continue to light the way. Thank you for showing up each day with purpose, passion, and perseverance.
As we look ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, we do so with bold hope and eager hearts. The work continues—and the best is yet to come.
Con cariño,
Yeime Valle
Executive Director, Brilla Public Charter Schools
Brilla Public Charter Schools 