The spirit of service and community was alive and well on Wednesday, May 21st, as the Mill Basin Civic Association (MBCA) hosted its annual Student Achievement Award Ceremony at the Glen Terrace Catering Hall, at 5313 Avenue N.
This year’s ceremony carried a particularly poignant note as it was held in honor of the late Terri Cadet-Donald, a cherished member of the community and MBCA board member whose legacy of compassion and leadership continues to inspire.
Doors opened at 6:15 p.m. and by 7 p.m., the elegant hall was filled with proud families, community leaders and locals, all gathered to celebrate the outstanding young individuals chosen for their leadership and commitment to service.
The MBCA Student Achievement Awards are a longstanding tradition, but this year’s ceremony took on added meaning as it paid tribute to Cadet-Donald, who passed away in 2024 (see “Mill Basin Civic Pays Tribute to Terri Cadet-Donald,” Canarsie Courier, October 17, 2024). MBCA described her as a “bright soul” and a tireless champion for youth and civic engagement.
“This is why this year’s ceremony was dedicated in her honor,” noted organizers.
Each participating school in the area selected one student to receive the special Terri Cadet-Donald Community Leadership Award. The honorees for 2025 were Riley Leonardo from P.S. 312 Bergen Beach, Alexandria Fastaia from P.S. 236 Mill Basin, Joshua Janvier from P.S. 203 Floyd Bennett School, Leilani Moise from J.H.S. 78 Roy H. Mann, Zeena Hamad from P.S. 207 Elizabeth G. Leary and Christian Buck from St. Bernard Catholic Academy.
The accomplishments of these students were further recognized by several of the local elected officials. Each award recipient was presented with additional commendations from Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse, Assemblywoman Jaime Williams, State Senator Kevin Parker and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. Their presence, whether in person or through formal acknowledgment, underscored the event’s significance and the promise of the young leaders being honored.
Entertainment for the evening added a festive and artistic flair. Guests were treated to a stirring dance performance by students from Elizabeth’s Dance Image, while students from Millennium Development at P.S. 203 gave a lively showcase. P.S. 207 students delighted the audience with a charming sneak peek of their upcoming production of Annie, bringing Broadway-style excitement to the local school stage.
The evening also highlighted community collaboration. The Kings Plaza-Canarsie Kiwanis Club presented its own award to Naomi Lehrer, recognizing her outstanding achievements.
Members of the 63rd Precinct were in attendance, reinforcing the bond between law enforcement and the local youth. Special thanks were also extended to St. Bernard Catholic Academy and Mary Queen of Heaven Church for their continued community support.
As ever, the MBCA welcomed new and renewing members at a designated table during the event, and a 50/50 fundraiser raffle added a fun touch to the evening’s festivities.
The ceremony concluded with heartfelt remarks from attendees who reflected on the power of tradition and the enduring legacy of Cadet-Donald.
“Such a wonderful night,” one parent said. “Happy we could be there to support our daughter and the other amazing students. I’m sure Terri would be so proud that this is continuing on in her honor.”
Another longtime neighbor echoed the sentiment. “Congratulations to all. So happy to see that a tradition that started so many years ago continues to this day.”
The MBCA expressed deep gratitude to Glen Terrace for once again providing the elegant venue that helps transform this event from a ceremony into a celebration.
With the community’s continued dedication and the shining examples set by this year’s awardees, the legacy of service that Cadet-Donald championed lives on — bright, unwavering and full of promise.
