Presenting the SSP Class of 2015

As an organization, we are thrilled to watch our SSP Class of 2015 accept their high school diplomas and launch into the next phase of their lives. This group of talented individuals have definitely made their teachers, mentors, and families proud.

This year’s class is one of the largest in our history, containing 388 students. This class also boasts one valedictorian, Samantha Smith from St. Barnabas, and one salutatorian, Flanigan Scholar Ashley Gonzalez-Melo from St. Raymond Academy. Both of these driven young women will be attending SUNY Binghamton this fall. Other graduates earned a myriad of distinctions based on their academic and extracurricular achievements throughout the school year including the President Obama Awards for Educational Achievement & Excellence, the Bronx Borough President Award, the Queens Borough President’s Educational Incentive Award, and the New York State Attorney General Triple C Award.

This year’s college acceptance rate for the senior class was 96%. Among these acceptances, SSP graduates are attending New York University, Rutgers University, The New School, American University, SUNY Binghampton, Iona College, and Amherst College. Two seniors also elected to join the armed forces: one with the Marines and one with the Navy. Our graduates have also received over $33 million in scholarships, grants, and financial aid to assist them with tuition costs.

On behalf of the SSP Board of Directors and staff, we at SSP are overwhelmingly proud of the Class of 2015. We would also like to take a moment to thank all of our partner schools, financial sponsors and mentors who supported these students through their high school journeys. Your encouragement and care are critical to our mission, and we are thankful for all of your support.

Deandra Kellman (St. Jean Baptiste) with her mentor