Centered, and at the Top of the Page Is the Name DEVIN BULLOCK

The cover of this yearbook is a collage of hand drawn caricatures drawn by Mr. Jason Laracuente. It shows the faces of the 14 graduating students clustered together in about 3 rows. The top left to right is: Richard Gabriel, Jayce Rivera and Michael Leong. The next grouping from left to right is: Skylar Kominski, Alyssa Cayetano, and Chelsea Del Toro. The bottom line, clustered together is: Selma Sulejman, Niara Devere, Devin Bullock, Eilyn Vargas, Paradise Morgan and Winston Jawed. Jason Laracuente’s signature is between the caricatures of Eilyn and Winston.

SCHERMERHORN CLASS OF 2008 is written in bold blue letters underneath the caricatures. There is a blue and gold lined frame surrounding the caricatures and words.

We wish to dedicate our yearbook to our mentor and inspiration

DR. ABRAHAM NEMETH

There is a photograph of Dr. Nemeth in the auditorium of the New York Institute for Special Education. There is an American flag and a blue banner with the words THE NEW YORK INSTITUTE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION printed in gold (the school’s colors) Dr. Nemeth is sitting in a high back upholstered red chair and is surrounded by the class of 2008. From left to right the students are: Niara Devere, Devin Bullock, Skylar Komninski, Chelsea Del Toro, Eilyn Vargas, Richard Gabriel, Winston Jawed, Paradise Morgan, Alyssa Cayetano, and Michael Leong. Kneeling to the left of Dr. Nemeth is Selma Sulejman. Not photographed, Jayce Rivera. The caption underneath the photograph lists the names mentioned as well as “Class of 2008”

This dedication has 3 pages of photographs. The second printed page shows a photograph of Dr. Nemeth sitting in the red chair mentioned above. He is smiling and reading the poster given to him by the students.

The next photograph is of Dr. Nemeth playing the grand piano.

The last photograph shows Dr. Abraham Nemeth sitting in the red chair with a group of students (seniors) around him. Everyone including Dr. Nemeth is smiling. There is an American flag and a blue banner with the words THE NEW YORK INSTITUTE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION printed in gold. Dr. Nemeth is holding up a poster which is difficult to read. It seems as though there are several names on the poster but the words, THANK YOU FOR THE CODE are very clear to read. Standing around Dr. Nemeth from left to right are: Niara Devere, Chelsea Del Toro, Devin Bullock, Richard Gabriel, Skylar Kominski, Eilyn Vargas, Alyssa Cayetano, Paradise Morgan, and Michael Leong. Winston Jawed is kneeling next to the right of Dr. Nemeth. Not pictured, Jayce Rivera.

Under the photograph are the words: We will always remember your words: “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”

A letter from Dr. Bernadette M. Kappen

The New York Institute letterhead has Image of the New York Institute for Special a circular seal. It has the name, THE NEW YORK INSTITUTE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION. It is circular with the name and date 1831 encircling a flamed torch and an open book. The words LUX ORITUR are written below the book. Founded in 1831 as The New York Institute for the Education of the Blind is in the top right corner. The bottom of the School’s letterhead reads: 999 Pelham Parkway, Bronx, NY 10469-4998, (718-)519-7000, (718)519-6196 (TTY), (718) 231-9314 (Fax), Executive Director Eugene McMahon, Ed.D., BOARD OF TRUSTEES, President , John B. Rhodes, Vice Presidents, Donna O’Hare Brayton, M.D., Edward Ridley Finch, Phillip G. Foote, Secretary, Rosanna K. Silberman, Treasurer, William L. Musser, Jr. Edward F. Cox, Frances F. Dennison, John H.D. Dewey, Thomas A.D. Ettinghausen, Richard C. Gay.

Dear Members of the Class of 2008:

The day you have all been waiting for is finally here! I know that you must have mixed feelings about leaving The New York Institute for Special Education. Some of you have been here for many years and others spent just a few years with us. During this time you have developed strong bonds of friendship. As you go on to college, a training program or work always remember how important these relationships have been. I hope you will try to stay in touch and share your new experiences and get support from your friends.

Each of you has achieved so much during your years in high school. The staff is so proud of you and wants only the best for you as you graduate. Moving on brings with it some nervousness but think back to what made you successful at NYI. You worked hard, participated in extra-curricular activities and communicated well with your teachers and peers. Being open and willing to communicate will be one of the keys to your success. Share your thoughts, your needs related to your visual impairment and be your own advocate as you move on.

You have been a part of NYI during the 175th Anniversary celebration and you are now a part of the School’s history for the future. Each of you has left your mark and we will always remember your contribution to the school.

Please remember that NYI is here to support and help you. I hope you will come back often and let us know how you are doing.

Congratulations and good luck always,

Bernadette M. Kappen

Executive Director

A letter from Joe Catavero

Dear Graduating Class of 2008,

I write this letter to you in anticipation of your graduation with mixed emotions. While I am delighted that each of you has successfully completed your High School career, it saddens me to know that you all will be leaving.

The long days and nights of hard work and sacrifice you endured these past several years have come to fruition. You have arrived at the beginning of your next journey through life. But it is one that you now control and can make as exciting and unique as you wish.

The sadness is in knowing that your smiling faces, caring natures and engaging conversations will not be part of my day come July. However, knowing that you will meet your next set of challenges head on and with the same vigor you have demonstrated so far in your young lives transcends the feeling from sadness into one of pride.

I am very proud of each of you for who you have become as individuals. Your efforts and contributions to the community are reflective of the caring and empathetic nature you routinely demonstrate. Indeed, you have inspired us with the belief one does not need to see to have a vision, but one needs a vision in order to succeed. I congratulate each of you and your families. Best wishes and we will speak again soon.

Joe Catavero

Centered, and at the top of the page is the name DEVIN BULLOCK. There is a photograph of Devin from the middle of his chest up, on the cover page of her section. He is standing in front of a pink cherry tree in full bloom. He is wearing a dark blue Yankees baseball cap and 2 t-shirts. The inside t-shirt which shows around his neck is black and the actual t-shirt he is wearing is a very light blue-green with thick white print and says” Est. 1996 ENYCE” . Devin has a serious expression on his face. The quote under her photo reads, “to be a winner, you need to win”.

The next page------

Nickname? NU

Years at NYI? 4 years

Favorites:

Food? Chicken Wings

Movie? Training Day

Book? Beowulf

Magazine? Sports Illustrated and The Source

Musician? Trey Songz

Music? R&B

Website? Kumby

What do you like to do on the weekends? Going to parties and write music.

What will you miss the most at NYI? (There is an icon of 2 young men clowing around. The icon is a cartoon and one of the boys is giving the other bunny ears. Both boys are wearing baseball caps) After the icon, Devin’s response is: My NYI family

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Done with college and well on my way to my career as a business representative and A BACHELOR

Where do your friends see you in 10 years?As a politician or motivational speaker

Where in the world would you like to travel someday? Brazil (there is a small icon which is a photograph of a globe where North and South America are shown. You can sort of see the word Brazil in the area of Brazil)

Who has had an impact on your life? My Mom

If you could spend a day with a celebrity, who would it be and why? Martin Luther King – so I could learn from his non-violent ways

What is a memory you have of NYI? Home wrestling matches

What is a memory you have of a friend? My favorite memory is of Michael Leong. It was awesome to see his reaction after he won the track tournament. (0n the bottom of the page is a drawing or simple sketch of a person running with his hands up in the air. It looks like he is crossing the finish line in victory)

The next page----

Centered at the top of the page is the name ALYSSA CAYETANO. There is a photograph of Alyssa from her chest up, on the cover page of her section. She is standing in front of a pink cherry tree in full bloom. Her hair is pulled back and in a ponytail and she is smiling. She is wearing a black short sleeve t-shirt with the words “All Star” on the front. The quote under her photograph reads, “Let love help you live your life”

The next page---

Nickname? Brat

Years at NYI? 3 years

Favorites:

Food? Chicken and cheese roll from Prago’s

Movie? Ice Princess

Book? A Child Called It

Musician? Right now Sara Bareilles

Music? Pop Rock Alternative

Website?myspace

What do you like to do on the weekends? I like hanging out with my friends and traveling all over the place

What do you like to do in your spare time? (there is an icon in this space of a woman working on the computer. She is facing the screen)

Alyssa’s answer is to the above question is: Sleep and go on “myspace”

What will you miss the most when you leave NYI? All the great times with the greatest people in my life

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? As the head of VISIONS

Where do your friends see you in 10 years? A nurse or psychiatrist

(there is an icon of a simple drawing of an airplane in this space) The question reads: Where in the world would you like to travel some day? Europe and Asia

Who has had an impact on your life? All of the people that have taught me a lot and have influenced me to be a good person and to be me.

What is a memory you have of NYI? Hanging out at my favorite hangout with my favorite person who has great conversations to offer.

If you could spend a day with a celebrity, who would it be and why? Sara Bareilles because she seems like a fun loving person

What is your secret to happiness?

Only think about the people and things that make you want to get up in the morning and face the day.

What is your favorite memory of a friend?

My talks with the NAP girls (That stands for Nadreca, Alyssa and Paradise)(on the bottom of the page is a drawing of the shadow of 3 girls. They are each standing near each other with their arms raised high as though they are reaching for the sky)

The next page------

Centered, at the top of the page is the name CHELSEA DEL TORO. There is a photograph of Chelsea, from her waist up, on the cover page of her section. She is standing in front of a pink cherry tree in full bloom. She is resting her right hand on the trunk which is low. She has pink streaks in her long blond hair and she has a serious expression on her face. She is wearing red lipstick and is wearing a sleeveless black top. The quote under her photo reads, “Some people curse roses for having thorns,but I’m just glad that thorns have roses”

The next page------

Nickname? Chels

Years at NYI? 12 years

Favorites:

Food? Chicharon de pollo

Movie? Constantine

Book? Running With Scissors

Musicians? Collide—Breaking Benjamin--- The Academy Is

Music? Rock

Website? morbidnight.net

What do you like to do on the weekends? (there is an icon of a cartoon of 2 girls sitting on a long sofa with small snack tables in front of each of them. The girl in the foreground is talking on a telephone and a tray of food is in front of her on the snack table. The girl sitting in the background is not as clear to see. She too has food in front of her but she looks like she may be reading or possibly talking on a phone as well)

After the icon, Chelsea’s response reads: Call friends to chat—Write html code--- Model

What do you like to do in your spare time? Draw and write poetry

What will you miss the most at NYI? I’ll miss the teachers, students that I’ve become close toand especially Mr. and Mrs. Walsh

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Playing Kate in The Taming of the Shrew on stage and graduating with a Doctorate in Business

Where do your friends see you in 10 years? Successful in whatever she does

Where in the world would you like to travel some day?

Germany, Las Vegas, and Japan (there is an icon of a cartoon of the world and an airplane flying around it. The airplane looks bent a little sort of like the shape of the circular world)

Who has had an impact on your life?

Everyone around me has had some impact but the biggest has to be Mr. C., Mr. and Mrs. Walsh, Mrs. Rahni, Mr. Pedulla, Mayeline and Ms. Kim

What is a memory you have of NYI? How everyone reacted to September 11th and came together to help each other.

If you could spend a day with a celebrity, who would it be and why? Johnny Depp because he’s sexy

What is a memory you have of a friend? Everyone bumping into each other down the slide at the cheerleader tournament

What is your secret to happiness? Communication and picking battles

The next page------

Centered, at the top of the page is the name NIARA DEVERE. There is a photograph of Niara, from her waist up, on the cover page of her section. She is wearing a pink quilted jacket and is standing next to a pink cherry tree. The pink flowers on the tree are very close to Niara and she is holding one of the flower bunches in right hand. Niara’s hair is shoulder length and in corn rows. She has a slight, serious smile on her face. The quote under her photo reads, “We do not remember days,

we remember moments“ Cesare Pavese

The next page -----

Nickname? Ni

Years at NYI? 10 years

Favorites:

Food? Italian

Movie? Feel the Noise

Book? A Christmas Secret

Magazine? Rundown

Musicians? Beyonce’, Omarion Chris Brown& Ray Jay

Music? R&B, Hip hop, Country and soft rock

Websites? Aim, ask, yahoo, games.com and promgirl.com

What do you like to do on the weekends? (There is a small icon after this question. The icon is a cartoon with pink background and an African American lady with an Afro haircut walking and holding 2 bags. She looks like she just came from a shopping trip)

After the icon, Niara’s response says: I love going shopping with my friends, going to the movies or just hanging

What do you like to do in your spare time?I like to listen to music, talk on the phone or watch TV.

What will you miss the most ay NYI? I will miss the teachers

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?As a teacher

Where do your friends see you in 10 years?The owner of a daycare center

Where would you like to travel some day?I would love to go to Rome and Paris

Who has impacted your life? My mom, my grandma, and Ms. Kim

What is a memory you have of NYI? (There is an icon of a cartoon of a chef’s hat flipping a hamburger. The hat has 2 legs) After the icon is Niara’s response: All those BBQ’s and field days

If you could spend a day with a celebrity, who would it be and why?

Chris Brown because he’s cute and I would like to get to know him.

What is your secret to happiness? (There is an icon of a children’s drawing of 2 little girls with big smiles hugging each other) Niara’s response is: Having good friends and not listening to others about nonsense