After serving the community for 16 years, Bronx Connect recognized those that make the Bronx a better place. Celebrating its ‘sweet sixteen’ this year, the faith-based, community program honored Bronxites who are making a positive impact on their community at an awards ceremony held on Thursday, June 16 at the Bronx Museum of the Arts. This year’s remarkable honorees included Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, hip-hop artist Grandmaster Caz, fashion designer Jerome LaMaar and supermodel Devyn Abdullah.

Legendary hip-hop artist Grandmaster Caz (l) received his award from Christopher Garcia, RTG Cure Violence manager and Rev. Wendy Calderon Payne, Bronx Connect executive director.
Photo by Miriam Quin

(l-r) Bronx Connect’s Christopher Garcia; Michael Alvarado, supervisor; Rev. Wendy Calderon Payne; Taneka Seldon, staff member; Tara Brown-Arnell, director and Michael Rodriguez, outreach worker.
Photo by Miriam Quin

(l-r) Ariany Polo, court liaison; Gabriela Martinez, case manager; Shakedria Mathis, employment specialist; Kathyn Goldbeck, executive assistant and Emily Romero, AII Rec administrator.
Photo by Miriam Quin

Bronx Connect’s Michael Alvarado (1st on r) celebrated with police officers Logan (l), Sean (2nd on l) and Hubberd (r).
Photo by Miriam Quin

Honorees Jerome LaMaar (3rd on l) and Devyn Abdullah (c) met with Bronx Connect students (l-r) Kevin Williams, Tyler Puiaeos, Eddiana Wallace, Bobby Campbell and Stephan Landsmark during the celebration.
Photo by Miriam Quin

Jerome LaMaar graciously accepted his award from Bronx Connect’s Ruth Stukes (l), program manager and Rev. Wendy Calderon Payne.
Photo by Miriam Quin