Stephanie Abreu, a Community School Director at CIS, recently attended her first 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Conference as a CIS employee, experiencing a deeply meaningful full-circle moment. The event not only inspired her professionally but also transported her back to her own childhood, reminding her of the lasting ripples that educators’ work can create in students’ lives.
Stephanie’s middle school years at I.S. 292K (19K292) in East New York were transformative. At a time when safe, academically rigorous schools were difficult to find in the neighborhood, she benefited from the leadership of Principal Everett Hughes. Under his guidance, Stephanie successfully passed the SHSAT and went on to graduate from Brooklyn Technical High School. The school’s unique integration of SHSAT preparation into the curriculum shaped her academic trajectory and inspired her to later prepare hundreds of students in Title I schools for the exam.
Her passion for public policy and community engagement also began at I.S. 292K, where she served as 8th-grade class president. Collaborating closely with Principal Hughes to organize events and fundraisers, Stephanie cultivated leadership skills that guided her toward a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public administration.
Stephanie’s love for music and live performance was also sparked at I.S. 292K, where Principal Hughes brought in popular performers like Pretty Ricky and Lil’ Mama—moments that held profound significance for many low-income students from East New York. She returned to her alma mater in 2020 as an alumni panelist, cherishing the opportunity to reconnect with the school, even though Mr. Hughes had moved on.
At the recent 21st CCLC Conference, Stephanie experienced a special reunion. After a children’s performance, she recognized the familiar name of Principal Hughes being congratulated. Upon finding him, she realized he was the same person who had first inspired her nearly two decades ago. Seeing him still dedicated to the East New York community was a deeply fulfilling, full-circle moment. Today, Mr. Hughes continues to inspire educators and youth as a global educational consultant.
Stephanie reflects on the experience with gratitude for the 21st CCLC Conference and the enduring impact of educators who believe in their students, reinforcing her own commitment to supporting youth as a CIS leader.
