Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Elite Scholarship Foundation hosted its “Passionately Pursuing Purpose: An Evening to Esteem Exemplary Educators” gala at the Coral House in Baldwin, honoring six educators whose work has made significant contributions to students, families and communities.
The Valley Stream–based nonprofit described the March 8 evening as both a celebration and a mission-driven fundraiser. Proceeds from the event will support student scholarships, expand educator recognition initiatives and help the organization continue its work creating opportunities for families throughout the community.
“Tonight is more than just a gathering,” Paula Mills, president of the foundation, said. “It is to remember that when passion meets purpose, lives can be impacted in meaningful ways.”
The event featured presentations highlighting the honorees, along with dinner, live entertainment and acknowledgments of their contributions to education and service.
The Elite Scholarship Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping students pursue higher education through scholarships, mentorship and career or entrepreneurship programs. The foundation was established through Elite Scholars Christian Academy, which has served the Valley Stream community for more than 15 years with a focus on academic excellence, character development and faith based education. Through its programs, the foundation supports students who demonstrate resilience, potential and a commitment to continuing their education.
“I watched children grow, families persevere and dreams take shape,” Mills said. “I have seen firsthand that when we nurture children early, equip families continuously and mentor youth intentionally, we do not just impact individual lives. We transform communities.”
Among the educators honored was Cristina Medellin-Paz, associate director of the Straus Center for Young Children and Families at Bank Street College of Education. Her work focuses on strengthening early childhood education systems, professional development and advocacy for multilingual learners. She also serves as a teaching and learning consultant and dual language content specialist with the New York City Department of Education Division of Early Childhood, supporting educators in implementing culturally responsive and linguistically inclusive teaching practices. Her work includes research, coaching and contributions to major early childhood initiatives and professional guidance for educators.
Rose Gerard, a licensed practical nurse and founder of Omni Training Solutions, was also recognized for her work bridging healthcare and early childhood education. Gerard develops training programs and compliance resources for schools, home-care agencies and community organizations, focusing on areas such as health and safety, emergency preparedness and operational improvement. In addition to her professional work, she leads a nonprofit organization that provides mentorship, scholarships and educational programming to disadvantaged youth in Haiti.
Another honoree, Jacob Dixon, is the founder and chief executive officer of the community organization Choice for All. Through the organization, he works to advance education, health and economic opportunities for families across Long Island, particularly in Roosevelt, Freeport and surrounding communities. Dixon also serves as center director for the Long Island Regional Technical Assistance Center for Pre-K and Early Childhood Education, which supports the expansion of Universal Pre-K and early childhood systems on Long Island. A former special education teacher in Washington Heights, his work focuses on cross-sector initiatives that support youth development, environmental health and food justice.
“As one of the few black males in an early childhood space, it’s important that children see us and know that they matter,” Dixon said. “And it’s important that they, too, know that they are a part of our country and our communities in more ways than one.”
Claudia Morgan-Morris, an educator and literacy advocate with more than three decades of experience, was honored for her work supporting students and fellow educators. During her career with the New York City Department of Education, she served as a special education teacher and Special Education Teacher Support Services provider, working closely with students with individualized education programs and collaborating with school communities to support student growth. She also founded the Read for Life Group, an initiative focused on literacy enrichment and professional collaboration among teachers and has authored and illustrated several children’s books.
Eva J. Thomas, an educator and leader in the Rochester City School District, was also recognized during the evening but was not present due to a recent surgery. Thomas spent more than two decades working in the district in a range of teaching and leadership roles. She currently serves as the executive director of early childhood, overseeing programs serving more than 2,000 preschool students across numerous school- and community-based sites.
Cecilia Scott-Croff, executive director of the Early Childhood Center at Borough of Manhattan Community College, delivered the keynote address and was also recognized as one of the evening’s honorees. Scott-Croff spent nearly two decades leading the center while also teaching at higher education institutions. Her work includes advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion in early childhood education, national and international presentations, and securing more than $10 million in grant funding for educational programs.
Her keynote remarks focused on themes of advocacy, leadership, collaboration and perseverance in education. She emphasized the importance of community building, sharing experiences and supporting fellow educators while navigating professional and personal challenges. Her address also highlighted the value of collective impact, encouraging educators to work together, building supportive networks and remain committed to serving children, families and communities.
“Community building, activism, rallying others and remaining focused requires lots of energy, all while we are building businesses, working full time, creating foundations, attending school and networking,” Scott-Croff said. “There is no blueprint for this work, but we build it as we climb, uplifting others in the process.”
Through events such as the annual gala, the foundation continues to support scholarships, mentorship and initiatives designed to empower students and future leaders.
