YES Prep raises more than $1M, plans to expand

Houston TX

04 November, 2021

9:52 AM

Description

(HOUSTON) – The actress who played "Maria," Big Bird and Elmo's neighbor from Sesame Street and one of the first Hispanic characters on TV, was in Houston on Tuesday to support and inspire students. Sonia Manzano joined a library full of young fans for a special book reading at YES Prep Southside Elementary, where she read her book No Dogs Allowed to excited first graders. Manzano played Maria for 45 years and just launched a new cartoon on PBS called Alma's Way. The children's and young adult book author keynoted YES Prep Public Schools' Fifth Annual Leading Houston Forward Celebration Luncheonjp, which raised more than $1 million. Manzano's tale of perseverance and courage inspired YES Prep's community of supporters as the district expands to serve a record number of Houston-area students. After overcoming countless obstacles to become one of the most influential Latinas, the Emmy-award winner continues her work to enrich diversity on television, on the stage, and in public education. She traces her success, in part, back to a teacher who inspired and encouraged her to follow her dreams. "At YES Prep, a record number of families are turning to our dedicated teachers and staff for the kind of education and care that can change students' lives on their path to college and careers of their choice," Mark DiBella, YES Prep Public Schools CEO, said. YES Prep welcomed students to two brand new elementary schools this year in addition to the two inaugural ones opened last school year. The nationally recognized public charter school system plans to open six additional campuses to serve 22,000 Houston children in pre-K through fifth grade by 2024. YES Prep's expansion is made possible by the generosity of neighbors in the communities their schools serve. Funds raised at the luncheon will benefit YES Prep students and recent graduates in college. The luncheon, chaired by Debi and Mickey Barrett, honored longtime supporter Capital One with the Chris Barbic Legacy Award, named after the school district's founder—a fervent advocate for quality public education for every student no matter where they live. Families interested in enrolling their children at any YES Prep Public Schools campus can sign up now for the 2022-23 student lottery at www.yesprep.org/sayyes. The schools are tuition-free with no special requirements for admittance, and all campuses offer free meals, devices, transportation, special education, English-language learning, healthcare and mental health support services, athletics and fine arts and more.