These
are some of the highlights from past years at FSH. Stay tuned for
more.
Highlights VIII - 2004-2005
Highlights VII - 2003-2004
Highlights
VI - 2002-2003
Highlights V - 2001-2002
Highlights IV - 2000-2001
Highlights III - 1999-2000
Highlights II - 1998-1999
Highlights I - 1997-1998
Highlights VIII
“Skating with the Stars, Under the Stars” – First Annual
Gala raises $180,000 for Skating and Education Program
On February 7, 2005 the brightest stars in professional figure skating joined over 900 guests to celebrate Figure Skating in Harlem’s First Annual Gala Skating With the Stars, Under the Stars. Perfect weather set the stage for a magical New York evening at Central Park’s Trump Wollman Rink, as skating enthusiasts of all ages enjoyed the bright lights of the City from center ice. FSH supporters experienced the thrill of a lifetime sharing the ice with Michelle Kwan, Viktor Petrenko, Surya Bonaly, Timothy Goebel, Oksana Baiul, Johnny Weir, Elvis Stojko, Rudy Galindo, Tai Babilonia, Atoy Wilson and other skating pros. Skating greats Dorothy Hamill, Dick Button and Aja Zanova mingled with the off-ice crowd, and all attendees enjoyed a special award presentation to honoree Tom Collins, President of Champions on Ice, and an inspiring performance by the FSH students. Wollman Lodge buzzed with the excitement of a silent auction for prizes such as skates signed “You’re Hired!” and “You’re Fired!” by Donald Trump, one-of-a-kind experiences including behind-the-scenes tours of a “Law & Order: SVU” filming and luxury vacation packages. With generous support from sponsors including Champions on Ice, Marshalls, New York Post, Trump International Hotel & Tower, SoftSheen Carson, The Walt Disney Company, HBO, the Robert Plan Corporation, American Express, Bloomberg, Carver Federal Savings Bank, and MetLife Securities among others, the event raised over $180,000 to support Figure Skating in Harlem’s singular academics and skating program which enriches the lives of so many Harlem girls.
“Rhythm and Blades” – Annual Ice Show
Figure Skating in Harlem students gave two crowd-pleasing performances of its 8th annual ice show “Rhythm & Blades” on April 1 and 2, skating to the sounds of the great women of R&B from Aretha Franklin to Alicia Keys. Wearing colorful costumes and delivering 10 choreographed routines at both the Friday night and Saturday afternoon shows, the students dazzled the 1,200+ audience of parents, friends, neighbors and VIPs at Riverbank State Park. Guest skaters from Ice Theatre of New York and World Junior Bronze Medalist Emily Hughes gave thrilling demonstrations. At the end of each show, the FSH performance group brought spectators to their feet with a special number paying tribute to the late great Ray Charles, skating to his signature version of America. This annual recital is always a high point to the season, when the students’ hard work all year gets public recognition by the Harlem community. “Rhythm & Blades” was sponsored by ABC/Disney and JP Morgan Chase.
Academic Success is “Key” for FSH Students
As FSH Education Director Bernice DeAbreu says about the program, “We are not only a figure skating program; we are here to help students maintain and bring up their grades, accelerate in areas of need, and prepare to choose schools for higher education.” FSH students are required to maintain a B average, attend weekly tutoring sessions if extra help is needed, study ice skating theory, and participate in group counseling sessions. Divided into appropriate age groups, FSH students get academic assistance during after-school hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays before they take to the ice, and some receive additional tutoring by Columbia University students on Wednesdays. FSH staff also encourages the older students to serve as mentors to the younger girls and new students, helping them adjust to the classes and offering study tips. With additional activities such as weekly Speak Up! public speaking classes, and educational workshops at Columbia University’s Double Discovery program, FSH students are prepared to succeed. In May, FSH celebrated students accomplishments on and off the ice in our Eighth Annual Awards Banquet at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, where keynote speaker Dr. Lorraine Monroe encouraged the students to be focused, dedicated and independent as they move towards their goals. In our eighth season, 89% of FSH students maintained at least a B average in school, with 12% earning straight A’s.
Students Explore Careers and Take in Culture on Special Trips
From the operating room to the District Attorney’s office and from the Disney/ABC studios to a yoga facility, FSH students explored a variety of possible career paths during the season. In February, FSH toured the Disney/ABC Studios, hearing presentations from various divisions of the company for a complete picture of the television production business. Later in the week they visited the NYC District Attorney’s Office and Manhattan Criminal Court, learning how criminal justice cases are handled and sitting in the gallery during a trial. A group of students observed surgeries at the Hospital for Special Surgery and Joint Disease in April, and in May, yoga instructor and entrepreneur Teresa Kennedy welcomed the students to her business Ta Yoga House in Harlem, and gave a wellness workshop as well as fielding career questions. Author Alina Adams visited the students at Riverbank, signing donated copies of her book Sarah Hughes – Skating to the Stars and sharing the ins and outs of earning a living through writing. Cultural field trips further enriched the season, with FSH students attending performances presented by the Alvin Ailey Dance Ensemble and the World Music Institute, touring the Studio Museum in Harlem, attending Champions on Ice and Disney on Ice shows, and seeing Tony award winners James Earl Jones and Leslie Uggams in the Broadway show On Golden Pond.
Skating Opportunities
Figure Skating in Harlem’s Eighth season saw more skating opportunities than ever before with some students skating as much as four times a week. All students received at least three hours of professional skating instruction at Riverbank State Park each week in two after school sessions. A group of 15-20 students met each Saturday throughout the season at Lasker Rink in Central Park as part of a special precision/performance group, receiving extra instruction in on-ice artistry and skating skills development. These students gave a special performance at the end-of-year ice show. Thanks to a donation of ice time from the Skating Club of NY, 4 students excelling in the program were awarded private lessons, coming to Chelsea Piers for an hour on Sundays. In the Spring, when the ice at Riverbank is closed, 16 FSH students were able to continue their skating at an FHS extension program at Chelsea Piers, and 15 students are attending summer skating camps on scholarship, including four girls who are traveling to Lake Placid’s Olympic Training Facility.
[HIGHLIGHTS
YEAR VII]
Girls
Flip for Surya at Largest Ever SOUL ON ICE Skating Party.
On February 7, 2004 the FSH Parent Association hosted its most successful
SOUL ON ICE winter skating party ever, sponsored by Carver Bank.
Over 1,200 family members, friends and neighbors came to Lasker
Rink in Central Park to enjoy skating, music, food and a special
exhibition by Surya Bonaly, a star of Champions on Ice and 9-time
French National Champion and World Silver Medalist of African descent
famous for her athletic back flips. FSH students gave a preview
performance of the opening number from their upcoming ice show.
Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields pulled the winning
raffle tickets for the event. This annual fundraiser brought in
over $20,000 in $10 donations this year (20% more than last year),
showing a remarkable level of grassroots support for the FSH program
and students. Local merchants donated food, decorations and prizes,
and Lasker Rink donated the skate rentals.
“Heaven
on Ice:” A Divine Success for Harlem’s Angelic Skaters
Riverbank Ice Rink reverberated with music and cheers on April 2
and 3, 2004, when FSH hosted its 7th Annual Ice show – “Heaven
on Ice,” an inspirational skating salute to the Gospel sounds
of Mahalia Jackson, Kirk Franklin, Vicki Winans and others. The
show opened to the sounds of a live gospel choir from the Community
Baptist Church, and FSH students donned gospel robes and colorful
costumes – including hats and fans to evoke a summer revival
-- to perform a rousing, hand-clapping recital. Andrea Gardiner,
African-American 10-time National and International competitive
skater, gave an outstanding special demonstration performance. Executive
Director Sharon Cohen made a surprise appearance on the ice, leading
the FSH students and instructors in a joyous finale. The rousing
performance was made possible in part by sponsorships from JP Morgan
Chase and Disney, and generous in-kind donations from Sony Music.
Volunteer ushers from Disney helped seat the enthusiastic audience
members, including parents, friends, community members, FSH patrons,
and VIPs such as State Assemblyman Keith Wright, and representatives
from New York Community Trust, Verizon, JP Morgan Chase, and the
William T. Grant Foundation. A post-show reception at the Riverbank
Café honored Wendy Israel, founding Board Chair, and the
Thomas C. Israel family, founding patrons of FSH.
Teens
Learn More about Communication, College and Careers
FSH students aged 12 and up worked throughout the season on their
self-expression with Paddy Kennedy, a former competitive skater
and a specialist in communication, public speaking and life skills
coaching. Once a week, Paddy led workshops covering a range of public
speaking abilities, including diction, vocabulary, body language,
storytelling and leadership skills. Paddy’s approach incorporates
methods of centering to give students tools to improve focus, and
Paddy helped students give voice to their own experiences. Students
who participated in the workshops gave a special recital of monologues
at the FSH awards banquet in May. Students in grades six through
ten were also offered four educational workshops in partnership
with the Columbia University Double Discovery Center (DDC), covering
the following topics: “The Greatness of Being a Scholar and
an Athlete (11/14),” “High School Selections (1/16),”
“How to Write a Research Paper (2/20).” Participating
students toured the Columbia Campus. Ongoing career workshops brought
older FHS students to Board member workplaces during President’s
Week in February 2004. Students got a birds-eye view of television
production on the set of “As the World Turns” and saw
the inner workings of surgery by observing operations at the Hospital
for Special Surgery and Joint Disease. Finally, a Teen Leadership
council has formed to give input on running the organization that
they have grown up in. They actively participated in designing and
implementing FSH orientation day and organized mailings for spring
events. They also planned the special group performance at the winter
skating party, and gave their creative input into costumes and music
selection for the year-end ice show.
Culture
Club: Students Find an Array of Riches
FSH students have attended an array of exciting field trips since
the start of the season: Ice Theater of New York, Alvin Ailey Dance
Company, a Sweet Honey in the Rock concert, trips to Disney on Ice,
Peru Negro Dance Company, and Champions on Ice. Students also learned
more about the crafts of skating and writing from author and researcher
Alina Adams who brought her recent novel “Murder on Ice” on her visit to Riverbank. We also hosted nutritionist Julie Lipton
who spoke to students about good nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
FSH students also went out into the world as a group to be recognized
by two local churches. In September, FSH students were honored at
the Riverside Church Homecoming. In early December, FSH students
also visited the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church. The FSH students
were acknowledged by the Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts at the service, after
an eloquent introduction by Board member Dr. William King.
Founding
Students Win Surprise Awards at Annual Banquet
FSH held its annual Awards Banquet at the Synod House of the Cathedral
of St. John the Divine in May to recognize the achievements of FSH
students both on and off the ice. The keynote speaker was Wendy
Hilliard, Rhythmic Gymnast, former head of the Womens Sports Foundation
and the Sports Director for NYC2012. Ms. Hilliard noted in her speech
the importance of organizations like Figure Skating in Harlem, which
provides new opportunities to girls of color, and brings diversity
to sports like figure skating. Eight FSH students who had participated
in the Public Speaking class delivered a compelling recital of works
they had prepared and practiced in class. A special Founders Award
was bestowed upon six students who have been with Figure Skating
in Harlem since its inception in 1997, and have “grown up
in the program” over the past 7 years. Two FSH students won
special academic recognition beyond the FSH program. One student,
Sarahn O’Uhuru, was named a Goldman Sachs Scholar. The scholarship
enables Sarahn to attend a month long residential program at Manhattan
College this summer, and offers her three years of additional academic
and travel opportunities. Awa Henderson, another FSH achiever, was
awarded a scholarship to a six-week long pre-college honors program
at Cornell University, where she will work to earn college credits.
FSH
Students Hit High Marks In Classroom and on the Ice
Education and skating are the two integral activities here at Figure
Skating in Harlem, and FSH students excelled in both this season!
Students gained additional homework and tutoring help from the Lead
Tutor, a new position put in place this year. FSH students are asked
to maintain a B average or better, and report cards collected throughout
the year showed that by the Spring semester, 85% of FSH students
were maintaining at least a B average or better. 16% of FSH students
received straight As. Those students who struggled to meet this
academic goal were required to attend Wednesday Tutoring sessions
at the FSH office from 3:30-6:00 PM and received help from our Lead
Tutor and two Columbia University student volunteers. Approximately
10-12 students attended each week. 80% of these students have shown
improvement in their overall grades since participating. All have
shown improvement in at least one academic subject area. FSH students
also shined on the ice. Each season, Students learn about the Ice
Skating Institute (ISI) national standards and work to pass the
ISI tests for their assigned levels (i.e. alpha, beta, gamma, delta,
freestyle). 99% of students tested passed at least one test level
(showing mastery of 5-6 new skating elements), while 50% passed
two or more ISI levels – a record level of achievement for
our students. Students received badges documenting their progress
in the ISI standards, which they can work to improve next season.
Ice
Expands with New Spring and Summer Opportunities
Exciting new skating opportunities abounded in the 2003-2004 season.
In the fall, Brittney Williams, a 12-year-old FSH skater was invited
to serve as a flower sweeper at the Campbell’s Pro Skating
Championships at Madison Square Garden. Her performance and good
attitude garnered the attention of the Olympic Regional Development
Authority; they have offered two scholarships to FSH students to
attend a week-long camp at the Lake Placid Olympic Training Facility
this summer. Two girls have been chosen to attend in August 2004.
The scholarships include room and board and participants will receive
individual and group coaching in figure skating. In the meantime,
FSH continues to offer its own extension of the program season to
excellent program participants at the indoor Chelsea Piers rink.
Seventeen students – a significant expansion over past years
– attended a six-week Spring skating session, taking lessons
with FSH teachers through the end of May. Five FSH girls from our
in the advanced skating group performed “I Believe I can Fly” at the Chelsea Piers Spring Ice Show on May 14 and did a fantastic
job. This summer, FSH will offer 8 girls scholarships to Chelsea
Piers Figure Skating Camp, where they will attend daily for 1-3
weeks, enjoying skating lessons, interaction with skaters from across
the city, and other activities such as rock climbing, gymnastics
and bowling.
[HIGHLIGHTS YEAR VI]
FSH PARTNERS with Chevy Champions on Ice
Star-Studded Celebration at the Sony Club
Michelle Kwan, Timothy Goebel, Evgeny Plushenko, Irina Slutskaya, Elvis Stojko, Rudy Galindo, Elena Sokolova, Victor Patrenko, Elaine Zayak and a galaxy of skating stars joined FSH supporters and friends at the elegant Sony Club on April 9, 2003 to celebrate a new partnership between FSH and Chevy Champions on Ice. Tom Collins, founder and producer of this prestigious touring ice show, came to pledge his support by donating a portion of the proceeds from his New York-area shows to FSH. His son Michael Collins has joined the FSH Advisory Board to ensure a long-term collaboration with the Champions tour. After a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception, and a photo opportunity with the stars, guests heard brief remarks from funders (Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields, Helena Rubinstein Foundation Program Officer Leslie Park), friends (Robin Wagner, Olympic Coach), board members, parents, and Executive Director Sharon Cohen about the difference FSH makes in the lives of Harlem girls. Seven-year-old FSH student Florence Ngala received a standing ovation for her speech about FSH, which she delivered from memory. The program also included a five-minute documentary video about FSH, donated by Board member Cliff Love at ABC and narrated by FSH Board member Tamara Tunie. WABC-TV also generously promoted the philanthropic partnership via public service announcements aired on Channel 7 from January - April. The marvelous event, hosted and sponsored by FSH parent and Board member Isisara Bey of Sony Music Entertainment, also acted as a "friend-raiser" - an opportunity for new friends to become acquainted with FSH, such as Deborah Wright, President of Carver Bank; New York City Councilmember Robert Jackson; Gil Ahye, Executive Vice President at American Express, and Rev. and Mrs. Calvin Butts of the Abyssinian Baptist Church.
HARLEM COMMUNITY GOES "GLIDIN' TO THE ISLANDS" WITH FSH
Nearly 1,000 community supporters, friends and family members gathered on Friday, April 4, 2003 to don leis and cheer on FSH students in their 6th annual recital, "Glidin' to the Islands." The Riverbank State Park rink was decorated with palm trees, and FSH girls wore colorful costumes and flowers in their hair to present this tropical fantasy ice skating program fueled by the music of the Caribbean. A special performance was given by guest Derrick Delmore, African-American international skating competitor and honors graduate of Stanford University. The standing-room-only show was emceed by acclaimed actress and FSH Board member Tamara Tunie and honored Elizabeth M. Webster, a longtime supporter of both Figure Skating In Harlem and emerging talents in the competitive skating world. Mrs. Webster, Mr. Delmore and other special guests were feted at a post-show reception organized by FSH Board member Cliff Love. The ice show was sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, DisneyHAND-Worldwide Outreach for the Walt Disney Company, Verizon, and Sony Music Entertainment, Inc.
FSH GROWS; STUDENTS LOOK TOWARD CULTURE AND CAREERS
Each year since its inception Figure Skating in Harlem has been able to grow in size and in offerings, and its sixth season is no exception. This year, FSH increased its enrollment by 14% and added new cultural enrichments. Field trips included Ice Theatre of New York; George C. Wolfe's Harlem Song at the Apollo Theatre; Feld Entertainment's Disney on Ice; Alvin Ailey II dance ensemble; and Chevy Champions on Ice. Not only are the trips fun, they also expose the FSH students to the power of creative expression, and open their minds to the possibilities for their own self-expression. FSH students also broadened their horizons this year through new Leadership and Career workshops. During their February break, a group of 14 FSH students were taken on an extensive tour of ABC News studios, and witnessed the taping of the 12 O'clock News. Three FSH students attended rounds and surgery with an orthopedic surgeon, observing multiple operations. Later in the same week, a professional actor on the FSH Board answered questions from the girls about her profession, and gave the girls tips on showmanship for their upcoming spring recital.
ACADEMICS GET A CHARGE FROM COLUMBIA U., BOOK CLUB & MORE
At Figure Skating In Harlem, education and counseling is an integral part of our after school program. This year, the educational component, led by Education Director Bernice DeAbreu, was enhanced through a new partnership with Columbia University's Double Discovery Program providing more comprehensive tutoring and academic help for girls in grades 7 and up. Jaki George, FSH's on-staff social worker, led students aged 10-11 in a new Book Club to help enhance literacy training and stimulate discussion about the skills needed to succeed in skating and in life. They read "The Winning Attitude" by Olympic skater Michelle Kwan, a book about how to "act and think like a champion - whatever your goals might be," and discussed chapters each week. This season we also matched 11 older, returning students (10 and up) with a younger "sister" (6-8) to help them on and off the ice in a new mentoring program. Special guest speakers to the off-ice program included Lola C. West, of Merrill Lynch Private Client Group, Jennifer Shineman, Nutritionist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, and Tandra Birkett, a sex education and teen pregnancy prevention counselor. As always, report cards were collected during the year to check on students progress towards meeting their commitment to maintaining a B average or better (achieved by 93% by the end of the year.)
COMMUNITY GETS BEHIND 6TH "SOUL ON ICE" WINTER SKATING PARTY
The FSH Parents Association, led by event chair Deborah O'Uhuru, hosted our most successful Winter Skating Party ever. On February 8, 2003, more than 500 local residents and FSH friends came to skate for fun and prizes in northern Central Park's Lasker rinks, raising $14,000 in support of the girls of Figure Skating in Harlem. Guests skated to music from co-sponsor WWRL 1600 Radio, and enjoyed food and drink donated by local vendors Dominoes Pizza, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Presidential Pizza, and SpoonBread catering. FSH students gave skating demonstrations, and New York City Councilmember Bill Perkins made a detour in his Saturday run to pull winning raffle tickets for a large-screen TV and DVD player donated by Sony Music.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDED AT CATHEDRAL CEREMONY
FSH students celebrated a successful season with their families at the annual Denise Hicklin Awards Banquet, held on April 29, 2003 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine's Synod House. Special guest and legendary actress Ruby Dee toasted the girls and read an inspirational poem she wrote for the occasion, followed by the keynote speaker Desiree Peterkin, a scholar-athlete and an alumna of A Better Chance Foundation who works in Mayor Bloomberg's office. Then FSH students took the stage to receive participation trophies as well as special awards for academics, attendance, and improvement. Selected FSH students gave speeches about lessons they had learned during the year. Sixteen-year-old FSH student Awa Henderson was given the Charles Mayer Citizenship award, the highest honor of the evening awarded to the one student who best exemplifies sportsmanship, leadership and academic excellence. Awa will return to FSH next season as an intern.
SKATING OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND IN SIXTH SEASON
There was a bounty of extra skating opportunities this season for FSH students. FSH launched a new performance group for girls excelling in the program. In January, FSH held auditions; 9 were selected for the performance group and 13 were designated as alternates. All 22 girls skated for an additional hour and a half on Wednesday afternoons at Central Park's Lasker Rink under the direction of FSH instructors. This ensemble gave a special additional performance at FSH's annual ice show in April. All FSH students had additional opportunities to skate outside of the program throughout the year. In September 2002 four FSH skaters were accepted to skate in "Stars Stripes & Skates," a high-profile event including professional skaters held at Madison Square Garden to benefit the families of 9/11 victims. FSH students who were not participating were given tickets to cheer on their FSH friends and other skaters at the event. FSH skaters also participated in the CIBC Miracle Day skate in November at Chelsea Piers, and at special Disney on Ice skating clinics that were held at Continental Airlines Arena prior to performances. It was an exciting day in January when ABC Wide World of Sports filmed FSH girls skating at Wollman Rink, for a segment on African-American skating legend Mabel Fairbanks, which was aired during the US National Championships in March. In February, students received a visit from the leader of Ice Angels, an acrobatic ice skating demonstration group, who showed them how to achieve some gymnastic moves on the ice. This year, FSH is again continuing to offer an extended program season to a small group of girls for a six-week Spring skating session at Chelsea Piers, and FSH students are competing for eight Summer Skating Camp scholarships to Chelsea Piers by submitting essays to the FSH office.
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