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Smiling woman holding a plaque and microphone, wearing a red plaid shirt and hoop earrings, stands indoors with a green wall background.
Black Trailblazers in Education Honored at South Middle School

As part of its Black History Month celebration, South Middle School students recently honored remarkable educators through moving video tributes.

Stacey Powell, a Brentwood alumna, teacher and retiring West Middle School assistant principal, was recognized for her leadership and mentorship. Ithiel Lloyd, former assistant principal and scholarship supporter, was celebrated for expanding opportunity. Beloved math teacher Anika Dietrich was applauded for fostering confidence and a love of learning, while the late Mary Guilfu was remembered for her enduring kindness.

The Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps presented the colors, and the high school’s Xplosive Stepperz team energized the crowd with a powerful performance. Joining students and families were New York State Regent Felicia Thomas-Williams, members of the Guilfu family and other community supporters, highlighting the living legacy of Black excellence in Brentwood classrooms.

A woman in a red and black patterned dress is speaking into a microphone on a stage, with a green backdrop behind her.
The image shows a smiling woman speaking into a microphone on a stage, with a green backdrop and a yellow wall visible in the background.
An elderly man with gray hair and glasses is standing at a podium, wearing a colorful patterned shirt and a purple jacket, speaking into a microphone against a green background.
A group of people, some in formal attire, are gathered in what appears to be an auditorium or conference hall, applauding or clapping their hands.
The image shows two women, one with blonde hair and the other with dark hair, standing in front of a green wall and speaking into a microphone.
A young woman with long, braided hair is smiling and standing in front of a dark curtain backdrop.
A person with curly dark hair wearing a Puma sweatshirt, standing in front of a plain white background.