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Paraprofessionals Festival and Awards Luncheon 2022

“We Make a Difference” was the theme at this year’s UFT Paraprofessionals Festival and Awards Luncheon, which celebrated paraprofessionals at Shanker Hall on March 5 for rising to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A group of women at a table clap for a speaker.

Members gather in Shanker Hall at UFT headquarters to celebrate the hard work of paraprofessionals in the union.

Erica Berger
A woman walks side by side with a man, both wearing masks.
Chapter Leader Shelvy Young-Abrams is escorted into the luncheon by Anthony Barnes, the assistant secretary of the Paraprofessionals Chapter.
Erica Berger
A man sings the national anthem at the podium

Sean Blanks, the coordinator of the UFT Dial-A-Teacher program, sings "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Erica Berger
A man is standing at a podium speaking to an audience.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew welcomes guests to the luncheon. 

Erica Berger
An award winner holding his plaque poses with his family.

James Taylor IV, an honoree for high schools, shows off his plaque with his friends and family.

Erica Berger
A group of members pose making an "X" with their arms

Paraprofessionals Chapter Chair Shelvy Young-Abrams (fourth from left) and chapter Second Vice Chair Hector Ruiz Jr. (third from left) join Bronx members as they cross their arms to make an X, which is the symbol for the borough.

Erica Berger
Two women take a selfie together

Carline Adkins-Sharif (left), the Humanitarian Award honoree, takes selfie with retired para Felecia Thomas.

Erica Berger
A large group of award winners pose on the stairs for a photo

Honorees pose with plaques and their chapter representatives on the Shanker Hall staircase.

Erica Berger
Four women pose for a photo at the entrance of the luncheon

Greeters (from left) Renee Freeman, executive board at large; Tammie Durosinn, executive board; Anika Branch, executive board; and Norma Ortega, executive board, take a group shot.

Erica Berger
An award winner holding her plaque poses with her family.

Honoree Carline Adkins-Sharif (center) with family and friends.

Erica Berger
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A group of women at a table clap for a speaker.

Members gather in Shanker Hall at UFT headquarters to celebrate the hard work of paraprofessionals in the union.

Erica Berger
A woman walks side by side with a man, both wearing masks.
Chapter Leader Shelvy Young-Abrams is escorted into the luncheon by Anthony Barnes, the assistant secretary of the Paraprofessionals Chapter.
Erica Berger
A man sings the national anthem at the podium

Sean Blanks, the coordinator of the UFT Dial-A-Teacher program, sings "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Erica Berger
A man is standing at a podium speaking to an audience.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew welcomes guests to the luncheon. 

Erica Berger
An award winner holding his plaque poses with his family.

James Taylor IV, an honoree for high schools, shows off his plaque with his friends and family.

Erica Berger
A group of members pose making an "X" with their arms

Paraprofessionals Chapter Chair Shelvy Young-Abrams (fourth from left) and chapter Second Vice Chair Hector Ruiz Jr. (third from left) join Bronx members as they cross their arms to make an X, which is the symbol for the borough.

Erica Berger
Two women take a selfie together

Carline Adkins-Sharif (left), the Humanitarian Award honoree, takes selfie with retired para Felecia Thomas.

Erica Berger
A large group of award winners pose on the stairs for a photo

Honorees pose with plaques and their chapter representatives on the Shanker Hall staircase.

Erica Berger
Four women pose for a photo at the entrance of the luncheon

Greeters (from left) Renee Freeman, executive board at large; Tammie Durosinn, executive board; Anika Branch, executive board; and Norma Ortega, executive board, take a group shot.

Erica Berger
An award winner holding her plaque poses with her family.

Honoree Carline Adkins-Sharif (center) with family and friends.

Erica Berger