Honoring Our Legacy, Celebrating Our Future: A Look Back at the St. Mark’s Day School Spring Gala 2026

 

On Saturday, June 13, 2026, the St. Mark’s Day School community gathered at the Princess Manor Catering Hall in Brooklyn, NY, for a memorable evening celebrating 49 years of faith, service, and academic excellence.

Under the theme “Honoring Our Legacy, Celebrating Our Future,” the Spring Gala brought together clergy, board members, educators, parents, alumni, and friends to reflect on the school’s rich history while cheering on the achievements of its students and staff.

Highlights of the Evening

1. Welcome, Prayer, and In Memoriam

The evening opened with greetings and an opening prayer led by Rev. Canon Kino G.L. Vitet. The community also paused for a solemn Moment of Silence to honor and remember beloved former teachers and staff members who made lasting contributions to the St. Mark’s family.

2. Student Showcase

One of the night’s absolute highlights was seeing our talented students take the spotlight:

 

Kindergarten Presentation:

A sweet performance showcasing our youngest learners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The School Choir:

Inspiring musical numbers performed by student vocalists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steel Pan Ensemble:

Vibrant, energetic music that got everyone into the spirit of celebration!

 

3. Staff Service Awards

St. Mark’s Day School honored the incredible dedication and longevity of its faculty and staff. A heartfelt thank-you went to these long-standing team members for their years of devotion:

• Carmen Cruz – 32 Years
• Merlene Hoyte – 27 Years
• Maureen Hubbard – 26 Years
• Carmen Santiago – 25 Years
• Antonio Reberts – 24 Years
• Dominic Thomas – 20 Years
• Marlon Brown – 15 Years
• Ivette Cole-Goulbourne – 14 Years
• Jolanda Lewis-Perry – 10 Years

4. Celebrating the Graduating Class of 2026

The gala provided a special moment to recognize and applaud the hard work and accomplishments of all our milestone graduates as they prepare for their next steps. We are so proud to celebrate our Kindergarten, Fifth Grade, and Eighth Grade Class of 2026 graduates as they embark on their exciting next chapters!

Food, Music & Fellowship

Guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner service and time together before hitting the open floor. DJ Johnny Seriuss kept the energy high with music that had attendees dancing into the night. The event wrapped up with exciting Raffle Drawings and Door Prize Giveaways, followed by closing remarks of gratitude and one final dance celebration on the floor.

Special Thanks

A huge thank-you goes out to everyone who made this evening possible:

• The Gala Committee: Carmen Cruz (Bursar), Jolanda Lewis-Perry (Early Childhood Director), Ivette Cole-Goulbourne (Teacher), Daylon Downs (Teacher), Patricia Lysius (Parent), Beni Price-Ferguson (Parent), and Tamika Gibbs (Parent).
• Media & Entertainment: Empress Lanice Media House and DJ Johnny Seriuss.
• Leadership & Community: Rev. Canon Kino G.L. Vitet, the Vestry Board, and the dedicated teachers and staff of St. Mark’s Day School.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and celebrated with us. Together, we continue to build a stronger tomorrow!

For more information about St. Mark’s Day School, visit saintmarksdayschool.org.