It was sneakers all around

Jun 22, 2023

From the left, NYC Digital Media Board Chairwoman Vincenza Gallassio with honoree City Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks, NYC Digital Media Center student Akya Fleming, Executive Director Jaclyn Tacoronte and son Roman Tacoronte. (Courtesy/Jaclyn Tacoronte)Staten Island Advance

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The New York City Digital Media Center, geared toward teaching media skills to students, hosted its graduation celebration at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park, home of the FerryHawks.

More than 150 celebrated the event at the Inaugural Sneaker Ball Gala & Graduation Ceremony.

And in case you’re wondering why sneakers were a big part of the event, Jaclyn Tacoronte, CEO of JMT Media, explains one of the first things students noticed about mentors and instructors during the program, was the fact that they sported either tennis shoes or sneakers.

"And since we are diverse and part of a diverse community, we wanted to showcase something a little bit different," Tacoronte noted. And she added: "One of the things we try to teach is that sneakers allow you to have the ability to get creative in design and structure."

Throughout the unique program students acquire employable skills in broadcasting and TV with the help of Jaclyn Tacoronte, CEO of JMT Media, and MC Milk Dee, producer, songwriter, and award-winning rapper, as well as many guest artist instructors and creatives.

From the left, Jaclyn Tacoronte, executive director of the NYC Digital MediaCenter, Shakeia McPherson, program director, Laura Jean Watters, executive directorStaten Island Foundation, Orit Lender, CEO of JCC of Staten Island, JenniferSammartino-Mallen, executive director of Community Media Staten Island and Frank Bennett of A.F. Bennett Salon & Spa. (Courtesy/JMT Media)Staten Island Advance

Guests were able to celebrate the program including students launching Season 1 of their podcast, and the completion of many projects with community organizations such as the Staten Island Museum, The John T. Noble Maritime Collection and the New York Philharmonic.

"The 14 student grads received multiple certifications, so it is only fitting that we celebrate them in a unique and fun way!" said Tacoronte.

Honorees included Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks, former State Senator Diane Savino, Frank Bennett, owner of A.F. Bennett Salon & Spa, Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC of Staten Island, Jennifer Sammartino Mallen, executive director of CTV, and The Staten Island Foundation.

"All of these individuals were chosen by the students because of their support to their students, their projects, and the organization," added Tacoronte.

Honoree Jennifer Sammartino-Mallen with her husband Mike and daughter Laila andFrankie. (Courtesy Jaclyn Tacoronte)Staten Island Advance

The day's keynote speaker was Bobbi Digi, executive director of the CANVAS Institute.

Other supporters included NorthField Bank, NYC & Company Tourism, Urban Solutions Group, the JCC, Staten Island Museum, Staten Island Zoo, Community Media Staten Island, Elan Hair & Nails, Piece-A-Cake, Clark's Florist, 3 J's Event Planning, JMT Media, Joseph and Elvira Ferrara, Fred Cerullo, Beso, Bario's, Baci, Jimmy Max and a number of others.

"To see the organization grow from an idea to a full fledged award-winning program supporting students, is truly a rewarding experience of my lifetime," noted Tacorante. "Our students have connected with companies all over the world including tech companies, theater, investment banking, and real estate. The opportunities are endless as they embark on their life journey."

Vincenza Gallassio, former District 31 Superintendent and Chair of the NYC Digital Media Center Board of Directors remarked: "I am so proud of our students in achieving this accomplishment and completing their year long study. This inaugural group has taught us all a great deal. Their openness, creativity and willingness to share their feedback will assist us as we continue to grow the NYC Digital Media Center. I wish them success in anything they choose to do in the future."

Tacoronte added, "As a career and technical education high school, we pride ourselves in offering students multiple pathways upon graduation. These pathways could be a college path, career or union bound, as well as a combination. We offer our students hands-on experiences that propel them to be ready for any post-secondary choices. The real-life experiences, state of the art equipment, and 21st century skills allow our students to be successful with their future endeavors."

She further explains in order to enhance the experience students receive during the day, robust after-school opportunities also play an integral role. "This provides students with opportunities to hone in on additional skills and interests," she said.

From the left, NYC Digital Media Board Chairwoman Vincenza Gallassio, Shakeia McPherson, program director, Laura Jean Watters and Jaclyn Tacoronte, executive director. (Courtesy/Jaclyn Tacoronte)Staten Island Advance

NYC Digital Media Center partnered with students to pilot the program that includes radio, television, and production studio real-life experiences. Through the program, students acquire employable skills that they otherwise would not receive.

"The McKee students engaged in a year long process, and we are so proud to be part of this partnership and look forward to continuing in the future. NYC Digital Media Center gave our students an enriching and valuable experience. Listening to my students as they reflected on the countless opportunities they were given, and the events they were attending was priceless. I know they will be talking about this experience for years to come," Tacoronte continues.

"Jaclyn is a close friend of McKee and a true advocate for our young adults. Thank you, Jaclyn, for all you have done for our students and the McKee community," remarked Gregory Bowen, principal, Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education High School.

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