On April 22, CCHS student Tyler Vazquez was selected as one of the recipients of the prestigious 2021 Yale Bassett Award for Community Engagement. The national award is given to only 20 applicants nationally. The award was established by the faculty of Yale’s Center for the Study of Race, Indigeneity, and Transnational Migration to honor emerging leaders who, like Ebenezer Bassett (1833-1908), distinguished themselves through a record of creative leadership and public service, academic distinction, interdisciplinary problem solving, and experience addressing societal issues.
“I am grateful to the Yale Center for the Study of Race, Indigeneity, and Transnational Migration for this honor. I hope to use this recognition to further catalyze real change within social and academic circles at South Colonie, as well as beyond,” said CCHS junior Tyler Vazquez. “I must thank Mrs. Richardson, the advisor for the Black Advocacy Club, Mr. Kachadurian, and the members of the newly founded Black Advocacy Club for their continued support in my endeavors toward racial justice and advocacy. I hope to see rising juniors within this small but intellectually stimulating and emotionally affirming club at Colonie Central High School see my win as an opportunity for them to apply in the future as well, and to begin a lifelong journey committed to academic, social, and emotional equity.”
Mr. Vazquez was selected from a nationwide pool from over 1,000 high school juniors applying for the renowned award. As part of his recognition, he will receive an official certificate to mark his accomplishment and will be provided a book personally selected by the faculty of the Yale Center for the Study of Race, Indigeneity, and Transnational Migration.
To learn more about the Yale Center for the Study of Race, Indigeneity, and Transnational Migration (RITM) visit here.
Congratulations Mr. Vazquez!