Not even two more shooting deaths at a J’Ouvert celebration Monday could mar the legacy of Carey Gabay, an aide to Gov. Cuomo, who was honored with a scholarship in his name after he was killed last year.
Just hours after the latest shooting Cuomo announced the five winners of the Carey Gabay Scholarship Program, which covers all costs of attendance at SUNY colleges, including tuition, room and board, college fees, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses.
Three of the students joined the Cuomo’s contingent in the New York Caribbean Carnival Parade today.
“Carey worked hard, overcame adversity and chose public service as a way to improve the lives of his fellow New Yorkers,” Governor Cuomo said.
“He was an inspiration to every single person he came in contact with, and we are proud to award this scholarship in his honor to help other students who grew up in similar circumstances strive, succeed and lead. As we reach the anniversary of Carey’s passing, his memory, his values, and his commitment to a better New York live on with these scholarships.”
Gabay, who was killed during last year’s J’Ouvert celebration, grew up living in public housing and attending public school in the Bronx.He was 43.
He graduated from Harvard University and Harvard Law School.
Cuomo said Gabay worked tirelessly in public service, first as an Assistant Counsel to Governor Cuomo and later as First Deputy Counsel for the Empire State Development Corporation.
The winners of the scholarship are:
— Ramanjot Bal, of Richmond Hill, who will attend Stony Brook University. Ramanjot immigrated from India at the age of 6. She works in a tax office to support her family and serves as a translator for her parents and for many people in her community. She leads anti-bullying workshops and is active in youth organizing in her local Sikh community.
— Narelys Chum, of Troy, who will attend SUNY New Paltz. Narelys grew up in Harlem before moving to Troy at the age of 12. Narelys is a leader in many of her school’s organizations, including the We Are Voices and Educators organization.
— Fernando De La Cruz, of Washington Heights, who will attend SUNY Cortland. Fernando attend college-level courses at City College throughout high school, and has interned in the office of Rep. Charles Rangel.
— Tony Kelley, of Albany, who will attend the University of Albany. Tony was inspired by the loss of a family member to gun violence to make changes in his community, where mentors youth and works with the homeless population.
— Nayelhi Sanchez-Lorenzo, of Spring Valley, who will attend SUNY Binghamton. Nayelhi immigrated from the Dominican Republic at the age of 6. Nayelhi is active in student organizing, including work with the Rockland Youth Film Festival.
