CYSA Ripples of Hope: The Prism Effect

City Year San Antonio hosted its annual Ripples of Hope event, on Thursday, May 2nd at the Tobin Center

Ripples of Hope ’24: The Prism Effect celebrated the impact our community has on students, young leaders, and educators. We had the privilege to honor our AmeriCorps team, our partner teachers, and the three 2024 Idealists of the Year.

Almost 300 community leaders gathered together for a beautiful evening of entertainment and appreciation. Along with the presentation of the Idealist of the Year Award, we presented the City Year’s Bridge Builder Award to six San Antonio Independent School District partner teachers.

Our dinner program began with a video highlighting the Prism Effect. You can see that video here.

One of the major highlights was honoring our six partner teachers with the Bridge Builder Award. Each teacher was handpicked by their principal for their embodiment of the Bridge Builder spirit. They were joined on stage and given their award by their partner AmeriCorps member. Each teacher was also surprised with a cash award! These awards and gifts were made possible by the generosity of Rick Cavender and Harvey E. Najim.

All of our Corps members were honored and gifted with a special gift card from our diamond sponsor, H-E-B.

A special part of our evening was presenting the three Idealists of the Year. Our Idealists of the Year are individuals who exemplify City Year’s values and have made a difference in enhancing educational equity and/or non-discrimination in our local community. We honor them for their commitment to envisioning a better community and working to see it happen. This year it was an honor to name:

Esmeralda Alday, Executive Director for the Dual Language, ESL, & Migrant Department, San Antonio ISD.

Jason Mims, Retired Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army, Director of The Mims Institute

Dr. Mike Flores, Chancellor of Alamo Colleges District

Our evening was concluded with an inspiring story from City Year Corps members Chloe and Samantha Hunt. He challenged everyone to see the impact that one person can make in the lives of someone else.

We are so grateful to all of our participants and attendees for helping to make this event a success.

Thank you to our sponsors and contributors who made this event possible. A special thank you to our Diamond Sponsor- Capital Group, The Greehey Family Foundation, H-E-B, and NuStar. Also thank you to our Platinum Sponsors – CPS Energy and Walter Embry!