Posted on May 25, 2017

Principal Edward DeChent of Roosevelt High School has been awarded the Administrator of the Year 2017.  He was  honored at a ceremony sponsored by the Club on Tuesday 30 May at the Riverview on Warburton Avenue.

The Leadership in Education award program was inaugurated in 1986 by the Rotary Club of Yonkers-East Yonkers in association with the Yonkers Board of Education.   The Program recognizes the significant role of school leadership in achieving student success. The award, also known as the Administrator of the Year, is presented to an administrator who personifies the spirit, dedication and accomplishments of an outstanding instructional leader.

Principal Edward DeChent formally accepted the award at a traditional dinner sponsored by the Rotary Club of Yonkers-East Yonkers and the Yonkers Board of Education on 30 May.  Present at the ceremony were Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, NYS Assembly Member Shelly Mayer, Yonkers City Council Members Michael Sabatino,and Chris Johnson, Yonkers Board of Education President Rev. Stephen Lopez, Yonkers Schools Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada and many members and staff of the Yonkers Schools System and members of the Rotary Club of Yonkers-East Yonkers.  Club President Mahbub Ahmad was the Master of Ceremonies at the event.

Edward DeChent is a compassionate, driven principal who uses his educational expertise and strong leadership style to inspire students, staff and families.   Because of his deep roots in the community, he has an innate ability to connect with students and parents.  There is this sense that Mr. DeChent is okay because he’s walked the same streets that they walk. 
 
A native son of Yonkers, Edward DeChent attended School 13, Hawthorne Junior High School and graduated from Yonkers High School in 1984.  He received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Bridgeport, earned a Master of Science in Physical Education from Queens College and a professional certificate in School Building Leadership from Manhattanville College.  While at the University of Bridgeport, Mr. DeChent excelled in academics and on the basketball court resulting in his induction into the Class of 2013 New England Basketball Hall of Fame.
 
Students refer to Mr. DeChent as a mentor, a motivator, even a father figure who has made a significant impact on their lives.  Teachers described him as fair but stern, a disciplinarian who believes that every student can be saved and that no one is expendable.  Administrators applaud his support and commitment not only for his school but also for District initiatives that benefit children. 
 
This year, he designed and supervised the new district-wide after-school Middle Years Intramural Sports Program for grades seven and eight.  Over 600 young athletes learned the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to support an active, productive and healthy lifestyle.