The Next Generation: Mount Vernon Educator Honored With WOW Award

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Mount Vernon’s Frances-Ann Lightsy was recognized at a gala event on Thursday for her work helping young students struggling with coronavirus-related challenges. County Executive George Latimer presented her with the first ever “The Next Generation” award at the virtual event.

Lightsy was among dozens of women nominated by peers in their communities across Westchester. The winners were honored for their outstanding work during the pandemic at Westchester County’s first annual WOW Awards on March 25. The ceremonies were emceed by Emmy Award winning WABC-TV reporter (and former News 12 Westchester morning show anchor) Naveen Dhaliwal. The nomination process took place last month where more than 150 nominations were submitted and judged by members of the County Executive’s Administrative Team.

“I am extremely humbled - I started my career in Mount Vernon as a classroom teacher at Robert Fulton School, went on to become an Assistant Principal at Mount Vernon High School, and ultimately the Principal of Grimes Elementary School where our County Executive George Latimer graduated from a little bit before I became Principal,” Lightsy said in a speech accepting the honor. “I am so happy. I encourage all of you to get involved with youth because youth are our next generation… I have so many children who have had tremendous successes, some of them I can happily say are joining us here this afternoon and I thank all of you for choosing me because if there is one thing you can say about Frances Lightsy is that she loves children.”

Latimer said the time for formally recognizing the women who lead our communities is long overdue. He noted that heroes presented with this year’s awards will be just the first in a long line of role models deserving of acclaim.

“Women are the keystone of our community and society as a whole,” Latimer said. “Without their leadership, the next generation would not have the drive and ambition we see today. These exceptional honorees have shown compassion, faith and perseverance during one of the most trying times in our lives.”

A virtual audience of more than 300 heard from guest speakers who made their own impacts in Westchester County and New York State. Presenters included, among others, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Attorney General Letitia James and State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

“Over the past year, I have been so inspired by the women who have gone beyond the call of duty as essential workers, small business owners, elected officials, advocates and parents,” Sen. Gillibrand told audience members. “The pandemic has multiplied the number of roles we have to play and made long-standing imbalances more visible and it has re-affirmed my commitment to fighting for policies that will make life better for all of us like providing universal paid family leave, making quality childcare affordable and accessible and addressing the racial disparities in maternal mortality.”

The full WOW Awards ceremony can be viewed here. The winning nominee for each of the seven categories are:

• Mariana Alonso-Jusafaj of New Rochelle winner “Women Supporting Women” award
• Melissa Manice of Larchmont winner “Not Business as Usual” award
• Frances-Ann Lightsy of Mount Vernon winner “The Next Generation” award
• Nubia Earth Martin of Yonkers winner “Healing Hands” award
• Donna Brown of Tuckahoe winner “Charity Begins at Home” award
• Joyce Lu of Hastings winner “Young Woman of Westchester” award
• Ida Silver of Peekskill winner “Keeping the Faith” award

Planning has already started for the 2nd Annual Women of Westchester Awards. The ceremonies will once again be timed to coincide with Women’s History Month. With a little luck and the efforts from members of the community like those honored this month, perhaps the award winners and dignitaries will be able to gather in person this time next year.