Inspired by a collection of stories from each of New York City’s five boroughs, the Yankees celebrated the metropolis’ Legacy of Pride on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium prior to the club’s game against the Mariners.
The event shone a spotlight on the 2023 recipients of the Yankees-Stonewall Scholarship Initiative, which awards a $10,000 scholarship to graduating high school seniors from each of New York City's five boroughs. It is a group that has already demonstrated maturity and leadership beyond their years, as general manager Brian Cashman said.
“I’m really proud that the Yankees are partnering with Stonewall in investing in their future,” Cashman said. “They are difference-makers, and we are really proud of the people they’re going to be and the world they’re going to change.”
This year’s Yankees-Stonewall Scholarship recipients are Henry Mejia of the Bronx, Amiya Gonzalez of Manhattan, Douglas Mu of Queens, Mario Ficalora of Staten Island, and a student requesting anonymity from Brooklyn.
“I’m so grateful and honored to be chosen for this scholarship, out of all the students,” said Mejía, who is graduating from Health Opportunities High School and will attend New York University’s College of Arts & Science. “It’s crazy and mind-blowing to me.”
“I was so surprised,” added Gonzalez, who is graduating from the Humanities Preparatory Academy and will attend SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry. “Once I got the news, I felt so accomplished and proud of myself. I came a long way.”
All were invited to be guests of the club during batting practice on Wednesday, then recognized in a pregame ceremony along with representatives from the Yankees, The Stonewall Inn, New York City Department of Education, Major League Baseball and Athlete Ally.
First awarded in 2019 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn Uprising, the annual scholarships celebrate student leaders who have demonstrated academic achievement, a commitment to equality and impactful support for the LGBTQ+ community.
“Pride month is a time to stand alongside members of the LGBTQ+ community to recognize how far inclusivity has come, and how far it still has to go,” schools chancellor David C. Banks said. “The Yankees-Stonewall scholarship winners are shining examples of our bold students breaking down barriers to create safe and inclusive spaces in their schools and communities.”
The nomination process is initiated by the New York City Department of Education, with each public high school able to submit one graduating senior for consideration. The selection process is conducted by the Department of Education in partnership with input from representatives from the Yankees, Stonewall Inn, Major League Baseball and Athlete Ally.
“The Yankees-Stonewall Scholarship Program reflects the immense respect our organization has for the LGBTQ+ community,” Cashman said, “and everyone who comes to Yankee Stadium should know that it’s a place where you can be who you are, without exception.”