Yusuf House Donates New Tablets for PHS Seniors

POUGHKEEPSIE – Ten Poughkeepsie High School seniors, who have demonstrated dedication to their school work, were each presented with a new, personal tablet on Sept. 15 during a brief ceremony in the school auditorium.

The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus tablets were donated by Yusuf House of the Hudson Valley, Inc. and funded through a Learn, Play, Create grant from Dutchess County. County Legislator Randy Johnson, who represents the City of Poughkeepsie, helped secure the funding.

Yusuf House Founder Omega Alston and Board Member Curtis Whitted, along with New York State Assemblymember Johnathan G. Jacobson presented the tablets and certificates to students.

“We’re hoping that they’ll get a lot of use out of them,” said Principal Dr. Phee Simpson.

“We’re excited about it and looking forward to having a good productive year.”

Once the year has ended, students will have the devices to use as they move on to college or a career.

Some students, who may not have been recognized before, were initially shocked, but pleased by the generosity shown to them.

Saanie Moodie was not informed until the day before the ceremony that she was getting a tablet, but is grateful for the gesture. “I’m glad that I got chosen and that I worked hard in order to get it,” Moodie said.

Tanairio Nelson appreciated receiving his tablet and will write his college essays on it.

“It’s amazing that people in the community are trying to help kids in our school,” Nelson said. “I’m really thankful.”

School Counselor Franky Perez was tasked with choosing 10 students most deserving of the tablets, a tough feat as he works with over 200 hardworking students. He honed in on those who love to learn, improved during the previous year and were able to successfully navigate any challenge. “These are the students that exemplified that for me,” Perez said. “I’m very proud of them and proud of what they’ve done. … All of those students are going to have great success this year.”