2023 Police Commissioner for a Day Essay Contest Letter

January 23, 2023

Dear Educators, The youth in your schools and centers are cordially invited to participate in the PAL/NYPD “Police Commissioner for a Day” essay contest. The contest is open to all New York City students in grades 9 through 12 only. Each participant will be required to write an essay on the topic that was personally approved by Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. In responding to this year’s topic, please focus on the procedures which will enhance and improve the current situation that has been outlined in the question below, provided by the Police Commissioner’s Office. The topic this year is:

How would you, as Police Commissioner for a Day, work with the MTA to make New Yorkers feel safe riding the subway?

If one of your students is chosen as the “Police Commissioner for a Day,” they will meet Commissioner Sewell during an award ceremony to be held on April 25, 2023. The winner will also receive a $500.00 prize and a personalized plaque. In addition, the top winner’s school will receive a plaque and a $250.00 donation.

The “Police Commissioner for a Day” award is one of many awards that will be presented to the winning essay writers. The other awards include Deputy Commissioner, Bureau Chief, Patrol Borough Commander, and Precinct Commander. The winners will have an opportunity to spend a day with their top police officials.

The contest begins immediately. All entries must be completed and submitted by March 19, 2023 through the application link. Winners will be notified in the weeks following the deadline.

We have attached a flyer with the contest rules and regulations that will provide you with detailed instructions. Please make sure that your students submit their essays to the link that has been provided on the flyer. We encourage your students to submit their essays and participate in this exciting contest. For 2023 the Award Ceremony will occur on April 25, 2023.

Please contact Meredith Gray at mgray@palnyc.org or 646-357-6606 if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Carlos Velasquez

Executive Director

Police Athletic League

 

Mark T. Stewart

Deputy Commissioner

Community Affairs Bureau

New York City Police Department

Police Athletic League (PAL) Announces Bart M. Schwartz to Become President of the Board Effective January 2023

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BronxTimes Coverage - PAL announces Carlos Velazquez as its new executive director

The Police Athletic League (PAL) Board of Directors and President David J. Arena announced the appointment of Carlos Velazquez as the new executive director beginning on Jan. 31. PAL, a nonprofit organization, has served New York City’s youth for more than 100 years. PAL centers and sites in the Bronx include Webster-Giannone Center, New South Bronx Center, MS 118, PS 47 and PS 48.

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Photo courtesy of the Police Athletic League

Police Athletic League (PAL) youngsters from all five boroughs of New York City participated in the citywide PAL Tournament of Champions STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Challenge, on Wednesday, Feb. 16. Activities focused on STEM and physical education learning, featuring engineering, design and physics skills building. The 2022 competition was an individual, center-based competition held at each PAL center with participants in Kindergarten through eighth grades working within age groups.

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POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE (PAL) ANNOUNCES CARLOS VELAZQUEZ AS ITS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CONTACTS:

Andrea Kotuk/Andrea & Associates/(212) 353-9585

Lisa Weir/PAL/(917) 848-6683       

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York City – The Police Athletic League (PAL) Board of Directors and President David J. Arena announce the appointment of Carlos Velazquez as the new Executive Director to begin on January 31, 2022. PAL, a nonprofit organization, has served New York City’s youth for over 100 years. Throughout Mr. Velazquez’s 20-year career in public service, he has been dedicated to addressing the needs of underserved youth and cultivating strategic relationships with community partners and government agencies. Prior to joining PAL, he was the Chief Program Officer for the Boys’ Club of New York where he led all aspects of expansion and program development.

Mr. Velazquez has worked with a wide range of partners within the youth development, education, law enforcement and justice systems including NYPD, FDNY, Department of Youth and Community Development and the New York City District Attorney’s Office.  Mr. Velazquez has a Master of Education from Bank Street College of Education, a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University, College of Human Services and Health Professions, and a certificate for Developing Leaders from Columbia University, Executive Education Program.         

“We are pleased to welcome Carlos Velazquez as PAL’s new Executive Director,” says PAL President David J. Arena.  “Mr. Velazquez has a solid foundation of experience in managing complex and multidisciplinary programming for the Boys’ Club of New York and has maintained vital partnerships in law enforcement and youth development.  He also possesses the necessary skills required for the implementation and execution of our strategic goals and initiatives. Carlos has deep roots in the communities we serve, and thousands of PAL children and families will benefit from his leadership and dedication.”

PAL operates 27 youth centers and sites throughout the five boroughs with a budget of approximately $30 million. Young people, ages 3 to 21, participate in a wide array of programs afterschool, evenings and weekends including Early Head Start, Head Start, afterschool activities, summer day camps and play streets, teen centers, Teen Acting program, college readiness, youth employment and juvenile justice programs.

“I am thrilled and honored to lead an organization with a rich history and legacy of serving New York City families,” says Carlos Velazquez, PAL Executive Director. “As a native New Yorker with a passion for helping young people reach their fullest potential, I cannot think of a better place to continue my career in public service.  Our communities are living through a pivotal time, and PAL will continue to be a safe place where youth can build relationships and emerge as leaders.”

Mr. Velazquez was awarded a commendation from the New York City Comptroller’s Office, and the 2018 Community Service Award from the FDNY Hispanic Society, and the 2011 Pasesetter Award from the Partnership of Afterschool Education.

He has previously held leadership positions at the Center for Supportive Schools; Let’s Get Ready, KIPP NYC, Harlem Children’s Zone, and East Harlem Tutorial Program. He was born and raised in East Harlem and currently resides in Brick, NJ.

Mr. Velazquez succeeds Frederick J. Watts as the Executive Director of the Police Athletic League. Mr. Watts announced his plans for retirement in January 2021 and recently passed away on December 23, 2021. The PAL Board of Directors and staff mourn his loss and honor and appreciate his seven years of service to New York City’s children.

Founded in 1914, New York City’s Police Athletic League provides recreational, educational, cultural and social activities to 20,000 children and teens annually. For more information, please visit www.palnyc.org.

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Photo Caption: Carlos Velazquez, Executive Director, Police Athletic League

Photo Credit:  Nino Gallego

 

The Passing of Frederick J. Watts

We are very sorry to report that Frederick J. Watts, our extraordinary Executive Director, passed away on December 23rd. We will miss Fred for his warmth, compassion and kindness, in addition to his steadfast dedication and commitment to PAL, its children, families and communities.  

Under his leadership, PAL increased its engagement in the communities that we serve and strengthened connections with New York City law enforcement.  Above all, he will be remembered by the PAL children whose lives he touched and changed forever.  

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and PAL children and teens, we offer our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Fred’s family. 

Fred's Obituary