The Brooklyn-based Trinidad and Tobago Nurses Association of America, Inc. (TTNAA) on Sunday honored two of its outstanding members and awarded scholarships to two nursing students during its gala 56th Anniversary Luncheon and 32nd Scholarship Grant Award ceremony at Glen Terrace on Avenue N in Brooklyn.
The group conferred its honor on treasurer Jocelyn Alleyne, a retired senior associate administrator in the Nursing Department at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and University Hospital in Brooklyn; and Naomi Henry, an active member of the group’s Education and Social Action committees, who specializes in gerontological nursing.
Trinidadian-American nursing students Stephanie Gibson, who is pursuing studies at Brooklyn’s Medgar Evers College, and Dana John, who is also doing the same, were presented with the grants before sell-out patrons.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez also presented proclamations to the honorees, as well as to President Tecla Williams.
Other distinguished honorees included Trinidad and Tobago Consul General to New York Andre Laveau and Deputy Brooklyn Borough President the Rev. Kim Council.
TTNAA President-Elect Dr. Cynthia Sterling-Fox, RN, chair of the Social Action Committee, presented the award to Henry; while Williams did the same to Alleyne.
John received her scholarship award from Alleyne; while Gibson received hers from Retired New York State Supreme Court Justice Trinidadian Sylia G. Ash in memory of her aunt Julia Lystra Collis and in honor of TTNAA Scholarship.
“We remain focused on supporting future nurses, especially those in their in final semester with financial needs,” Williams said. “Our efforts extend beyond scholarships. We participate in health fairs, donate to shelters, and provide aid where it’s most needed, including those affected by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean.
“This year, we proudly present scholarships to two outstanding students form Medgar Evers College, Ms. Stephanie Gibson and Ms. Dana John, who have shown great promise as future nurses,” she added. “We also recognize two dedicated members of our organization, Ms. Jocelyn Alleyne, RN, and Ms. Naomi Henry, RN, for their tireless work behind the sense in helping TTNAA grow.
“As this is my last term as president, I want to express my pride in being part of this professional organization,” Williams continued. “Leading TTNAA for the past four years has been a rewarding and unforgettable experience. Thank you for trusting me.”
Before presenting the award to Alleyne, she said: “This is a woman who has done so much for this organization.”
In her terse acceptance speech, Alleyne said her “heart-felt wish is for all of us to work together.”
Then she added: “Please remember our assignment is on Nov. 5. We all know what the assignment is (laughter).”
John thanked the TTNAA for “paving the way for us.”
Laveau complimented the nurses for continuing “to make the nursing profession what it is.
“You make a sterling contribution,” he said. “You’re about caring for people.
“I want to say thank you to all the nationals of Trinidad and Tobago in the room,” he added.
Council thanked the TTNAA nurses “for all you do, despite the challenges.”
Music by a popular DJ and dancing by Alena Roberts punctuated the gala ceremony.
