As the academic year comes to a close, we’re proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our Junior Docents. Over the past year, they organized successful events, explored other museums and colleges, advocated before elected officials, and connected with graduates from across three decades of the program at our 30th Anniversary Alumni Party. It’s been yet another year of learning, leadership, and celebration.

• In December, Mackenzie McGough and Jenny Galeno, co-chairs of the Junior Docent Advisory Board, advocated for the Junior Docent Program at the Westchester County Board of Legislators’ Budget Hearing, speaking passionately about how invaluable the program is to young people.

• In March, the Junior Docents hosted a special teen-centered planetarium show, Teens Take the Universe. They guided fellow high schoolers through the cosmos, exploring the depths of space and diving into the ocean of legends as told through the constellations.

• In April, more than 250 teens from all over Westchester County gathered at a record-breaking Teen Night. They explored the Museum, showed off their talents, danced to a DJ, and played games.

• Throughout the year, the Junior Docents went on a number of field trips together. They visited the Whitney Museum of American Art to meet their Youth Insights Leaders and tour the galleries, explored NXTHVN studios in New Haven, Connecticut, and attended college tours at Yale University and Manhattanville University.

• The Junior Docent Advisory Board helped to develop Teens Seen: Art Showcase, which opened on Friday, June 12. Special thanks to Junior Docents Litzy Hernandez, Leika Isaac, Jenny Galeno, David Doyaga, Lens Isaac, Paul Benson Kale Villafuerte, Jiselle Cruz, and Libni Hernandez for assisting with the installation of the exhibition and the development of the gallery activity.

• Congratulations to the Class of 2026 (pictured above), who are going on to an impressive roster of colleges and universities: Binghamton University, University at Buffalo, The City College of New York, University of Connecticut, Georgetown University, Iona University, Lehigh University, University of Manhattan University, Mount Saint Vincent, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, Stony Brook University, and Tufts University. Together, they have amassed more than $2.8 million in scholarship offers—a staggering achievement!

We are so proud of our Junior Docents and all they have accomplished this year, and we were thrilled to celebrate them at their End-of-Year Celebration on June 26. Stay tuned for even more from the Junior Docents, including a new podcast series, which will launch this summer.

About the Junior Docent Program

Through our award-winning program, the Museum mentors more than 80 students per year from Yonkers Public Schools, teaching them about art, science, and history while strengthening their skills in communication, critical thinking, and leadership. Learn more here.

The Junior Docent Program is generously sponsored, in part, by New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader; Westchester County Youth Bureau; Lorraine O’Brien Foundation, Inc.; Speyer Family Foundation; Crosswicks Foundation, LTD.; County of Westchester; City of Yonkers, Department of Planning and Development, through a Community Development Block Grant; St. Faith’s House Foundation; MGM Resorts Foundation; NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester; and St. Barnabas Church.

Lead individual support is provided by Anita K. Hersh Philanthropic Fund.

Additional support is provided by Brian Dore, Marion Greenup, Samantha Merton and Brett Humphreys, Christina O’Neill, Henry Schacht, Richard W. Deely, and the Underwood Family.