Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Fund
Jessie Streich-Kest was a kind, optimistic, determined, and hard-working young teacher who lost her life in a tragic accident during Superstorm Sandy.
A graduate of Edward R. Murrow High School, her teachers there inspired her to pursue a career in education and to become a tireless advocate for her students at Bushwick School for Social Justice. She worked long hours to ensure that their academic and emotional needs were met.
Jessie’s work at Bushwick School for Social Justice was only a small part of the impact she had on the world. She touched many lives with her advocacy for animal rights and social justice. Jessie was a fierce warrior for fairness, equality, and positive change. Her short time at Bushwick School for Social Justice proved to all around her how much of an impact one person can make.
The Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Fund provides annual scholarships to students from Brooklyn who most exemplify the spirit of Jessie Streich-Kest in their perseverance, kindness towards others, and deep commitment to social justice for all.
Each year, the Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Fund awards scholarships to students at school that Jessie taught, Bushwick School for Social Justice and Hillcrest High School, or attended as a student, Edward R. Murrow High School. These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to social justice, helping others, and a concern for the environment or animal rights. The Jessie-Streich-Kest Memorial Fund also supports organizations working in these areas.
2023 Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Fund Scholarship Recipients
Santos Ajpacajachamoros and Christopher La Cruz, from Hillcrest High School, who are actively involved with equity work in their communities. Jessie was a student teacher in the special education department at Hillcrest High School.
Sevarabonu Ashrafiy and Evelyn Jane Finn-Wilson from Edward R. Murrow High School, where Jessie was a student.
Nicole Shivprashad and Arlenny Reyes from Bushwick School for Social Justice, where Jessie was a 10th grade history teacher for students with special needs.
2022 Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Fund Scholarship Recipients
Nargiza Zohirova from Edward R. Murrow High School, where Jessie was a student.
Yadira Boch and Chelsea Campoverde from Hillcrest High School, where Jessie was a student teacher in the special education department.
Kimberly Barzola and Leslie Cordero from Bushwick School for Social Justice, where Jessie began her all too short teaching career as a 10th grade history teacher for students with special needs.
2020 Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Fund Scholarship Recipients
Javon, a graduate from Hillcrest High School who has made it his focus in life to not only invest in himself, but also his fellow peers by serving the community in activities like the FDNY Explorers.
Karen, who graduated from the Bushwick School for Social Justice as the salutatorian, and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Hasna, who graduated from the Bushwick School for Social Justice with honors, and is a member of the National Honor Society.
2019 Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Fund Scholarship Recipients
Einola, a graduate from Edward R. Murrow High School, known for her commitment to social justice and prison reform.
Saad, a graduate from Hillcrest High School, who became very involved in his community despite facing large amounts of adversity throughout his life.
Michelly, who graduated from the Bushwick School for Social Justice as the salutatorian.
In addition to the three scholarships, the Fund also provided a grant to Positive Tails, a nonprofit that cares for animals in need.
2018 Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Fund Scholarship Recipients
Stefany, a graduate from the Bushwick School for Social Justice, is known as a hardworker and social justice fighter.
Shelbie, a graduate from Edward R Murrow High School, is an activist who started a community service club at school.
Kahiruan, a graduate from Hillcrest High School, is a peer mentor and considered a role model by his peers.
In addition to the three scholarships, the Fund also provided a grant to Positive Tails, a nonprofit that cares for animals in need.
2017 Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Fund Scholarship Recipients
Kevin Flores at Hillcrest High School
Shelbie Ulysse at Edward R Murrow High School
Nicshel Samedi and Barbara Lopez at the Bushwick School for Social Justice
2016 Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Fund Scholarship Recipients
Positive Tails, a nonprofit set up by VERG (Veterinary Emergency Referral Group), to care for injured animals. VERG cared for Jessie’s dog, Max when he was injured in the storm that took Jessie and her friend, Jacob’s life. Through this support, Positive Tails honors Jessie’s love of animals.
The Hance Family Foundation, for their “Beautiful Me” program.
The Artist Volunteer Center, for volunteer community-based art projects in New York City.
Give to the Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Fund
Donate By Mail
Please make checks payable to “Brooklyn Org” – note Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Fund in the memo section of the check. Mail checks to:
Brooklyn Org / Jessie Streich-Kest Memorial Fund
Attn: Donor Services
1000 Dean Street, Suite 307
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Additional Ways to Give
Please contact Donor Services at 718.480.7500 or email donorservices@brooklyn.org to discuss alternative methods of giving.