Please, don't close your ears.
You can learn from anyone no matter their age.
Life is taking its course.
I don't want to tell you to be a more just person.
I just want you to learn to keep record of what's right and what's wrong.
Be fair in your judgment and know God lives with you.
Odarri Lewis '11
At East-West, our goal is to prepare students with the habits and skills to lead them to success in university. For a new public school, we have a high number of students going on to university. We want all our students to go on to university, and not just here in New York City. We want to send our graduates to the small liberal arts colleges like Colgate and Vassar, and to the large name schools like Duke, Oberlin, Boston University, and Columbia.
This fall, East-West will expand its student support resources with the creation of the Odarri Lewis College Center. Located in the 404 hallway, the center will house exam and college preparation materials, as well as dedicated computers and work spaces for students to work on applications.
Odarri Lewis was a 12th grade student who passed away this year. He was a well-loved member of the East-West family and known for being a thoughtful scholar, artist, athlete, and friend. The center honors his dedication to pursuing excellence and knowledge by equipping students with the tools they need to prepare for their futures.
The center will feature a memorial plaque with a quote from Odarri to inspire his fellow students to reach their potential. At the unveiling, teachers and students shared stories about Odarri’s insights in class, his kindness and gentleness even as he towered over most students at 6 feet tall, his willingness to volunteer his time, and his determination in everything he did. Click for more student reflections: Honoring Odarri with Music
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| Students, teachers, and Odarri's family gathered together to unveil his memorial plaque and announce the planned opening of the college center. View more photos from Odarri's Memorial |
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| Odarri's dragon mural, which he painted during his sophomore year, will remain as a permanent installation in the hallway. View more photos from Odarri's Memorial |
Comments
ELashley - August 12, 2011 - 2:53pm
As one of the the alumni of East West School, I'm proud to say that I've graduated with such an amazing family, not class. Odarri's passing didn't only strike us, but helped us to appreciate everything he's ever done for us. Well, twice as much more. The garden that we've presented to his mother and brother was an amazing sight. I'm glad that I've known such an amazing person, such as Odarri. We will definitely miss him but still remember everything he represents, God, his family, his friends, education and all around love.
Rest in peace, my love. 8/31/91 - 5/17/11 <3
Andrew O. (not verified) - September 11, 2011 - 12:45pm
As a fellow alumnus of East- Wests' class of 2011, I have experienced so much with Odarri. When his death reached my ears, I honestly was shell shocked. We knew he had cancer in him but we didn't want to believe that it would kill him. We couldn't believe it either when we first heard he had gotten cancer. Out of all of us, he was the healthiest person there could have been and he also had a kind heart. But ever since his passing, I have thought things twice now and I'm glad to say that I met someone like him. He not only inspired us he also gave us encouragement and the drive to strive for our dreams, our hopes, and our desires. Even after his death, I still have the drive he gave me and even more because knowing him, he wouldn't have wanted me to give up on what I'm working for, he would want me to continue on. One thing will always be true though, his spirit will not only be in the Class of 2011 hearts, he will also be in the heart of East- West.
Rest In Peace Odarri, you were the greatest friend and inspiration I could have 8/31/91- 5/17/11 <3