Hidden Gems Announces Distinguished Honorees for the 2026 Arrows & Impact Gala

Hidden Gems, Inc. announces honorees for its Oct. 3 Arrows & Impact Gala, celebrating leadership in youth archery access across NYC.

BRONX, NY, UNITED STATES, September 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- NEW YORK, NY — September 1, 2026 — Hidden Gems, Inc. today announced the distinguished honorees for the inaugural Hidden Gems Arrows & Impact Gala 2026, an evening dedicated to celebrating outstanding leadership, service, and community impact while raising funds to expand free youth archery opportunities throughout New York City.

Scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Casa CeCe's in Manhattan, the gala will bring together educators, nonprofit leaders, elected officials, archery advocates, corporate partners, youth participants, and community supporters under the theme "Honoring Our Journey, Shooting for the Stars."

The event supports Hidden Gems' mission to make archery accessible to all youth through programs that integrate athletic development, social-emotional learning, and STEAM education. Proceeds from the gala will help expand free youth archery clinics in more than 50 neighborhoods across New York City in 2027, creating opportunities for young people to build confidence, leadership skills, focus, and resilience.

"The individuals and organizations we are honoring represent the very best of community leadership, service, and commitment to young people," said Natasha M. Green, Executive Lead of Hidden Gems, Inc. "Their dedication has opened doors, created opportunities, and inspired countless youth to believe in their potential. We are proud to recognize their contributions during this special evening."

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2026 HONOREES
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+ Aim High Education
Recognizing educators and school leaders who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to student success and youth development.

- Dr. Caron Martin — Principal, PS 117x
- Cristina Rios — Instructional Lead, PE/Health/Wellness, District 9
- Dr. Debra Lamb — Retired Educational Administrator, NYCPS
- Dr. Trina Nurse — Program Manager, Office of Community Schools
- Gregory Ambrosini — Former Assistant Principal, Grover Cleveland High School
- Luis Torres — Principal, CS 55
- Marc Pascente — Principal, Grover Cleveland High School
- Natasha Dixon-Lee — Teacher, PS 117x
- Roxanne Ledda — Principal, PS 70 Max
- Superintendent Carl Manalo — Superintendent, Bronx High School Districts 7, 9, 12
- Superintendent Harry Sherman — Community School District 9
- Tania Pabon — Physical Educator, PS 70 Max
- Tesa Wilson — Governance Specialist, Office of Family and Community Empowerment, NYCPS
- Victor Hall — Founder, Keep Youth Dreams Alive
- Wayne Harris — Senior Director for Students in Temporary Housing & Foster Care, NYCPS
- Andrea Jeffries — Retired Teacher, NYCPS
- Nay Guity — Community Coordinator, Students in Temporary Housing

+ Archery Pioneers Awards
Honoring individuals who have advanced the sport of archery and expanded access to participation.

- Derek Davis — Archery Coach, Columbia University Archery
- Don Godwin — Archery Coach, Metropolitan Rod & Gun Club
- Larry Brown — Founder and Coach, Center Shot Archers
- Roberta Jones — Coach, Center Shot Archers

+ Bullseye Impact Awards
Recognizing leaders and organizations making measurable community impact.

- Dionne Gill — Special Projects & Strategic Events Manager, NYC Dept. of Youth and Community Development
- Emily Campos — Deputy Director of Partnerships and Program Analysis, NYC Dept. of Youth and Community Development
- Lorena Muñoz — Director of Sports and Wellness, NYC Dept. of Youth and Community Development
- Jocelynne Rainey — President and CEO, Brooklyn Org
- Joe McGlyn — Co-Owner, Pro Line Archery Lanes
- Neil Kucich — Co-Owner, Pro Line Archery Lanes
- Tung Ying Chu — Co-Owner, Pro Line Archery Lanes


+ Foundation Builder Awards
Celebrating supporters whose contributions helped establish and strengthen Hidden Gems.

- Annette, Tony, Noreen, Valerie & The Hurd Family
- Candice Abellard — Clinical Program Administrator, Heartshare
- Jacqueline Bocachica — Owner, JBG Leadership Development
- Jessel Thompson — Business Owner, Zainabu Hair Salon N Day Spa
- Jolene Hall — Head of Operations and Culture, Hidden Gems Archery
- Kathleen Murray — Co-founder, Tech Up for Women
- Koreen Jervis — Business Owner, Korje Tax Professionals Inc.
- Quailan Pantin — Head of Archery Programs, Hidden Gems Archery
- Theresa, Rupert, Trisha, Everton and The Green Family

+ Future Archery Pro Stars Awards
Recognizing emerging youth leaders and promising young archers.

- Emmanuel Cabrera — Student, PS 117x
- Janalys Tarazona — Student, Community School 55

+ Public Impact Leader Awards
Honoring public officials and community leaders whose service has created lasting impact.

- John Doherty — Special Assistant, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Roberto Clemente State Park
- Senator Jamaal Bailey — New York State , 36th District
- Speaker Carl Heastie — New York State Assembly, 83rd District

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The gala is expected to welcome more than 200 guests and will feature award presentations, youth recognition, community celebrations, networking opportunities, and fundraising activities to support the organization's continued growth.

Individual tickets are available for $200, and sponsorship opportunities remain available through the Presenting Sponsor level.

EVENT DETAILS
Event: Hidden Gems Arrows & Impact Gala 2026
Theme: Honoring Our Journey, Shooting for the Stars
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m ET. Program starts at 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Casa CeCe's, Manhattan, New York
Attire: Cocktail / Business Cocktail

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and event updates, visit: https://hiddengemsinc.org/gala

MEDIA CONTACT
Natasha Green
Hidden Gems, Inc.
Email: natasha@hiddengemsinc.org
Phone: 718.924.9538

ABOUT HIDDEN GEMS, INC.
Hidden Gems, Inc. is a New York-based nonprofit organization dedicated to making archery accessible to all youth through innovative programming that combines athletic development, social-emotional learning, and STEAM education. Through school partnerships, community engagement, and inclusive programming initiatives, Hidden Gems empowers young people to develop confidence, focus, leadership skills, and pathways for long-term success.
Website: https://hiddengemsinc.org

Social Media: IG - @hiddengemsincny

Natasha Green
Hidden Gems Inc.
+1 475-328-2339
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