Student representatives from each grade at Mount Kisco Elementary School gathered around a podium in front of the school on a sunny morning last week during a press conference with Westchester County Executive George Latimer. 

Gabriela Gonzalez, Saige Merritt, Andrio Torres Agustin, Adriana Parra, Derrick Fendley and Juan Rojas Diaz took center stage as Latimer donated 10,000 child-sized masks and 10,000 adult-sized masks to Bedford Central School District as part of his partnership with the Westchester County Superintendent’s Association. The disposable masks, which will be distributed districtwide, will be handed out as needed.

“We want children, who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated, to continue to be safe and learn in a healthy environment,” Latimer said. “These masks are part of the continued safety protocols our school districts are taking to keep our children well so they can succeed academically while being in the classroom.”

Superintendent Dr. Joel Adelberg, Board of Education President John Boucher and MKES Principal Inas Morsi-Hogans were all on hand to express their thanks on behalf of the district.

“We are incredibly appreciative of our ongoing partnership with Westchester County and County Executive Latimer as we continue to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, keep our students and staff safe, and keep our schools open," Dr. Adelberg said.

Morsi-Hogans agreed with his sentiment, adding, “On behalf of the teachers, students, faculty and staff not just of Mount Kisco Elementary School but of Bedford Central School District, we are so grateful for your generosity and your presence with us here this morning and for understanding the importance of being in school.”

Students’ smiles could be seen in their eyes throughout the press conference and they even joked with Latimer about remembering their first time on TV when they’re older and famous.

You can watch the press conference here.