STATEN ISLAND, NY -- The Canvas Institute of Arts, Culture & Civic Engagement will honor seven Staten Island community champions at its 4th Annual Youth Empowerment Gala on Nov. 12, 2025, as the organization approaches milestone anniversaries next year.

The gala will take place from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at LiGreci’s Staaten, 697 Forest Ave., Staten Island. The event celebrates the organization’s 19th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit and Canvas Institute’s ninth anniversary of providing arts, culture and civic engagement programs for Staten Island youth and families.

This year’s honorees include Hon. Edwina F. Martin, an attorney and community organizer; Frank “Turtle” Raffaele of Coffeed; Nicholas Mele, principal of Edwin Markham School; Jessica Jackson, principal of Rocco Laurie School; Dr.

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