Mayor Sharon Owens delivered her first State of the City address at Nottingham High School, outlining a vision for a growing, diverse, and opportunity-rich Syracuse. The evening included opening performances by the Syracuse Drumline and Nottingham Varsity Cheer Team, an invocation by Reverend Matif Johnson Kinsey, presentation of colors, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem. Student Ambassador Kylie Cooper shared her personal journey and aspirations, and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Henry (Nottingham alum) introduced Mayor Owens.
Please welcome the pride of Syracuse Drumline and Nottingham Varsity Cheer Team. Please give a round of applause for our cheer team and drumline. And please stand if you were able and welcome Reverend Matif Johnson Kinsey, Director of the Mayor's Office to reduce gun violence. Eternal God. Grant wisdom to our leaders clarity to our decisions and integrity to their actions. Guide every policy, every plan, and every conversation so that it reflects justice, compassion, and the dignity of all people. We lift before you, Mayor Sharon Owens, strengthen her with courage, surround her with wise counsel, and anchor her leadership in peace and purpose. May she lead with humility, vision, and heart for the most vulnerable among us. May the words she speak today accomplish all that it has already accomplished in heavenly places. Lord, we pray for this city and our country. Where there is division, bring unity. Where there is violence, bring peace. Where there is uncertainty, bring hop. And where there is fatigue, renew the spirit of those who serve. As we move forward together, remind us that leadership is stewardship, that power is responsibility, and that progress is best measured by how we care for one another. We offer these prayer and gratitude and expectations, trusting that you who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us. In Jesus' name, amen. Please be seated. Please welcome Nottingham High School's student ambassador, Kylie Cooper. Hi, welcome to Nottingham High School, home of the Bulldogs. My name is Kylie Cooper, and I'm a senior here at Nottingham High School. Nottingham has truly given me the best high school experience. Nottingham has so many diverse students, staff, and activities that gives every student a sense of belonging. For me, when I first entered Nottingham, I did not know anyone, but the Nottingham staff made sure that I was able to find my place here at Nottingham High School, which I eventually did. I became a student athlete that participates in two sports, basketball and flag football. I have been a class representative all four years of high school. Just look at what Nottingham High School has allowed me to be a part of. Who would not want to be a bulldog? It sets you on the path to success. My future plans after graduation are to continue my education at a four-year college or university, hopefully at HBCU, where I can get where I can get my degree in social work or psychology to pursue a career as a therapist. Many would not be able to tell, but I have struggled with anxiety and anger issues, which really impacted my education. When I was younger, my grandmother made the decision to get me a therapist to help me talk and work through my problems. Who would have thought the kid who cussed out teachers to be given a speech to welcome the mayor? My experience with therapy is the reason I know that when you have someone near for you, it makes a difference, which is why I want to become one. I want to give kids a sense of belonging in a world that can make you feel so alone and out of place. Now enough talk about me. I want to thank all of you for being here, and Mayor Owens for being here today. Thank you. If you were able, please stand and remain standing for the presentation of colors, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God with liberty and justice for all. Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh saves that star spangled Ben. Or the land of the free and the home of the bread. Please welcome City of Syracuse Chief Operating Officer and Nottingham alum, Kevin Henry. Please join me in thanking the PSLA at Fowler Navy National Defense Cadet Corps, the Nottingham students, Lucas Sam, and Angelina for their presentation of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem. My name is Kevin Henry, and I have the honor of serving as a city of Syracuse's chief of operate chief operations officer. I'm a Nottingham alumni. I graduated here in 1993. Go Bulldogs.