Destination: College 2026 Cooney Scholars

Destination: College

2026 Best Night of The Year

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 . 2026

For 20 years, Destination: College has been empowering student-athletes to dream bigger, reach higher, and achieve more. On June 10, 2026, we celebrated at The Best Night of the Year — an unforgettable evening celebrating the champions who make those dreams possible.

This year, we proudly honored Maureen Barton, Emily Kirschenbaum, Tracy McVey, and Rick Rugani — leaders whose dedication has shaped futures and opened doors for countless students.

Here's the full story and photos from this extraordinary night.


Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their futures.

While the event may be over, the impact is just beginning.

Our students still need support as they prepare for college, navigate financial challenges, and pursue their dreams. Please consider making a donation and help us complete our 2026 Wish List

Group of people posing together indoors in formal attire at an event, smiling for a photo

Celebrating 20 years of empowering student-athletes to achieve their dreams and build brighter futures.

20 Years of Impact: Guiding Mount Vernon student-athletes from high school to college persistence and success.

Destination: College supports student-athletes in Mount Vernon with academic support, mentoring, and college readiness resources. Through Team Reads, our Mentoring Program, and one-on-one guidance in the Cooney College Center, we help students succeed in school, prepare for college, and persist through their college years and beyond.

Watch the video below to learn more about our programs, our students, our volunteers and our successes...

Our college readiness programs and individualized support with college and financial aid applications help students achieve academic success, secure admission to a college best suited to their financial and academic needs and persist to a college degree.

College-Knowledge-Alumni-Visit-2023

Donate

Your contribution helps us provide program materials, college test preparation, college tours, application fees, scholarships, books and so much more.

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Volunteer

Get involved by working with our Student Athletes from over seven different teams in our reading programs, academic tutoring, and Cooney College Center.

Mentor Picnic Laila Issa and Jen Lotz 2023

Mentor

Our adult mentors partner with our college students and graduates to provide support and advice through the demanding college years.

Latest From Destination: College

LATEST NEWS

By Elizabeth Larsen June 16, 2026
By Elizabeth Larsen, Executive Director As New York sports fans prepared for Game 4 of the NBA Finals on June 10, excitement was also building at Siwanoy Country Club, where nearly 300 members of the Destination: College community gathered to celebrate the organization's 20th Anniversary. The evening honored four individuals who have been Champions of the organization since its earliest days: Emily Kirschenbaum, Rick Rugani, Tracy McVey, and Maureen Barton. The room was filled with Destination: College staff, board members, students, alumni, volunteers, school and district leaders, and supporters, all coming together to celebrate two decades of helping Mount Vernon student-athletes achieve success beyond high school.
June 4, 2026
Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Impact

"Thank you so much! I appreciate everything everyone in DC have done for me these past few months.

I know for a fact I wouldn't have been so successful in my college process if it wasn't for you guys and I'm just grateful to have been part of such an amazing program. Have a great summer you two!"

Fatima Davila

collegemaps

Hundreds of Athletes sent to colleges around the world!

Students Served

510

Student Athletes served across all DC High School and College programs.

Scholarships Awarded

$3MM+

Merit Based Scholarships awarded to Class of 2024 graduates by Colleges and Universities.

Students Enrolled

0%

Student Athletes enrolled in College immediately after High School in 2024.