It was not an ordinary school day in the Westbury High School theater. A quiet buzz built as students took their seats — and then H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe took the stage as the featured guest of Espoir Youth Programs, Inc.’s High School Talk series.
Espoir, founded by Dr. Samarth Joseph and chaired by Dr. Clarence Wilson, Jr., built the series on a simple idea: put accomplished voices in direct conversation with young ambition. On this day, that ambition met a prince with a doctorate and three master’s degrees — and a message students could use immediately.
“You belong in every room”
“You can achieve everything you want, work hard and believe in yourself and you belong in every room!” the Prince told the cheering students. The tone was grounded, not distant: education as a lifelong pursuit, curiosity as a habit, success as something built over time.
He spoke openly about career paths and personal growth, and about mentorship — the principle at the heart of Espoir’s mission, where hope and education fuel each other.
Leaders in the room
Dr. Tahira A. DuPree Chase, Superintendent of the Westbury Union Free School District, anchored the educational side; the Prince praised her charisma and energy, calling her leadership “incredible on a town, state and international comparison.” Town Supervisor Jennifer S. DeSena brought civic weight — “a restless fighter for improvements and rights,” as he put it, “female power which is amazing.” Principal David Zimbler and his team drew warm words for loving the kids “like their own children.”
A special spark came from teacher Naomi Ruth Parisette, whom the Prince knows from his seven years hosting at New York Fashion Week — “what an inspiration for the kids.”
Two honors in one afternoon
The talk closed with ceremony. The Town of North Hempstead presented its Certificate of Recognition, Achievement and Appreciation, dated April 21, 2026 and signed by Supervisor DeSena. Then Dr. Samantha Joseph of Espoir presented a platinum celebration award for educational leadership — a striking glass sculpture in teal, silver, and gold, inscribed with thanks for visiting the children of Westbury.
Students had witnessed more than a ceremony. They had seen what happens when education, leadership, and community show up in the same room — and carry the message home.
Related Reading
- Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Alberto Luzzi Brings Finest Roman Jewelry to New York!
- Prince Mario Max Schaumburg Lippe Opens New York Fashion Week 2026
- H.H.Dr. Princess Antonia zu Schaumburg-Lippe: Six years ago, God needed a new angel and called H.H. Dr.h.c. Prince Waldemar zu Schaumburg-Lippe into heaven!
Originally published on Times Square Chronicles.
