Horizons Celebrates Success of Graduating Seniors

The Horizons at New Canaan Country School community gathered May 28 to honor twenty of its program participants upon their high school graduation, offer reflections, present awards and induct them into the Horizons Alumni Association. The celebratory evening, sponsored by Bankwell, was attended by Horizons students, families, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters.

Flo Carbone Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager of Bankwell in New Canaan, a major supporter of the Horizon’s at NCCS program, kicked off the evening’s celebrations. “We are in awe of the students here tonight, excited for what they have achieved and for what they will achieve.”

Horizons at NCCS Board Chair Carolyn Woodberry shared that 100% of the 32 members of the Class of 2019 have been accepted to colleges including California State University at Bakersfield, Clemson University, Fashion Institute of Technology, Lafayette University, Providence College and Syracuse University.

As graduation certificates were presented to the high school graduates, the students each shared a reflection on his or her Horizons experience. “Horizons shapes the best versions of ourselves,” said Christopher Zegarra, who attends New Canaan High School. “I am me because of you,” said Tamia Fulton, a Horizons George E. Stevens Scholar who attends the St. Luke’s School.

Nehemie Moise, Horizons Family and Program Director, presented the Leah Kimmet Spirit Award to Keven Gomez, who attends Darien High School. Horizons Senior Program Dean of Students and Culture Jackie Roberson, awarded the Jackie Roberson Valedictorian Award to Danielle Crevecoeur, who will graduate with a 4.02 GPA from Westhill High School of Stamford.

Isaiah Bien Aime, Horizons Class of 2010, was the alumni guest speaker for the night. Isaiah, who works at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, urged the graduates “To tap into the everlasting sense of support and community that is Horizons and reach out to the Horizons community in college and beyond for internships, friendships, advice and more.”

The evening concluded with an Alumni Association induction ceremony. Horizons Executive Director, Nancy von Euler, said, “The Alumni Association is a way to preserve those things you valued most in your Horizons experience: connection to a caring community of friends and supporters who believe in you.” Graduating seniors and returning alumni recited the Alumni Association oath and each graduate received a plant to present to their family in recognition of the love and support that helped get them to this important milestone.

Founded in 1964, Horizons at NCCS is the first in a nationwide network of programs that are successfully closing the opportunity gap experienced by under-resourced students. Horizons at NCCS builds deep and lasting relationships with the more than 400 K-12 Norwalk and Stamford students it serves. The six-week Summer Program and year-round academic and enrichment programming helps students imagine and achieve a brighter future for themselves. For more information, please visit www.horizonskids.org.

Photos:

1. Brian McGregor, Horizons Class of 2008, Systems Support Specialist at Bankwell, Flo Carbone, Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager at Bankwell in New Canaan, Nancy von Euler, Horizons Executive Director, Toure Surgeon, Horizons Class of 2006, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Branch Manager at Bankwell in New Canaan.