FROM RESIDENT DIRECTOR LYNN PRENDERGAST
First of all, thank you to the Guilford ABC Board members and all of the people that support ABC. It has been a fabulous year and we couldn’t have done it without you. As I finish my fifth year as Resident Director, I am still amazed at the number of board members and volunteers who help make the Guilford ABC house and program so wonderful.
I am so proud of my girls and the tremendous school year they have had. Their hard work, perseverance, and ability to tackle challenges is inspirational and contagious. From joining the fencing team, to taking on different roles in the Little Shop of Horrors production, to taking AP and IB classes, to making friends wherever they go, these young ladies are amazing.
Now it is time to talk about my two phenomenal 2023 graduates. They are ready to spread their wings and fly. They are ready to dazzle their college professors and classmates. They are ready for new experiences that will continue to shape them into their best selves.
Kilee’s compassion and desire to make the world a better place are just a few of her admirable qualities. She is a natural leader and passionate about her opinions and values. Talking in front of large groups to deliver important messages comes naturally to her. Her superb writing skills and ways with words also set her apart from many. She is one of the busiest scholars I have seen in my five years. Besides her challenging schoolwork, she balanced and excelled on stage, as Senior Class Co-President, singing in Voices and with regional singing groups including Shoreline Soul. Boston University had better be ready for Kilee, she is a mover and shaker and a superstar. I can’t wait to hear what path she decides to take with her studies and her unending skillset.
Janelle’s insightful, honest, and humorous personality lights up any room she walks into. I started to call her “Mama Janelle” this year as she continued to become more and more assertive and supportive with her guidance and being a leader in the house. Her sense of style and artistic talents shone a spotlight on her creative talents. She got great joy from making incredible birthday cards for members of the house and making everyone feel special. Her kind and generous heart have made the house a home for anyone that walks through the door. Her future pediatric patients will have one of the best pediatricians ever. Muhlenberg College is getting one of the best people I have ever met!
I love my girls and it’s bittersweet to see them head off to college, but I truly believe that I will have a long friendship with both Kilee and Jasmine. They will always be special to me.
Thank you all for a fabulous year! I can’t wait to welcome the new and returning scholars in September.
Clockwise from top: National Honor Society President Kilee Simon with inductees Jasmine Laryea and Andrea Kaluma; Janelle and Kilee at Senior Awards Night; looking good for Junior Prom; Janelle, Lauren and Kilee catching up at the year-end celebration on May 19.