Former and current host brothers and sisters with some scholars. From left to right Jackson Howard, Sergio Garcia-Perez, Andrea, Tamojah, Jazzy, Abby Fisayo, Irene, Kyra and Izzy Fisayo.
More than 75 supporters of Guilford A Better Chance gathered at the Guilford Community Center on May 21 to hear adult speakers one after another remark on how the GABC young women inspire them.
“They tackle challenges and are involved in many activities beyond their intense studies,” said Lynn Prendergast, Resident Director who lives in an apartment at the GABC house and interacts with them many hours a week.
Kilee Simon, who graduated in 2023 and is attending Boston University, returned to describe her House “sisters” as “amazing, beautiful, and smart.” She advised them to “imagine life as an empty mystery box awaiting decisions to fill it up. Life is like clay, just waiting to be sculpted.”
Guilford High School principal Julia Chaffe praised the two graduating seniors as assets to the school community with their individual gifts.
Laura Berkowitz Gilbert, co-president, announced that Kyra Amani, rising junior, will be a student representative to the Guilford Board of Education. Kyra was instrumental in forming the People of Color affinity group of the high school, fostering social action.
Board co-president Judy Wright thanked Eileen Limoncelli who organized the whole celebration. Judy finishes her two-year position as co-president but will be remaining as an Academic Advisor to the scholars and a member of the Advisory Committee. Nancy Patton will move from Vice-President to Co-President. Melissa Dayton is leaving the Board of Trustees and will remain an Academic Advisor as well as a member of the Advisory Board. Charlene Blake is moving off the Board of Directors and will be part of the Selection Committee and the Advisory Board.
Financial support from the Guilford College Education Fund (administered by the Guilford Foundation) will continue to assist GABC college attendees during their college years as it has for the past four years.
Parents of the two 2024 graduates came forward to thank the Guilford community. Andrea’s father called the town “a great community.” Jasmine’s father said, “It’s not enough to say thank you. These young women went through many changes, with many opportunities in a welcoming school environment.” Andrea’s mother called out: “Pay it forward, girls!”
Enjoying a menu donated by Pasta Avest along with supporters’ donations of deviled eggs, sandwiches, and desserts was long-time resident John Beckmann, husband of the late Adrienne Beckmann who in 1971 was instrumental in the founding of Guilford ABC and the Hole in the Wall retail store that benefits GABC.
The many round tables were decorated with ikebana flower arrangements from Folklore Flower Company in Madison, donated by Kate McNellis, owner.