After exploring more than a dozen colleges, the two graduating seniors will be heading off to colleges in Philadelphia and the Boston area. Jasmine Laryea (above left) will be entering Drexel University in Philadelphia this fall as a health sciences major. Her choice was influenced by the university’s program that combines the academic program with cooperative “real-world” experience in hospital settings. Described by Lynn Prendergast, Resident Director for GABC, Jasmine is “kind, yet not a pushover, finding humor in difficult circumstances.”
Guilford High School principal, Julia Chaffe, lauded Jasmine as “a most patient teacher who doesn’t talk down and is always encouraging to others. She has keen insight. She often comes up with a single sentence to cut to the chase with a clarity that is rare and appreciated.”
Jasmine’s extra-curricular life at Guilford High School included theater, dance team, basketball, debate team, and track. At the annual Celebration dinner in May, she spoke of experiencing “real Guilford pride, and thanked her family “for their love and support and trusting me to live far away from home.” Her voice full of emotion and warmth, Jasmine expressed her gratitude to her host family, the academic advisors, and her five GABC house sisters, saying “I admire each and every one of you!”
Andrea Kaluma (above right) has chosen Wellesley College and has not yet declared a major. At the annual Celebration dinner, Andrea stressed the importance of the A Better Chance mission, “drawing together all cultures with smart, talented, curious students to develop leaders.” She thanked her parents and host family and Lynn Prendergast, Resident Director, saying “your job is not easy!”
Andrea’s love of singing included performing with the Guilford High School “Voices” ensemble which led to a solo performance at a spring benefit. Her passion for reading often has her disappearing into a book and loving academic life.
Principal Julia Chaffe smiled broadly as she related how Andrea was “always genuinely happy to see me – and that is rare from high school students! She has a beautiful way of making people comfortable, at ease.”
Ms. Chaffe gave the two graduating scholars the book, “We Should All Be Feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
More than 75 supporters of Guilford ABC attended the Celebration dinner honoring Andra and Jasmine on May 21. As the program was ending, the four parents of the two graduating seniors made their way to the front of the Whitfield Room at the Guilford Community Center to thank the volunteers with Guilford ABC.
“We trusted you with our children, and you took good care of them beautifully.”