From Co-President Judy Wright
Time flies. We get to a certain age and notice that time passes much too quickly. I don’t know when this transition happens, but for me I think it was quite a while ago. I’m reminded of this because our two senior students, Andrea and Jasmine, are graduating in a few days but it seems like they just moved to Guilford, started our ABC program and began Guilford High School. We’ve been fortunate enough to watch these two remarkable young women experience high school life and support them during their journey. Andrea will attend Wellesley College and Jasmine will attend Drexel University. Like the Guilford ABC scholars who came before them, they will always have our support and love.
Other transitions include two long-time board members moving off the BOD and joining our advisory board. Charlene Blake volunteered for numerous positions including president during her many years with Guilford ABC and, fortunately for us, will continue as a member of our Selection Committee. Melissa Dayton, also a long-term volunteer on the BOD will join the advisory board while continuing her role as academic advisor to one of our scholars. A heartfelt thank you to Charlene and Melissa for your dedication and willingness to help the program in so many ways. I learned so much from you both.
The two students that graduated from Guilford High School during the pandemic are on their way to their next life experience. T-Juani graduated from Trinity College in May and will be working in NYC. Julia has one more semester at NYU and plans to apply to medical school. They both benefited from the College Education Fund, and we have Connie Dickinson to thank for developing this resource. Current college students that benefit from these grants include Lauren at Hampton University, Arianna at Tufts University, Janelle at Muhlenberg College, and Kilee at Boston University. Andrea and Jasmine will be using this money to help pay for their college expenses.
My 2-years as ABC Co-President is soon to be done. I have worked with two creative and smart women and learned a lot from them both. Georgia Cosgrove and I worked together during my first year and I appreciate learning from an experienced development person and strong leader. This year I’ve had the pleasure of working with Laura Berkowitz-Gilbert and I appreciate her hard work, integrity and vision for the program. I’m not going anywhere and will continue my involvement with the academic affairs committee and the selection committee.
Thank you to everyone involved with Guilford ABC — our donors, our current and former board members, our students and their families. We are very grateful to the program’s Resident Director, Lynn Prendergast and after-school tutor Sharon.
Although Guilford ABC is foremost an academic program, it’s also a place for us all, students and adults, to learn about life, meet new people and broaden our experiences.
Have a happy summer! t