Academics & Activities Engage Six GABC Scholars

A full schedule of challenging classes and spirited extra-curricular activities is captivating the six Guilford ABC scholars as sophomores, juniors, and seniors at Guilford High School.

Sophomore Irene says she’s “excited for the International Baccalaureate courses. I signed up for I.B. because I wanted a deeper understanding of the social studies and sciences. I chose I.B. biology because I’m planning for a medical career, and I.B. classes offer the full picture.” Her I.B. courses will lead to an I.B. diploma, too. Irene also wants to start her own club and volunteer more, especially with young children.

Katie is in her second year at GABC as a sophomore. “I’m looking to be challenged,” she said. “The Guilford High School students are very nice and outgoing, with a lot of energy,” she said. Katie loves to sing and has joined the high school choir. She enjoys the concert choir music as well as the Disney songs. Katie plans to try out for the spring musical, too. And even though she says soccer is a bit “scary,” she’s going to learn to play!

Jazhira who goes by “Jazzy” has a deep interest in Forensics and studies A.P. physics and three I.B. courses: math, literature, and psychology this junior year. During the summer of 2025, she studied astronomy at Alfred University in New York state for a week. “I loved seeing the stars and constellations through the telescope,” she said.

Kyra, a senior, is loving A.P. chemistry because her participation in the Science Olympiad last year “confirmed my interest. I want to learn more to prepare for college.” Kyra sings with “Voices,” the select vocal ensemble at Guilford High School and is excited to sing in the upcoming fall play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the winter Meals on Wheels concert. “I love the jazz songs in that program!”

Lakeesha joined GABC as a sophomore this year. When she first met the other scholars last spring during a preparatory visit, she said she found them “really nice, welcoming, and helped me see high school from a student point-of-view.” She likes having so many choices at Guilford High School and is interested in fiber arts, Spanish II and geometry. She will be trying tennis as a sport this year.

Tamojah, a senior, studied psychology at the University of Vermont last summer and is continuing at GHS with I.B. psychology and anatomy and a course in statistics. She’s building on her interest in the sciences which began in middle school and increased with the A.P. biology course she completed in her junior year. Tamojah enjoys gatherings with the Feminist Alliance Club where important issues are freely discussed.

In addition to their studies, sports, and activities, the girls have regular chores around the house, and they volunteer at the Hole in the Wall consignment and thrift shop that supports the GABC program. Resident Director Lynn Prendergast lives in an apartment within the house and is part of the team that supports the scholars during their high school journey.