Cheers and tears from scholars, parents, and volunteers punctuated Guilford ABC’s Year-End Celebration at the Guilford Community Center in May. Kyra Amani who has chosen the University of Massachusetts at Lowell expressed her gratitude with flowing tears of joy.
“The academics at Guilford High School reached my highest interests. I loved the opportunities in sports, participating in musicals, the opportunity to meet new people.” She acknowledged the financial support of GABC that gave her these experiences.
“We are so grateful to have each other,” Kyra said, acknowledging her fellow scholars. “These girls are so caring and funny.” She made a special tribute to Resident Director Lynn Prendergast, saying “She’s a second mother to us” and thanked her host family and “my mom who is always supportive.”
Kyra will major in chemistry with a minor in race and ethnic studies. Her mother, Leah Kariuki, said “I’m so proud of her achievements. I’ve seen her growth in the program; her leadership skills improved because she became more disciplined in time management. She shows respect for others’ opinions.”
Kyra received the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABED) Student Leadership Award. The award honors students who demonstrate leadership and make meaningful contributions to their schools and communities. A Guilford Board of Education announcement reported that Kyra served for three years as a student representative to the Guilford BOE. She also founded and led a community-based BIPOC affinity group and was the lead organizer of the annual Multicultural Festival for two years.
Guilford High School Principal and GABC Board Member Julia Chaffe saluted the celebration. “Every year this is my favorite experience. GABC is woven into the fabric of our school, and it’s okay to cry,” she said, acknowledging Kyra’s loving tribute to her high school experience.
“Tamojah is a quiet leader who takes everything in with her reserved way. Her contributions have been incredibly rewarding. Both Tamojah and Kyra have learned when to reach out, when to ask for help. Asking for help is what we adults don’t model well,” she added, as she gave gifts that signified “my affection for you!”
Tamojah’s parents Karen Reid and Everold Tomlinson noticed “how mature and responsible she’s become. She’s like a mother to the other girls. When she started the GABC program, she was very shy and reserved, but now she meets and talks to others. The International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses pushed her academically. She was always a smart girl, and we are thankful to the ABC program for giving her so many more academic experiences.”
Tamojah later described her class trip to Sicily, Italy, during the spring semester. She attended Italian language classes there four hours a day, expanding her studies at GHS. “The classes were taught in Italian, and we learned how to respond to a situation, read, and do homework all in Italian” during the 10-day trip. Tamojah will attend the University of Vermont in Burlington as a psychology major. She looks forward to “helping people all my life.”
GABC 2018 alumna, Jada Allison, a Wellesley graduate, described the values of the GABC experience: “You learn how to adapt, be flexible, to observe. It’s a deeply powerful experience. I was very shy and quiet when I came to the high school, but ABC allowed me to blossom.” Her advice to the girls: “Despite moments of doubt, you kept showing up, built trust, courage, strength. Some obstacles are meant to be seen through – so stay the course,” she advised.
Judy Wright, past president and now GABC Program Coordinator, announced that Kyra and Tamojah would each receive an annual financial award for their four years of college from the Guilford ABC College Education Fund managed by the Guilford Foundation. Thus far, nine GABC students have been supported by the Fund while maintaining a “B” average.
Nancy Patton, outgoing president, thanked outgoing board members Kristina Powell and Mary Cosgrove, both Student Life Advisors to our graduating seniors.
Guilford ABC 