Board of Directors
Brandon Bean
Eva M.B. Higby
Robbin L. Higby
Ann N. Mittelstadt
Matthew Mittelstadt
Mike Volpe
Board of Advisors
Howard Anderson
Managing Partner,
YankeeTek
Gerald Chertavian
Founder and CEO,
Year Up
John H. Finley, IV
Executive Director,
Epiphany School
Gretchen S. Fish
Trustee, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Shawn Neville
President,
Keds Corporation
John B. Pearson
President and CEO,
Big Brother of Mass. Bay
John Werner
Executive Director,
Citizen School, Boston
Linda Whitlock
President and CEO,
Boys & Girls Clubs of
Boston
Investors
Top Investors
$10,000+
Newman’s Own Foundation
Mike Sullivan Memorial
Scholarship Golf Tournament
Santa Claus Anonymous
Lead Investors
$5,000+
Gretchen & Edward Fish
Unisys Corp.
Verisign Corp.
Investors $1000+
NY Comm. Trust.
Andrew Crowley
Mr. & Mrs. Eric Fleiss
Thomas Lehrman
Jane & James Saccaro
Sirit Corp.
Lead Scholars $500+
Bynum Family Foundation
Catalogue for Philanthropy
David and Cynthia Mittelstadt
Katie and Mark Sullivan Sarver
Scholars $100+
Array Financial Services
Kimberly & Eric Barrett
Daniel Brazeau
Jessica Bush
Brandon & Kacie Cherry
Jeremy Dies
Josh Dorfman
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Fleiss
Carl & Fran Harnick
KeyBank National Association
Gregg Miles
Wolf & Company Charitable Foundation
Staff
Frankie Cruz,
Executive Director
Laurine Lamour,
Program Manager
2007 Admissions Committee
Julia Bonarrigo
Walker Coppedge
Elizabeth Hamilton
Steve Hanmer
Matthew Katzman
Anne Mittelstadt
Gabriela Soto
Alejandra St. Guillen
Special thanks to our entire Admissions Committee of
2007!
2007 Admissions Volunteers
Julia Bonarrigo
Liz Davis
Robin Engel
Ramon Gomez
Elizabeth Hamilton
Steve Hanmer
Erin Hickey
Michael Horne
Matthew Katzman
Jongsun Kim
Nathaniel Marcum
Claire Mooney
Craig Nydick
Courtney Peterson
Kathy Rho
Gabriela Soto
Alejandra St. Guillen
Mike Volpe
Angela Yoon
A big thank you to all our volunteers!
(c) 2007
Boston Scholars Program
www.bostonscholars.org
If you can't see this newsletter correctly, click on this link: http://www.bostonscholars.org/BSPNews_July07.htm
In this Newsletter
Boston Scholars on TV on July 8
Welcome Class of 2011 - Biggest Ever
Meet the New Boston Scholars
Excerpts from Applications
Scholars Explore College at Harvard
Scholar Spotlight - Trip to Peru
Welcome Picnic 2007 Highlights
Upcoming Events
Mentor Updates
Upcoming NewsWe Need Your Help
Our ongoing success depends on our volunteer mentors, and our donorsBoston Scholars on TV (back to top)
Don ’t miss the television feature of Boston Scholars on Channel 5’s Cityline on Sunday, July 8th at 12pm! The on-air interview features Executive Director Frank Cruz and Boston Scholar Aaron Lawton (’09).
On June 23rd the Boston Scholars Community welcomed the new class of Scholars, Class of 2011.
(back to top)Fourth and Largest Class of Boston Scholars Admitted
(back to top)
We are all so proud of the progress that the Boston Scholars Program is achieving. This year marks a very special year in our organization’s growth because 75 applicants and families submitted applications to be considered to become Boston Scholars. Thanks to the help of our partner organizations and as a result of word of mouth, deserving students throughout Boston see the value of and seek the four years of long-term support and mentoring that we provide. Given the incredibly high quality of the candidates, we invited over 50 students in to be interviewed. Thanks to the dedication of a growing number of volunteers and our Admissions Committee, we were able to interview each candidate and guardian separately. Over 25 volunteers happily gave up their Saturday mornings to come down and meet our future Scholars in person. Without the hard work of our Admissions Committee members and volunteers who interviewed, translated and answered questions, we would not have been able to arrive at such an incredible new class. This year, Boston Scholars has admitted a class with a record number of 15 Scholars. This new class brings us to a historic new milestone in filling our roster with students from all four high school grades. We are so impressed by the caliber of the students and cannot wait to work with them as they grow and learn at their new schools. Congratulations to all the Boston Scholars, and especially to our new class of 2011! (back to top)Meet Our new Boston Scholars, Class of 2011 (back to top)
Kelley Andrews: Kelley comes to Boston Scholars from Mother Caroline Academy where she has participated in plays and won the Science Fair. She hopes to continue acting in high school next fall when she begins at Trinity Catholic School.
Stephanie Buruca: Stephanie was a student Ambassador while at Excel Academy. She joined Young Heroes where she completed more than 110 hours of community service. She will attend Boston University Academy next fall, where she tells us she hopes to take up ceramics.
Amber Dickerson: Amber comes to us from Mother Caroline Academy where she played soccer, tutored younger students, was on the honor roll, and worked with the Great Books program. She will be starting at Newton Country Day School in the fall and hopes she will have the opportunity to travel and see the world.
Elaine Goncalves: Elaine has just finished at Epiphany. While there she was president of the student council, was on the honor role, played on the soccer team, and helped out with a community service group called Project Bread. She will be attending Dana Hall next fall and hopes to become involved in the fashion industry.
Michael Lara Guerrero: Michael comes to Boston Scholars from Roxbury Preparatory where he was part of the soccer team and a member of the Science Club. He loves to play baseball and was on the Honor Roll at Roxbury Prep. He will be attending North Cambridge Catholic High School in the fall.
Zakiya Lewis: Zakiya comes from Mother Caroline where she has played soccer and basketball. She won Harvard Medical School’s essay contest for her essay on diabetes and hopes to join a Current Events Club at Milton Academy, when she will begin her high school education in the fall.
Demetrius McLester: Demetrius comes to Boston Scholars from Nativity Preparatory School. He enjoys doing community service and has played soccer, basketball, and football in his years at Nativity. He wants to take Latin in high school and will attend Xaverian Brothers High School next fall.
Ferlis Medina: Ferlis comes to Boston Scholars from Roxbury Preparatory where he played soccer, basketball, and softball, as well as participating in the Science Club and doing Tae-Kwon-Do. He wants to start playing football in high school, and will be attending North Cambridge Catholic High School in the fall.
Michelle Molina: Michelle also comes from Epiphany, where she was captain of the girls soccer team, was on the honor role, and represented her school at a conference. She hopes that next year, at Boston Trinity Academy, she can pursue her interest in dance and choreography.
Anthony Norman: While at St. Rose Academy, Anthony won awards for technology, physical education, and was recently named student of the month. He is active in the Boys and Girls Club where he is part of the swim team, participates in plays, and is a member of various clubs and teams. He will be attending Boston College High School, where he hopes to learn a second language and become more involved in technology.
Jennifer Ngo: Jennifer comes from Neighborhood House Charter School. She helped her old school with fundraising events, has done a lot of community service and was awarded the Citizenship Award and High Honors. She will be attending Newton Country Day School in the fall where she is excited to start playing new sports like tennis, lacrosse, and soccer.
Roger Perez: Roger comes from Beacon Academy. Roger was previously a Little Brother has part of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Mass. Bay where he won one of their Last Dollar Scholarships. He will be attending Kent’s Hill School in Maine next fall.
Melissa Tineo: While at Mother Caroline Academy, Melissa played soccer, volleyball, tennis and sang in the choir. She loves to write (from poetry to greeting cards!) and hopes that next fall, when she begins at North Cambridge Catholic High School, that she can take up basketball, drama, and become active in community service.
Hien Vu: While at Epiphany, Hien was on the basketball team, won 3rd place in the Science Fair and won the Farmer Award and King for the Day for most outstanding and well-rounded person. Hien hopes that when he starts in the fall at Roxbury Latin he will be able to play soccer more competitively.
John-Osbourne Williams: John-Osbourne comes from Roxbury Preparatory where he was part of the Science Club and played on the soccer team. He has won four Co-Directors List awards, two Honor Roll awards, and recently was named MVP for his soccer team. He has traveled to UC Santa Cruz for Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth program in Discrete Math and will attend Phillips Andover Academy in the fall. John-Osbourne was previously a Little Brother has part of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Mass Bay.
Though each is unique and brings different qualities to their high schools, what all these new Boston Scholars have in common is that they will enjoy four years of assistance, mentoring, and services as they pursue their academic and personal goals during their high school years. (back to top)
Boston Scholars Program Visits Partner School North Cambridge Catholic - Program Manager Laurine Lamour and Executive Director Frank Cruz are photographed with Scholars Abdulaye K. Damba (‘09) and Bianca Williams (’09). (back to top)
Excerpts from Student Applications (back to top)
Here is a small sampling of what a few of the recently admitted Scholars wrote as part of their applications. We hope it gives you insight into what some of the students have done in the past, and what they hope to bring to their new schools.What do you find most interesting about the Boston Scholars Program and why?
“I find the Boston Scholars Program interesting because it works hard to let underprivileged students succeed and reach their goals. A lot of children do not have the opportunity to go to independent schools because of their financial state, but Boston Scholars gives them a fair chance. I like that about Boston Scholars, and I think it will definitely make a difference in the community.” --Zakiya Lewis (Milton Academy, ’11)
Have you participated in a community service?
“I am involved in Project Boston. We are a group of girls who help out in the community. In the past, we have been to nursing homes to show the elders that they are loved. We have also baked cookies for troops over seas, made care packages for Katrina victims, and served lunch at a soup kitchen. In addition, we have done a Charles River clean-up and read to children. Being a part of this group helps me to give back to the community because I want people to know that I care.” --Elaine Goncalves (Dana Hall, ’11)Choose an event or moment in your life that has had a positive or negative influence on you and the choices you’ve made in and/or outside of school.
“Many important events have happened in my life, yet I think one event in particular has really made an impact on my life. It was a Chelsea Youth Basketball League game, my team, the Celtics, was facing the Knicks. The Knicks had a very tall team and they were also a well-developed team. Our team was small from the beginning, and we didn’t have that many skilled players. What made it worse was that our leading guard, Isaac, was injured and couldn’t play. If we had any chance of winning that game, something had to be done. With Isaac out of the game, I was forced to be the leading point guard, and I had to step up with that title. That game, even though we lost, was probably the best game of my life. I really thought that I truly stepped up and made a difference. I put in an effort of 200% into that game. The next day, in the city newspaper, I was recognized as ‘a menace on the court.’ After that game was over I realized something that I had never really thought of, that if I can make that big a difference in a basketball game by putting that much effort into it, then why not do it in everything I do? That game really changed me a lot and I tried a lot harder in everything I did. I decided to test my theory, and my hypothesis was correct. I had improved in everything I did, from playing basketball to acting to how my grades were in school. When I look back on that game, I realize how foolish I was before it happened. I don’t understand why I hadn’t already been putting that much effort into things that I did. I realized that I never truly pushed myself to the limit before that game, and that is why I didn’t achieve the grade and awards that I would have wanted to receive. Which goes to show you that you should always try hard, and find ways in which you can push yourself to achieve excellence. If this never happened, I think that I would not be achieving the grade that I am getting. My grades would still be at A’s, B’s, and C’s instead of just A’s and B’s. I would definitely not have all the awards that I have received, and I don’t think I would be very proud of myself.” --Anthony Norman (BC High, ’11)
(back to top)Boston Scholars Begin Exploring College (back to top)
In mid May, a few Boston Scholars began planning their college application process by participating in a relaxed discussion with current undergraduate students at Harvard.
Boston Scholars ask undergraduates at Harvard what college is really like.
The Scholars who participated were able to tour the campus and ask direct questions to current students on financial aid about how best to prepare for four year colleges. Scholars had the opportunity to hear about student life, academics, and how to balance various priorities. The weather was perfect out on Harvard Yard and Scholars got to see the campus and residential college. In addition to our trip in May, we are now working on an initiative to work individually with our older Scholars as they prepare and apply for college.
(back to top)Student Spotlight: Gaelle Travels to Peru (back to top)
One of the goals of The Boston Scholars Program is to help students reach for ambitious goals and achievements that once seemed impossible. For this reason, we feature Gaelle and her travel abroad experience in Peru last summer.Early on, Gaelle expressed to her strong desire and interest to travel abroad and improve her Spanish. She came to us at Boston Scholars at the end of last school year and asked for help in finding her a program for the summer. BSP found International Doorways and, just days after finishing her sophomore year at Trinity Catholic School, Gaelle found herself packed and headed for Peru. Last minute nerves almost prevented her trip, but her desire to explore another culture won out in the end. Three plane rides later Gaelle arrived, ready for her three week excursion through Peru.
As one of six students from the U.S., Gaelle discovered that her Spanish skills allowed her to help other American students in her group. They all lived with host-families in Cusco, the old Incan capital set in a valley between two mountains, interacting directly and seeing first-hand how a Peruvian family functions. The first half of the trip the group went to a Spanish immersion classes each day to become accustomed to the new language, and did community service work with children at a local school. At the school the group played various sports with the kids, taught them different games, and helped to erect a back wall for the school building. This, Gaelle told us, was the best part of the trip. Working with these kids, who, she says, “always made the best of every situation, never complained, and taught me so much.” The second half of the trip was full of adventures and sightseeing. The group went hiking and camping all over the country; they saw many beautiful sights, including Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, and got a chance to explore more fully the culture and history of Peru. Below is a photo of Gaelle with some of the students she worked with on her trip.
Gaelle came back from her three weeks trip with an understanding of a different culture, an increased desire to do good and see change in the world, and a greater passion for community service—not to mention a better knowledge of the Spanish language. Gaelle says she’s proud of the fact that, among the many people who say they want to help those in need, she can say she’s actually done it. She feels that community service “has to be something you want to do, not just something you’re made to do…you have to really care.” Gaelle feels that traveling abroad “broadens your horizons…and gives you the chance to participate in a really rare opportunity.” She recommends summer programs like International Doorways, saying, “you have to take these kinds of opportunities because they are fun and because who knows when the next one will come your way!” Gaelle’s experiences in Peru have clearly had an impact on her as her heightened self-confidence and sense of self is immediately evident to anyone who talks to her. (back to top)
Gaelle Charmant, Boston Scholar (’08)
with some of the youth she worked with during her trip to Peru. (back to top)
At Trinity Catholic School Gaelle has been mentoring younger students as part of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Club for the past two years. This school group serves as ambassadors for the school and helps new students adjust to the high school. Gaelle told us she wants to study medicine in college and, since Peru, has decided she wants to become fluent in Spanish. She also plans to study abroad for a semester in a Spanish speaking country during her college years. This summer Gaelle has been accepted into the Boston Area Health Education Center (BAHEC), where she will intern at a different hospital in the Boston area once each week. At Boston Scholars we applaud the courage and leadership Gaelle demonstrated on her trip and at her school; we wanted to share her experience in Peru with the entire Boston Scholar’s community because we think she’s a great model for what BSP stands for. Congratulations Gaelle on BAHEC this summer and good luck in your senior year at Trinity, finishing this stage of your education and preparing for the next one! We hope her story will inspire other students to make their dreams and goals a reality. (back to top)
Welcome Aboard Picnic 2007 (back to top)
On Saturday June 23rd the Boston Scholars community gathered together—Scholars, their families, Mentors, staff and Board Members—for a welcome picnic and orientation day for the new Scholars, class of 2011. The day was a chance for all to meet the new members, see old friends, and reconnect with the ever-growing community that Boston Scholars is becoming. Program Manager Laurine Lamour and Executive Director Frank Cruz opened the day with a greeting to old and new community members. Experienced mentor Ramon Gomez spoke to the group about his gratitude for being a part of his Scholar, Mark Cruz’ life and family. Mark Cruz, Boston Scholar at South Kent School, class of 2009, then discussed his growth through the program and the importance of communication and trust between parents and their children. He shared how initially his parents were opposed to Boarding School but says that now they are grateful for all that he has gained from his time away at South Kent. Mark went on to discuss how essential independence is in the process of growing up.The day continued by breaking Scholars and families up into class groups. Program Director Laurine Lamour met with the new class of 2011 to discuss programming and services that would be available to them in the coming years. Board Member Brandon Bean met with the two classes of 2009 and 2010 and Executive Director Frank Cruz met with the rising seniors to begin discussing the college application process. The day ended with a fun scavenger hunt where scholars were quizzed on BSP history and facts. The winning class was the class of 2008, with only three points more than the newest group of Scholars (2011). We were so lucky to have this chance to meet up with all the members of our community. Now in the middle of summer, we are all looking forward to what next school year will bring for both old and new scholars. We are grateful to Epiphany’s Head of School John Finley for allowing us to hold the event his school; he truly made us all feel at home!
(back to top)Upcoming Events (back to top)
July 14th Community Service Day: Cradles to Crayons for all Scholars and Mentors. Scholars will be volunteering at Cradles to Crayons, an organization that provides students the opportunity to give back to their community, helping homeless children and others in need acquire the basic necessities for their future endeavors.July 22nd Thompson Island Ropes Course: A chance for the new Scholars to get to know one another and their Mentors through team-building and personal challenging activities.
August 4th Artful Adventures: A visit at the Museum of Fine Arts for all Scholars and Mentors
(back to top)New Mentors to Boston Scholars (back to top)
We are proud to welcome five new Mentors who have been recently matched with Scholars into the Boston Scholar community: Andy Cahill, Liz Carten, Mark Daoust, Meghan Faria, Heather Frye, John Gordon, Andrea Hart, Michelle Jose, and Gabrielle Soto. We thank our other Mentors who are currently serving, or who have served our Scholars so marvelously in the past. If you, or someone you know, would like to become a Mentor, please call us at (617) 226-4618 for volunteering or click here to learn more about volunteer mentoring.
Mentor Andy and his Scholar Daniel Lewis (’10) before the start of a Women’s Hockey game this winter at Boston University, a Boston Scholars group event. (back to top)Boston Scholars Upcoming News (back to top)
Boston Scholar Monique Grannum (Loomis Chaffee ’08), is heading off to Costa Rica for a month long trip with International Doorways where she will be working for Habitat for Humanity
And don’t miss the TV interview with Frank Cruz and Aaron Lawton on CityLine on Sunday, July 8th at 12pm
(back to top)
We Need Your Support (back to top)The success of the Boston Scholars Program hinges on our volunteer mentors, who spend a few hours a month meeting with their students to mentor them and help make sure they are on a path to success, and our donors, who provide the critical financial support to make our program a success.
Click here to learn more about volunteer mentoring
