Horizons graduates 27

Tuesday, 04 August 2009 06:38

Horizons honored its 27 High School Program graduates on May 18 in what representatives described as a “joyous, often emotional” ceremony at New Canaan Country School.

Coming from diverse area high schools, 96 percent of this year’s graduating class will attend college in the fall; many will be the first in their families to do so.

The personal struggles and successes they described from the podium all reflected the same sentiment, according to a press release: That without Horizons, their futures would look much different.

“Horizons has taught all of us to strive for happiness, as happiness is the key to a successful life,” said Kevin Thompson, keynote speaker and Horizons alum. “For Horizons students, the sky is the limit.”

Thompson will begin his professional life this fall as a second grade apprentice at Greens Farms Academy, spreading the Horizons spirit and mission.

The Horizons High School Program helped its students by organizing college tours; providing one-on-one academic coaching, SAT preparation and college counseling, and assisting with the college application process.

“We could have never filled out all the forms without help from Horizons,” said one mother. “When my son started at Horizons, he became excited about school for the first time. He learned to swim, learned to speak well, and began to recognize that college and academics can you give you a better life. We are so happy today.”

Members of the Class of 2009 plan to attend the University of Richmond; New York University; Connecticut College; John Jay College; La Salle University; Gannon College; Manhattanville College; University of Hartford; Virginia State University; Eastern Connecticut State University; University of New Haven; Southern Connecticut State University; University of Connecticut, Storrs; Virginia Union University; Morgan State University, Norwalk Community College and Albright College. This year’s graduating class is the largest in Horizons’ history.

The Horizons Student Enrichment Program, currently serving 375 children from low-income families in the Norwalk and Stamford area, will begin its 46th year on the campus of New Canaan Country School this summer.

For information, call the Horizons office at 972-7005 or visit horizonskids.org.