Recently, a large group of Horizons at Saint David's supporters gathered in the backyard for the program's annual spring party. The weather was sunny and warm, and everyone's spirits, high. As I spoke with the various attendees, the Saint David's alumni, parents of alumni, volunteers, teachers, and administrators, what struck me most was the sense of community, enthusiasm, and shared values.
The Horizons six-week summer program, now in its twelfth year, provides academic support, arts, music, sports, swimming instruction, and field trips to boys in rising first through ninth grades from schools in Saint David's neighborhood, who otherwise wouldn't have these kinds of opportunities in the summer.
As Horizons at Saint David’s Executive Director Nicole Ransone succinctly expressed in her welcoming remarks, “Our mission remains the same: to eradicate summer slide and have boys feel successful and prepared for school in September. Our vision is a future where every child can thrive.” She then invited two of the young men who regularly volunteer for the program -- one a Horizons program alum, the other an alumnus of Saint David's School -- to speak to us.
Horizons alum Michael S. ’20 was a student in the program from age 6 through 15. “Horizons helped me use resilience, courage, and creativity through any challenge I had," he shared. "It was also instrumental in my being prepared academically each school year. " The deep friendships he made with fellow Horizons alumni, whom he met when they were all rising first graders, endure to this day, through what he termed "unbreakable bonds." Michael soon heads off to college at SUNY Binghamton; he anticipates working for an organization similar to Horizons when he graduates, one that provides others with the same opportunities he had.
This sense of giving back was echoed by Saint David’s alumnus Emmet O. ’21, who is completing his junior year at Regis and has volunteered at Horizons for the past three summers. “These summers have been a chance to grow and learn,” he said. Grateful for the quality of education he had at Saint David’s, Emmet said he felt an instant connection to the way the Horizons program fosters an environment that supports educational equity and inspires a joy for learning. He, too, noted the deep bonds and connections among the boys, and among all those in the Horizons/Saint David's community.
These two young men spoke thoughtfully about their experiences with the program, each demonstrating the kindness and care that defines the Horizons at Saint David's community. We are grateful for them, and for all of the Horizons boys, alumni, volunteers, faculty, administrators, and donors who make the program possible.
This video features clips of both alumni.
For more information on Horizons at Saint David's, visit:
https://www.sdshorizons.org/
