GREENE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Founder ’ s Message
Debra Watkins , MEd , MS
Dear GSP Families and Supporters , Happy New Year !
When the Greene Scholars Program ( GSP ) held its 20th anniversary gala in May 2022 , I could not stop beaming with pride . From hearing Dr . Brian Barnes creatively recount the GSP ’ s history to seeing alums one after another mount the stage and share with the audience what they have accomplished since graduating from high school , my emotions ran high .
Although I had a robust vision for the program at its inception , I had planned to disband it after Adam Rhetta and his class of third graders graduated from high school .
Fast forward .
Well before Adam ’ s class graduated , the amazing parents in the GSP vowed to not only keep it alive , but take it well beyond my own vision for it . They have not disappointed !
In fact , when people ask me what the “ secret sauce ” is for GSP ’ s stellar track record of producing 100 % college-bound students in every graduating class , I always mention the parents . A few years ago , I was approached by a group of researchers who had heard about the GSP ’ s parent engagement model and asked if they could “ study ” it and publish their findings . Initially , I was reluctant . Once they agreed with my stipulations about how the findings could be used , they conducted the study and validated what I already knew . If you build it well , parents will come and they will stay .
We are one of the few programs in the entire country that begins with children as young as third grade and stays with them until they graduate from high school .
As the GSP enters its third decade , we are poised for even more greatness . We hired Tasha Castañeda as our Development ( Fundraising ) and Outreach Director . I had the privilege of overseeing the GSP when Tasha was one of our most active parents . In fact , she was what I call a “ model ” parent volunteer . I won ’ t go into all of the reasons here , but I was thrilled when her name was recommended to the board for this brand new position .
I look forward to witnessing the further expansion of a vision I had to help cultivate the genius of every Black child admitted to the GSP .
Enjoy our annual science fair and awards ceremony !
Peace and blessings ,
Debra
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