AROUND CAMPUS
Shared Values and Community — Horizons at Saint David ’ s
On May 7 , 2024 , a large group of Horizons at Saint David ’ s supporters gathered in the backyard for the program ’ s annual spring party .
The Horizons six-week summer program , now in its 12th 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 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 those in attendance .
Horizons alum Michael S . 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 is a freshman 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 ’ Sullivan ’ 21 , who is entering his senior 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 ,” said Dr . O ’ Halloran , President of Horizons at Saint David ’ s . “ We are grateful for them , and for all of the Horizons boys , alumni , volunteers , faculty , administrators , and donors who make the program possible .”
Summer 2024 • 51