For t he pro g r a m’s
si x t h s u m mer, 15
Saint David’s current
and former teachers
pa r t icipated a s we
welcomed nearly 100
boys in Grades One
through Six from
our four par tner
schools in Harlem.
During the si x-
we e k , t u it ion -
free experience,
the boys’
days are filled
with a blend of
academics, arts, and athletics.
In addition to sessions in reading and math, the
boys go on field trips to nearby museums, study theater, take
swimming lessons, and participate in STE(A)M projects. The
program also features a robust social/emotional component
that focuses on the development of the whole child. It has
been wonderful to be part of its evolution; particularly
gratifying has been witnessing the interaction among the
boys and Saint David’s alumni who volunteer for Horizons.
As Spencer Shelton ’17, puts it: “Horizons at Saint David’s
is an incredibly enriching experience. Volunteers were given
the opportunity to help teachers and take on many new
responsibilities, while the students experienced a nourishing
program to help reduce summer slide and expose them to
the Saint David’s community.”
Each summer, about 10-15 Saint David’s alumni, now
in high school, arrive not really knowing what to expect,
but by the end of the summer, most boys realize that they
have gained as much as they gave. Inevitably a connection
forms between the Horizons student and the Saint David’s
volunteer.
Eve r y c l a s s
i s d i f fe r e n t .
This past
summer the
First Grade
b oy s we r e
particularly
enthusiastic
and energetic.
Their teachers,
L i nd say Bu h r
36 • Saint David’s Magazine
and Debi Germann, requested two volunteers in the
classroom instead of the usual one. The volunteers’ tasks
were deceptively simple: to distribute the snack, to monitor
the playground, to help walk the group to lunch. And even
more critical, but essential: the volunteers are asked to behave
like the best student in the class. If it was time to sit on the
rug, they were the first ones there. To raise a quiet hand,
they showed how it was done. The five-and six-year-olds
mirrored their every move.
“By day three, I was completely invested in their
accomplishments, both big and small. I cheered when one
boy stayed on the rug for the entire time a book was read,
and was delighted to see another find his line spot without
any trouble,” said Brij Gautaum ’16, now a sophomore at
Loyola. “It made me so happy I could contribute to their
growth. I found myself thinking about them, even after the
day ended.”
Frances Gannon ’17, now a freshman at Deerfield,
connected with the First Grade boys through the small
things. “Having a brother with special needs, it was second
nature for me to help young students tie their shoes or
encourage them throughout the day. We had fun nicknames
for each other and it was really fun to see all of their
personalities develop.”
When a boy needed extra attention, Lindsay and Debi
often turned to the volunteers. One little boy’s father passed
away during the first week of Horizons. Frances stayed
near him during free
play and was able
to help him cope
with his loss.
The
Horizons boys
look up to the
volunteers.
They literally
will follow them
anywhere, and
will mimic their
actions.
They
will