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Higher Achievement’s 2008 Graduates Prove that they are Going Places at this year’s Green Apple Awards
May 12, 2008- Approximately 500 parents, mentors, and friends gathered for Higher Achievement’s Eighth Annual Green Apple Awards, held this year at the Harman Center for the Arts and sponsored by the Freddie Mac Foundation. The ceremony recognized the program’s 48 graduating scholars as well as two Green Apple Award recipients: Carlos Garcia and Willkie, Farr, and Gallagher.
The event, orchestrated by the scholars themselves, included a moving African-drumming processional, encouraging words from current scholars to the graduates, and reflections from graduates representing all five centers. Aside from the personal and academic support that Higher Achievement has offered over the past four years, the graduates revealed that they would transition to top high schools like Benjamin Banneker Academic Senior High School, Elizabeth Seaton High School, Georgetown Visitation, and McKinley Technology High School.
Along with celebrating the transition of their graduating scholars into high school, Higher Achievement always recognizes partners who have gone above and beyond during the respective year. Willkie, Farr, and Gallagher, a local law firm, was recognized for their consistent general operations support over the past three years, hosting field trips that enlighten the scholars, sponsoring several signature regional events, and having staff participation on both the Board and President’s Council of Higher Achievement. Frank Buono, a President’s Council member, received the Green Apple award on behalf of his colleagues. The second award was a surprise, given to Higher Achievement’s board chair, Carlos Garcia. Garcia, along with his entire family, was acknowledged for his ongoing support of the organization for the past 15 years, which included service as a mentor during the early 1990’s and as a dedicated member of the board ever since.
Dominique Jones, a 2008 graduate, closed the ceremony on an inspiring note. “Do not think that you have potential, do not think that you will accomplish your goals, and do not think that you can succeed. From this day forward, do not ever think that you will achieve something again. You should know that you can do any and everything. Once you stop thinking and start knowing, nothing will be able to stop you!” |
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