About Reach For Excellence

Welcome Dr. Linda Lehmil! The Society of Mary and the Reach for Excellence Board of Directors are happy to announce that Dr. Linda Lehmil will be the next Executive Director of Reach for Excellence beginning July 1, 2023. Dr. Lehmil is currently teaching AP and other levels of French at Marist School. Dr. Lehmil brings 18+ years of teaching experience at the middle school, high school, and college levels as well as years of experience in the non-profit world. Dr. Lehmil’s non-profit experience includes research, monitoring, and evaluation of global programs in Hong Kong, Nepal, and [...]

Math and Reading Scores Decline Nationwide The Nation's Report Card, or results from the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress, shows that fourth and eighth-graders math and reading scores have declined since 2019 across most states. "The results show the profound toll on student learning during the pandemic, as the size and scope of the declines are the largest ever in mathematics," said NCES Commissioner Peggy G. Carr. No state or large urban district showed improvements in math. Disturbingly, eighth-grade math scores have declined in all states. "Eighth grade is a pivotal moment in students' mathematics education, [...]

From Reach for Excellence to Capitol Hill Anya Bibbs (Cohort '17 O) and her mother moved from Ohio to Atlanta in 2014. It was a difficult time for her family as they tried to re-establish themselves for a fresh start in a new community. Anya switched schools often during that time. Her counselor at Peachtree Middle School introduced her to Reach for Excellence and recommended that she apply for the program. Anya kept the application process going even as she switched to Shiloh Middle School during the year. She remembers her surprise at receiving the "fat [...]

Jocelyn Calvillo '08 F achieves her dream The first time Jocelyn Calvillo signed her name as an attorney was a powerful moment.  That simple gesture of her pen represented the culmination of work that began for her in middle school. Jocelyn attended DeKalb PATH Academy.  She learned about Reach for Excellence when Karen Dessables gave a presentation on the Reach program.  Jocelyn was eager to join Reach, but her parents were concerned about maintaining a commitment to attend classes on Saturdays and during the Summer.  Jocelyn had 3 siblings, and both parents worked demanding schedules.  Transportation to [...]

Ms. Mavity Sees Remarkable Student Growth "It's very difficult for me to choose a favorite thing about teaching at Reach, because there are so many wonderful aspects of being a part of this community. However, one of the most unique aspects about teaching our Reach scholars is the continuity that we get. As a Spanish teacher at a large school during the school week, I am used to working with students for just a semester, or at most, a full school year. However, with Reach, the fact that students and parents commit to 3 years of Saturday [...]

Reach Graduates Return to Speak at Career Day On Saturday, December 4th, twelve Reach for Excellence Alumni returned to our campus to invest in our current students.  Jared Alexander ('07 E), Genie Arcila ('06 D), Shelby Ashley ('07 E), Terrance Butler ('09 G), Jocelyn Calvillo ('08 F), Christina Chandra ('06 D), Brandon Fountain ('11 I), Erik Guzman ('16 F), Jay Kendrick ('07 E), Serena Lau ('11 I), Wollinsky Mendez ('05 C), Summer Robinson ('11 I), and Chanel Tobias ('10 H) shared their experience from high school to college to [...]

Davonté Simmons What is your favorite Reach for Excellence memory from this Summer? My favorite reach for excellence memory from this Summer is completing two novels during our Book Club. The young men and I both were excited and proud to complete two thought-provoking novels during our time together. What do you teach? I teach 5th grade, all subjects, including Bible curriculum. Where did you go to school? I went to Benedict College, an HBCU in South Carolina, for undergraduate studies and the University of Kansas to obtain my Master's in Curriculum and Instruction. How would you [...]