Welcome back, students! Reach for Excellence's Summer Session began yesterday with scholars from Cohort 2021 S, Cohort 2022 T, and Cohort 2023 U. We are so happy to have all the students back on campus forming a community of like-minded young people who are dedicated to academic success.
Andrew Betz How long have you taught with Reach for Excellence? 2021 is my 5th year, possibly 6th. What do you teach? I teach SSAT Math and Board Games Where did you go to school? I went to college at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania How would you describe yourself in middle school? Middle school was my opportunity to indulge in lawn mowing and math. Lots of both. What was your favorite book, music, or movie when you were in middle school? Book - Lord of the Rings, Music - everything Beatles, Movie - Star Wars (I have [...]
Dr. Daniel Chandra, Cohort 2004 B Tell us the story about how you came to Reach for Excellence… I heard about the program through my middle school guidance counselor and was inspired to join by my teachers, who advocated the importance of my high school experience in eventually achieving admission into college. Tell us a little about your family... Both of my parents immigrated from Indonesia. I was lucky to have extremely supportive parents who did not pressure me about my grades but instead encouraged me to explore my interests. What memories from the program stand out [...]
Kandon Fears (Cohort 2018 P) Sworn In as DeKalb County Youth Commissioner Reach for Excellence Alum, Kandon Fears (Cohort 2018 P, DeKalb School of the Arts '22), was recently selected to be a DeKalb County Youth Commissioner. Thirty-two youth from throughout the County were sworn into their positions as Youth Commissioners by the Honorable Asha Jackson, DeKalb County Chief Judge of Superior Court at a recent virtual ceremony. DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond was the featured speaker, stating “you have the power and the influence to transform and improve the quality of life throughout DeKalb County, [...]
Christopher Lembo How long have you taught with Reach for Excellence? I have taught with Reach since this past October. What do you teach? I teach 8th grade Algebra. Where did you go to school? I attended Servite High School in southern California, and then the University of Notre Dame for my undergraduate studies. How would you describe yourself in middle school? In middle school, I was timid and lacked confidence, but I loved to read and play sports. What was your favorite book, music, or movie when you were in middle school? My favorite books in middle school [...]
Summer J. Robinson, Cohort 2011, I Tell us the story about how you came to Reach for Excellence… I believe that Mark Stucker, the high school advisor at my middle school, told my parents about Reach for Excellence. Or they may have heard about RFE from A Better Chance. What memories from the program stand out to you and why? I remember going on a few trips with Reach for Excellence, including going to a science museum in Augusta, GA and going on a field trip in the woods. I also remember volunteering at the Atlanta Food [...]
Kevin Findell How long have you taught with Reach for Excellence? I started at Reach in summer of 2017. What do you teach? English Language Arts Where did you go to school? East Carolina University How would you describe yourself in middle school? I played several team sports (football, basketball, track), so I guess that I was a 'jock' to use a term that shows my age What was your favorite book, music, or movie when you were in middle school? I was into breakdancing, so music related to that was my preference. Tell us about your teaching [...]
Kniasia Fortney, Cohort 2013 K Tell us the story about how you came to Reach for Excellence… I came to Reach for Excellence in 2011 as a rising 7th grader. I was attending a school named ICS (International Community School). ICS wasn't the richest school, but everyone there was like family. When I got the opportunity to join Reach for Excellence I was ecstatic. I knew it was something that would benefit me in the long run. What memories from the program stand out to you and why? I think my favorite memory would definitely have to [...]
Rachel Wong Wins Prestigious Rangel Fellowship On December 4, Rachel Wong, Cohort 2011 I, was awarded a 2021 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship following a highly competitive nationwide selection process. The Rangel Fellowship, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Howard University, supports extraordinary individuals who want to pursue a career in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The fellowship will support Rachel through a two-year master's degree in an area of relevance to the Foreign Service. It will also provide extensive professional development opportunities, including internships, mentors, and [...]
Simmy Wolfe How long have you taught with Reach for Excellence? I have taught sixth grade with Reach For Excellence since 2016. What do you teach? I teach 6th grade Social Studies with RFE and love it! Where did you go to school? Most recently, I studied at Georgia State University and received a post-graduate certificate in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology. I have also received education degrees from the College of St. Rose (Albany, NY) and the State University of New York at Oswego. How would you describe yourself in middle school? As a middle school student, [...]
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