A Virtual Celebration, Authentic Appreciation
Laughter, tears, and stories shared just like so many previous Scholar Celebrations, yet in the time of Covid-19 and social distancing, this year was unlike any other. Scholars and their families, board members, host families and friends gathered in ones and twos and more in front of computers and smart phones Wednesday night to celebrate the journeys of our Scholars, most especially our two graduating seniors.
“Yaaaasssssss Lea and Dia”
and
“Yay Leannette and Dia!”
were shouted out via comments and chats as we came together on Facebook Live and Zoom.
Abigail Schugert received the Samuel Rogers Prize for Volunteerism for her work with Esperanza Academy and her commitment to working as a volunteer. Now back in Los Angeles, Abigail continues volunteering, as she distributes food to neighbors and friends during the pandemic.
Claire Stahley received the President’s Award for her deep caring. Gaby introduced Claire as “the person who ensures every Scholar is deeply seen, deeply heard and deeply valued. Claire will drop everything to help lift up our Scholars.”
Highlighting the evening was the deep appreciation and affection shared for Dia and Leannette. Their fellow Scholars put together a slideshow of times shared. Photos of playing in the snow, playing games, goofing around and selfies rolled by accompanied by the lyrics “And we kept having fun And we kept growing up and I’ll say You made me who I am.” by the band LAUNDRY DAY. Appropriately LAUNDRY DAY band members are best friends from New York, the home of Dia and Leannette who are also best friends.
Accolades and laughter continued to ring out from the academic advisors and host families, culminating in adding the college pennants of the seniors’ chosen colleges to the line of pennants of ABC of Andover alumni. As Julie Childs placed the pennants of Williams and UMiami alongside Syracuse, Brandeis, Wesleyan, Boston University and so many more colleges, she echoed what all gathered were feeling, “U Miami and Williams hit the jackpot” when Leannette and Dia chose to join their incoming classes.
