Saratoga Sponsor A Scholar’s Tenth Annual Graduation and Induction Picnic
SARATOGA SPRINGS – When you level the economic playing field, you lift up an individual’s potential, and broaden their horizons. As a result, our society’s future leaders are able to emerge – regardless of financial circumstances.
This, in a nutshell, summarizes the overall philosophy behind Saratoga Sponsor A Scholar (SSAS), which held its Tenth Annual Graduation and Induction Picnic on Sunday, June 2, in Spa State Park. Each year, SSAS celebrates the graduation of the seniors from the three-year high school portion of its seven-year program (which takes them right through four years of college or university education,) as well as the induction of 10 new sophomores at a picnic for them, their families, mentors and SSAS board members.
During the 3-year high school portion of the program, each student receives extensive support in developing the skills required to be a successful college applicant and student. In college, each student will receive up to $6,000 in stipends. The students are expected to work very hard to receive the rewards, and the results are staggering: The program has enjoyed a 100 percent graduation and college acceptance rate.
100 percent.
Let’s be clear: This is not a government supported program. Nor is it a school funded one (though much of the activities take place on the Saratoga Springs High School campus.) No, this is a private sector and private individual program of mentoring and financial support. Individuals and companies giving their time and providing resources in recognition of that guiding philosophy stated above.
It has been my pleasure to cover this not-for-profit organization for some years now; and what a joy to see the scholars who I saw inducted, like DeVaughn, Riley and others, now receive the accolades of SSAS board members, family and friends as newly minted graduates. You come away from events like this with renewed hope for the future, and the knowledge that society is in good hands. Enjoy the gallery of excellence, achievement and fun.
Arthur Gonick – June 5, 2019
Saratoga Sponsor-a-Scholar levels the economic playing field, allowing horizons to be broadened, and future leaders to emerge – regardless of financial circumstances. For more Scholarly information about how you can support these leaders of tomorrow, visit https://saratogasponsorascholar.org/
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