Class News
Jon McBride ’64 sends an update on Squash Haven
November 5, 2020
Jon McBride, our Class liaison to Squash Haven (an organization that our class supports), forwarded the following report from Squash Haven.
It has been an AWESOME fall for Squash Haven team members. With New Haven schools remote and the challenges of 2020 unrelenting, we continue to adapt to provide targeted programming and support for team members and their families. Read on to learn more about our in-person programming (with squash!), early highlights for this year’s high school seniors, and our blossoming citizens.
Above: (l to r): Jayrene and David spar during practice, while our high schoolers are all business in a homework session.
Squash Haven Thrives in Person
Beginning in September, we have offered outdoor, in person, masked, and socially distant programming. Each session focuses on what Squash Haven does best: rigorous academic enrichment, homework help, and squash and fitness training in the context of a fun, relationship-driven model. All team members participate in supplemental remote sessions. Spirits have soared as team members have delighted in the joy of each other, of staff, and of whacking a ball around… even if it is outside and off of a cement wall!
Remote College Searches? No Problem for 12 Seniors
Seniors are all smiles after a session with a college rep, including (middle far right) Questbridge Scholarship finalist Yareli
Undaunted by the prospect of remote SAT prep, college searches, and application work, this year’s high school seniors are aiming high. This fall, Squash Haven seniors enjoyed remote visits from twelve college representatives and also participated in remote diversity “overnights” at fourteen schools, including Amherst, Harvey Mudd, Lehigh, and Washington University St Louis. Our first early decision applications are submitted. Stay tuned for more from this great class!
Squash Haven Citizens
Above: (l to r): First time voter Yunior celebrates in New Haven,
while Franklin and Marshall junior Pratiksha shows her sticker
after casting her vote in swing state Pennsylvania
Squash Haven’s mission statement expresses our goal to empower team members “through higher education to engaged citizenship.” In keeping with that goal, this year’s election has provided a powerful real-time opportunity for civic education and engagement. In academic enrichment, students have learned about the electoral process, voter suppression, trends and issues in Latinx voting, and more. In addition, Election Day offered its own cause for celebration as team members voted, many for the first time.
We can’t wait to share our progress as we move FORWARD TOGETHER.
Our Very Best to All of You!