Celebrating 26 Rising Ninth Graders
On Saturday, July 11, Reach celebrated 26 rising ninth graders at the 25th Stepping Up ceremony. Veronica Valencia (Cohort 2011 I), returned to address the new graduates. The private equity professional relayed how the network that she established at Reach for Excellence helped her land an early role and the importance of staying in touch with classmates.
Honoring Excellence This year, Reach presented one Tim Cambias Memorial College Scholarship, two Tim Cambias Memorial Middle School Awards, four High School Achievement & Character Awards sponsored by Reach alumnus Brandon Fountain, nine Reach for Excellence High School Awards plus the Karen Dessables Award for Leadership and Service. In addition, the two students with the highest SSAT scores in Cohort 2026 X were recognized. These scholars represent what is possible when opportunity meets hard work.
Summer 2026 Impact
Ninety-eight scholars completed five weeks of academic enrichment this summer, including the new hands-on Science curriculum, intensive SSAT prep, and the inaugural Discovery Golf and Leadership Experience. Students also enjoyed educational field trips, Book Club, Spirit Week and Field Day. This year, 76% of students relied upon daily round trip bus transportation provided by Reach teachers who drove them safely to and from the program. Meanwhile, more than 4,300 breakfasts and lunches were served.
Immediately following the ceremony, alumni from early cohorts returned to celebrate 25 years of Reach for Excellence with the newest alumni from Cohort X. Wolly Mendez (Cohort 2005 C) and Derrick Lewis (Cohort 2010 H) delivered this year's Alumni Address. Award winners included:
Friend of the Year Award: Dekalb PATH Academy
Alumni Service Award: Matthew Weldegaber
Outstanding Alumni Award: Wolly Mendez
Legacy Impact Awards: Dr. Isaac Gitonga, instructor for the entire 25 years of the program Andrew Quinn, long term teacher now retired
These new Alumni Awards, established by Reach leadership this year, aim to recognize talented Reach Alumni, faculty and partners. Thank you to our board of directors, donors, teachers, families, alumni, and community collaborators. Your contributions are the reason Reach scholars have the chance to climb.
With gratitude,
Dr Linda Lehmil