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Upcoming Events
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Golf Tournament
June 23
Whitmoor Country Club
Where Hope Lives Open Houses
July 1, 4:30pm
Boys Hope
RSVP to:
jwacker@bhgh.org
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Collegian Spotlight
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Arecia Knight
(Class of 2013)
Rising Sophomore
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Major: Business Administration
Concentration: Finance & Mathematics
Occupational Aspiration:
-to start her own business or work as a CEO or CFO
As Arecia begins her summer job working with children at a local Rec Center, she can reflect on a successful first year of college, marked by involvement in two service societies, a 3.0+ GPA, and far beyond that, the beginning of invaluable life-long relationships.
When asked how BHGH best prepared her for college, she thinks first of how her experience living with others at Girls Hope prepared her for dorm life by teaching her how to interacted with many different personalities: "BHGH really pushed me to be ok with being out of my comfort zone because I could have just talked to my roommate ... but I really opened up to a lot of the girls on my floor and got to feel known by many people in a good way."
Her advice to our current scholars revolves around harnessing all of the opportunities and support they are offered:
"Every little thing anybody throws at you--take advantage of it. There are times when college is very hard, but don't feel like you are on your own or have to prove something to anybody. Just be the best you can be, have fun, and take advantage of every opportunity.
"
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Meet a New Scholar!
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Tylisha
Rising 8th Grader
Why She Came:
Better Environment & Schools
Hardest Thing About Girls Hope:
Having a Roommate
Favorite Thing About Girls Hope:
Having a Roommate
2 Things She Wants to Pursue:
-Law & Judgeship
-Soccer
Excited About:
School is Going Well & Her Grades are Great
Wants to be Known As:
"I want to be known as someone who would do things out of the kindness of their heart."
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Message from the Director
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A growing body of research supports what wise people have been teaching for years: if you want to be happier, practice gratitude. It just makes sense. Counting one's blessings fosters a sense of abundance and a desire to share.
During this season of graduation at Boys Hope Girls Hope, there is much thankfulness "in the air." I was particularly touched by the heartfelt gratitude expressed by the families of our graduates. Their tender love for their children radiated from them as they talked about how the partnership with our staff and organization had been so life-giving.
As people who make this beautiful work possible, I want you to know how much the staff, scholars, and families are thankful to you.
May your joy be radiant!
Brian Hipp
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Graduations & Recognitions
 | | Graduation Day! Dorothy receives her diploma from Nerinx Hall |
As scholars finish up with final exams and the school year races to a close, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible achievements of our graduates. Our five seniors will all be attending college in the fall with the aid of a variety of scholarships. Their hard work, combined with the tireless efforts and support of the BHGH community, has made this a reality for them, and we are excited for all that they will go on to accomplish in college.
Congratulations Dorothy, Demetrice, Miguel, Desiree & Briana!
We also could not be more proud of our new college graduates Jacob (BA in Theater Arts Production, Bradley University) and Brijhette (MA in Architecture, State University of New York). As they complete their formal education, they are the embodiment of our hopes for all the scholars we serve and true examples of people for others.
Scholar Recognition
At our Annual Scholar Recognition Event, we had the opportunity to gather as a community to acknowledge the strides all of our scholars have made this year and the milestones they have reached. Families, staff, volunteers, and board members were on hand to welcome 26 scholars into the 3.0 & 3.5 GPA clubs for the year, recognize those who have stood out among their peers as recipients of the Person for Others Award, and celebrate the array of extra-curricular activities and achievements represented.
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The 3.5 GPA Club
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We also took the opportunity to thank two youth volunteers who have far exceeded anything we could have asked of them with the Youth Opportunity & Development Award. Congratulations to Paul Kutz and Barb Wilmes on this well-deserved recognition. The evening culminated with a few parting words from the new graduates and a chance to mingle and reflect on all that has been accomplished this school year. National Day of Service & Volunteer Recognition
 | | Youth Volunteers & Scholars at Appreciation BBQ |
The scholars also hosted their own recognition event this spring. In addition to our annual service project, sch olars and staff took this year's BHGH National Day of Service as an opportunity to honor another extraordinary group of people--the volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to supporting them each week. From tutors and mentors to drivers and meal volunteers, we have an amazing group to thank for wading through challenges, triumphs, and the seemingly endless piles of daily homework with our scholars.
 | | Scholars Present Awards to the Volunteers |
On the National Day of Service, our regular youth and meal volunteers were invited to enjoy a Volunteer Appreciation BBQ, where they each received personalized awards from the scholars they have impacted most and a group thank-you gift.
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Hope Prep Community Service Learning
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8th graders, Jamesia & Areanita, sell fundraiser tickets
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Hope Prep Scholars Academy has implemented Wyman's Teen Outreach Program (T.O.P.) curriculum into weekly sessions. An important part of T.O.P. is for all scholars to plan and be a part of 20+ hours of Community Service Learning (CSL). This year, each class of Hope Prep scholars worked hard to brainstorm, plan, create and lead service projects for a purpose or charity of their choice.
8th grade scholars at Berkeley Middle School decided to plan a pajama & hat day fundraiser at school and all proceeds went to Gateway Pet Guardians animal shelter in St. Louis. Scholars made informational posters, worked with other students, teachers and administration to choose calendar dates, and sold tickets during school lunch. At the end of the week, they raised more than $200.00 for Gateway Pet Guardians!
 | | Charlene (9th grade) painting masks at the scholar-run Pre-School Carnival |
Carnival was the theme for 9th grade scholars at McCluer South-Berkeley High School! On May 27, scholars put on a fantastic carnival in the school gym for the 3-5 year old students who attend the in-house pre-school. Scholars decorated and facilitated stations such as face & mask painting, bracelet-making, costume photo booth, musical chairs and other physical games. Each student was given a goody bag to take home, made by the scholars. What a fun day!
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Toiletry gift bags assembled for a local women's shelter by 10th grader scholars
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10th grade scholars chose to give back to Our Lady's Inn, a local women's shelter. Scholars did research on local shelters, assessing each location's needs and demographics. Once chosen, they went shopping for toiletry items and supplies to create toiletry gift bags. Each scholarfilled bags with soaps, lotions, razors, socks, tissues and a hand-made card of encouragement for each resident, tying each bag with the perfect bow! |
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All Things Summer!
Many may remember the Lyrics to "School's Out" by Alice Cooper: "School's out for summer, School's out forever... no more pencils, no more books...." Indeed school is out for our scholars, but that does not leave idle time.
Boys Hope and Girls Hope scholars will be attending a variety of
camps including -- The Teen Institute, Camp Erin, NCADA Leadership Camp, Campus Camp, Girl Scout Camp, Camp Lakewood, football camp, and basketball camp. Others will be traveling with youth groups to do mission work in North Carolina and in Stubenville, and some, like Reanna and Hannah, will be taking college level courses that offer enrichment opportunities!
Shaun, Seth, Alik, Des and Bree each have summer jobs that will keep them on the go in addition to the various camps they are attending.
These wonderful opportunities are made possible with the generosity of grantors, partnerships with local agencies, and donors like yourself. A special shout out to the St. Louis Rotary Club, the Girls Scouts of America, YMCA, Chesterfield Arts, NCADA, Cultural Leadership, Desmet High School and to YOU for making summer a fun and learning opportunity for our scholars.
Be Part of An Amazing Summer!
Provide a Meal:Sign-up on our Care Calendar. Contact amohrmann@bhgh.org for instructions.
Sign up to send a Camp Care Package: Here
Donate below to help us fully fund all of these incredible opportunities!
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