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The Power of Community
On Saturday, December 20th, Reach for Excellence high school and college age alumni returned to Marist School with their families for a meaningful holiday breakfast filled with connection, reflection, and joy. They shared laughter and memories from their Reach years while creating new ones, reminding us just how powerful this community is.
Jordan Snellings and Wolly Mendez, both Reach alumni and board members, offered thoughtful words of wisdom, encouraging students to stay focused, remain open to new opportunities, and move forward with confidence rather than fear. It was meaningful to reconnect with alumni now scattered across the country who returned to Marist to celebrate the bonds that they created in Reach as middle schoolers.
Moments like these reflect what research consistently shows: a strong sense of belonging is a key driver of student persistence, confidence, and long-term success, particularly for first-generation and low-income students. Studies have found that when students feel known, supported, and connected to a community, they are more likely to thrive academically and personally. At Reach for Excellence, we see this every day. Belonging is foundational to student success.
As we look ahead, 2026 marks a very special milestone: the 25th anniversary of Reach for Excellence. Please save the date for An Evening to Celebrate 25 years of Reach for Excellence on Thursday, March 26, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Since 2001, 564 students have graduated from the program, carrying forward the values of academic excellence, leadership, and community. This year, the Reach team also looks forward to organizing more opportunities for alumni to reconnect, mentor, and continue building a strong sense of community and belonging across generations.