Highlights
Leaning into leadership and the making of mentors
In a meaningful exchange between local leadership and the next generation, the Scholars visited Wilton’s First Selectwoman Toni Boucher on February 12 and March 5 for reflectively driven mentorship sessions focused on public service and civic engagement, and business leadership. Scholars engaged in a candid conversation with Boucher about her journey from high school student to public service. This mentorship session was part of a two-day career exploration program for the Scholars, preparing students not just academically, but also for future leadership roles. The Scholars collectively felt this thoughtful presentation of Mrs. Boucher’s personal journey was inspiring and forgiving. Through the discussion, the notion of making mistakes while pursuing a dream was highlighted as valuable to the learning process. They closed out the session with a tour of the Town Hall and Fire Station.
The more you give, the more you get
Our Scholars acknowledge the importance of giving back to the community and participate with various volunteer driven organizations. This month in March, alongside some of the ABC Board and House Resident Director Cindy Shubrick, they assembled grocery bags for school children in need of weekend meals at Filling in the Blanks. The Scholars described the experience as, “eye opening.” The realization that there are so many children within Fairfield County who live with food insecurity in some of Connecticut’s most picturesque towns reflected the idea that poverty is in fact everywhere. They felt their own cups had been filled upon finishing and expressed hope for more opportunities to help children in need.
Namaste Anyone?
As part of ABC’s Life Skills programming, the Scholars engage in opportunities to carry with them long after leaving Wilton. This past fall, Wilton resident and local yoga instructor, Farrah Minnich invited the Scholars to learn about mind and body wellness through an afternoon of yoga. She demonstrated the benefits in uniting the body, mind and spirit through a beginner’s form class. She led them in breathing techniques to help stress management and calm the nervous system. Following the class she chatted with them about nutrition and the importance of incorporating healthy eating habits now while they are young. They all enjoyed making simple, whole food, nutritional smoothies that were tasty! Each of the Scholars took home their own yoga mats and smoothie tumblers. A few of our new, “yogis,” continue to take class with Farah each Sunday and even help in meal preparation from time to time at the ABC house to incorporate their appreciation for a healthy lifestyle.
