On Sunday, May 22nd, the Next Generation Scholars community gathered to celebrate its college-bound class of 2022 at The READ, a fundraiser held at Hopmonk Taverns in Novato. Keynote speaker and principal of Laurel Dell Elementary School in San Rafael, Pepe Gonzalez, shared his experiences and spoke to the importance of supporting youth as they work to become the first in their families to earn a college degree. Three student speakers, Fabiola, Leslye, and Juan, shared stories of their journeys, while inspiring the crowd of over 80 guests to support our work. The highlight of the evening was the “College Reveal“, when Board Member Tony Nethercutt invited all graduates to the stage to simultaneously and proudly reveal t-shirts displaying the name of their new colleges to the crowd.
The gala, which brought together community supporters, the NGS community, students and families, raised over $50,000, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting our upcoming Summer Academy program. If you missed the event, and would still like to provide your support for this annual tradition, please click here: www.nextgenerationscholars.org/donate