Frequently chatting with program alumni, Lozano notes most will freely say that Sacred Heart did a lot to help them recognize his or her individual gifts and talents. But she also says it is evident that each one in their own way learned a valuable tool of self-advocacy. “I don’t think any ever took ‘no’ for an answer. I think they all were extremely resourceful and figured out a path so they could be successful. I credit their families and respective communities that helped shaped their sense of resiliency—life skills reinforced here at Sacred Heart and which have helped them adapt and advance. “Definitely tapping into all the resources we have here— that’s part of the reason they’ve been so successful both at the Prep and in college,” she continues. “Each student used the opportunity they were given to make more opportunities for themselves. And in many cases, with many recipients, they have remained committed to giving back to the program because they know first-hand how transformative a Sacred Heart experience can be, and how special this program is. Each year, a number of program alumni return to attend SSP events, to support or mentor current Sophie’s Scholars, or to talk with parents of prospective Scholars. “I think all of our program alumni recognize how hard they’ve had to work, how hard their families have had to work to make this educational opportunity happen. And I think that’s why they all want to make it easier in some shape or form for the next group that’s coming behind them,” she adds. As one recent BCAF recipient sums up, “Being part of the Sophie’s Scholars Program definitely increased my motivation to achieve my goals. I like to think that those behind the award are making an investment in my future, so I must deliver results.
I have yet to hear of another school that has a similar program, a similar community so willing to support its students and caring enough to want them to succeed beyond [elementary and secondary schooling]. And people are always mind-blown when they hear me talk about it. — B A R AT C O L L E G E AC C E S S F U N D R E C I P I E N T
“I have yet to hear of another school that has a similar program, a similar community so willing to support its students and caring enough to want them to succeed beyond [elementary and secondary schooling]. And people are always mind-blown when they hear me talk about it. But the best part about this experience, really, is the connection I get to keep with the school. No matter how long it’s been since my graduation, it still feels like I’m under Sacred Heart’s care and guidance, which is incredibly reassuring. “The gift of a Sacred Heart education is never-ending; it’s truly a blessing to be part of a community that lives up to its core values. We come from a special place, and that is something I will never forget, nor take for granted.”
d
SSP ENDORSED BY DONOR GIFTS In support of the Sophie’s Scholars Program, two significant and very generous gifts were made to SHS in the latter half of 2014 that will have lasting impact on this important program and its ability to recruit, foster, and benefit an even greater number of students and families. The first was a leadership gift toward the Barat College Access Fund, which will not only contribute to the support of current students relying on the fund for college tuition aid, but it will enable growth in the number of awards that can be given in subsequent years. The second was to endow the critical position of program director, which will ensure continuity in SSP operations and administration, as well as accountability for its strategic advancement. “We are immensely grateful to these and all our generous donors, who recognize the impact and importance of investing in programs such as these,” says Director of Schools Richard Dioli. “The Sophie’s Scholars Program is an excellent example of how SHS is actively seeking to embody our founder’s mission and goals, and we will continue to build and steward programs like this because we know without a doubt how transformative they can be for the students, their families, and the school itself.”
d
43