2026
ANNUAL REPORT
“A cure that never arrives in time is morally insufficient. Treatment that never asks what keeps causing the harm is incomplete.” - Lorna Smith, CEO Horizons National
Prepared by Gemelle John
https://www.towerhill.org/co mmunity/horizons-tower-hill
WHAT IS A ‘SUCCESFUL SUMMER’?
If you were to ask one of our students, it might be a swim skill learned, a field trip taken, or a favorite guest reader. If you were to ask one of our staff, it might be a class routine solidified or a student fully bought in. If you were to ask a high school volunteer, they might say a perfect ratio of powder to water for Gatorade, or a student smiling at them returning for another summer. A successful summer looks different across our team, as it should, but I believe I’ve found our meeting point. A successful summer is one that can be all these things for all these parties in one place. Horizons Tower Hill has become a place that students, staff, volunteers, and visitors return to. For 10 of our 14 rising 4th graders, this meant a 4th summer with us. (Two returned for their third summer and two joined us for their first.) That’s four years of learning, swimming, field trips, and cheering on a community. That is community. This milestone is not lost on me as we head into year five, a checkpoint for celebration, growth, and reflection. We hope that you’ll join us throughout the year in engaging in all three and get ready as we grow into a new season for summer 2027. Thank you for another year of time, talent, and treasure, however you have engaged with us in the last four years, and we hope you continue on with us for the next five and beyond. Yours in community, Gemelle John, Executive Director HTH
Take a look inside at ... From the Administration, 1
By the Numbers, 2
Volunteer Voices, 3
Staff Spotlight, 4
Families in Focus, 5
Horizons Board, 6
26-27 At a Glance, 8
Join us for the next five!, 9
Horizons in the Commnuity, 7
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FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
“It has been a true privilege seeing Horizons Tower Hill grow and thrive since its beginning five years ago. The joy our Horizons students bring to their work and play throughout the summer adds so much life to campus, and we are honored to be a part of their educational journey. The program has also provided our Upper School volunteers with meaningful experiences helping with academic work, teaching swimming lessons, and having fun with our bright and curious younger students. Seeing so many students, teachers, staff, and volunteers return year after year speaks volumes about both the quality of the program and the deep connections being made. We are proud to be Delaware’s first Horizons program and look forward to an exciting Year 5!” Sarah Baker, Head of School P’36, ’39 Lindsay Acevedo, Assistant Head of School ’95, P’33, ’34
89%
Volunteers, Board Members, and Staff are Tower Hill Students or Alumni.
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BY THE NUMBERS 4 classes, rising 1st through rising 4th grade 57/60 students enrolled in 2026, at 95% enrollment it’s our highest since year one 75% of our students were returners or new rising first graders 73% of our staff were returns or were new based on grades and positions added
HTH Growth 60
After a dip in its sophpomore year, HTH has seen a steady increase in enrolled students year over year.
50 40 30 20 10 0
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Actual Enrollment (orange) Target Enrollment (black)
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VOLUNTEER VOICES One of many things done well
“I have been a volunteer at Horizons for the past four summers and, in that time, have seen the program and the children grow incredible amounts. From the first group of rising first graders to now having four classrooms filled with eager students, every kid has left a lasting impression on me. I never would have thought that spending just two to three weeks a year with this group of kids would forge a lasting bond that has shaped their lives just as much as my own. To me, Horizons is a family, and I am so grateful to have the program as a part of my life.”
Vivian Danielle ’29
50%
“I volunteered at Horizons for the first time this past summer. I had heard many positives about the program, but only through volunteering did I fully appreciate Horizons and the special experience it provides for students and staff. Within the first couple of days of being at Horizons, I immediately felt a sense of community. Whether we were in the pool, out on the playground, or learning in the classroom, every volunteer and staff member worked to create the signature Horizons experience for the campers. The Horizons experience is the result of the extensive time and care the staff put into creating the specific activities, schedules, and learning paths for the campers. And, while the camp is for the kids, it is also for the adults involved. The students at Horizons are some of the sweetest and most passionate kids you can meet at summer camps, and I still think back fondly weekly about the sweet and funny times I had with the kids this past summer. The other volunteers and I were lucky enough to have the opportunity to help at Horizons, and I know I speak for all the volunteers when I say that Horizons is truly a great place to be and I know the kids enjoy it too.”
Of our volunteers have volunteered for all of their high school years.
Madison Squire ’27
Joie Quinlan ’27
80%
Are return volunteers or have graduated.
To me, Horizons means opportunity. Opportunity for volunteers, opportunity for teachers, and, most importantly, opportunity for the students. The idea of Horizons gives kids who wouldn’t have otherwise been able to participate the experience that comes with a summer camp or program. That’s their opportunity. Horizons Program’s belief in its students reflects the hope that they themselves will be difference makers in the future. As a volunteer, I saw myself in each and every one of the students. The quiet kid, the athletic kid, the talkative kid, the funny kid, and the kid who didn’t always want to collaborate with her peers. I saw it all. That was my opportunity. Having the power to see myself with all of the pieces I couldn’t put together back then in another kid meant I could help them and give them the guidance that I never received. Seeing students that were in my swim group pass their swim tests, seeing kids learning their emotions, and just getting to know the kids outside of their environments makes this almost therapeutic. This experience was so impactful because I really enjoyed making connections with each of the children in the program. Horizons is a transformative summer program for all parties involved, and the only advice I can give the reader is to go see it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Caroline Hudson
“This past summer was my first summer with Horizons. I didn’t completely know what to expect going into it, but it completely exceeded my expectations in so many ways. What I expected to be a summer camp turned into a summer of learning, growth, and community that I would’ve never expected. For the students, it was a chance for them to see their friends, meet new people, learn new things, and keep their minds active over the summer. For me, as a college student studying education, it was a way to obtain hands-on experience and make valuable connections with a community of experienced educators who were always willing to support me, give me valuable feedback, and help me grow. The growth I saw from the students, the program as a whole, and even myself in just one summer was completely unexpected, but so rewarding. Although Horizons at Tower Hill is still very ‘young’ compared to other Horizons programs, I see us going very far and making a substantial impact on our community.”
Assistant Teacher HTH 2026
“I became a member of the Horizons at Tower Hill team when I was hired in 2023 as the rising 1st grade teacher for the program’s inaugural summer. We started with one class of 15 students, an executive director, a few staff members, and some high school volunteers. All of our programming was provided in-house, and I led beginner-level swim lessons. Now, after four summers, our Horizons program is flourishing. In Summer 2026, we enrolled four classes of rising 1st-4th graders. We provided robust academic programming, weekly field trips, push-in instruction with trained staff and outside vendors, volunteer-led activities, and swim lessons with certified instructors. Our Horizons scholars are blossoming, demonstrating high math and reading achievement, social-emotional growth, and swim skill development. I am proud to work alongside the group of talented and passionate teachers, staff, and volunteers who have made this program what it is today. These families continue to entrust us with the care of their children year after year, celebrating our milestones and truly believing in the promise of the Horizons family. I could not be more grateful to have witnessed everything we have accomplished together, and I know this is only the beginning.”
75% Of our lead teachers have taught seven years or longer
Elizabeth Capone ’06 Program Manager 2026
A SPECIAL THANK YOU To Mrs. Melinda Meade, who stood in as Interim Program Director while Mrs. John was on famliy leave this summer!
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FAMILIES IN FOCUS The program is the best; the staff, summer school helpers, and everyone involved are hands-on, loving, inviting, and always smiling. My 3rd grader totally LOVES it there. When the students arrive, they are greeted by a member of the program. I think it’s cute that they walk up to your car and open the door; they know your child by name in no time. (There is transportation available, if needed.)
LaTasha Green 3rd Year Horizons Parent
They help out with schoolwork, go on learning and fun trips, and the little people learn to swim twice a week in the summer. Would you believe they also host a winter program. As a parent with much older kids, I have NEVER seen such an organization like Horizons. I’m so grateful my little person is so happy to be a part. (She literally cries at the end of the session ceremony.) She LOVES it there. A BIG shoutout to Mrs. John’s and EVERYONE who stands with her. Sincerely, A VERY pleased Mom
“First and foremost, I want to give all glory to God for blessing my single-parent household with an opportunity that I once never imagined would be possible for my daughter. Being a part of the Horizon Program at Tower Hill has truly been a blessing, and I am so grateful that my daughter has been given the opportunity to experience Atiya Freeman something so special at one of Delaware’s top private schools. The Horizons Program is so much more than just a summer program. It is an opportunity for our children to learn, 4th Year Horizons Parent grow, explore, build confidence, and create memories that they will carry with them long after the summer is over. During these six weeks, our children continue learning with wonderful teachers and dedicated volunteers who genuinely care about what they do. They don’t just teach our children—they encourage them, support them, and make them feel seen, valued, and important. They create an environment where our children actually look forward to learning and being around them. And believe me, when I tell you that your child may not want to leave when the program is over! My daughter has cried several times because she didn’t want to go home. That alone says so much about the kind of love, care, and sense of belonging they experience while they are there. From Alexandria, fourth-time Horizon student aka my daughter: “Tower Hill is an honor program where we do fun activities. They take us on field trips, as well as have mystery readers, and visitors come to the school. We go to the pool on Mondays and Wednesdays. The work isn’t that hard and it is fun.” What means so much to me is that they understand that helping our children is about more than academics. It’s about supporting the whole child and the whole family. They truly care about our children’s wellbeing, their growth, and their future. Having people who continue to pour into your family even after the summer ends is such a beautiful blessing.”
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HORIZONS BOARD “I am excited to be a board member supporting the Horizons Tower Hill Program! Much of my community focus is on helping our community’s kids, especially those who do not have access to things like pre-k programs, sufficient food, or other types of support that will better position them to achieve their potential as adults. The Horizon program is a very creative and effective model that advances literacy levels for the kids that we are privileged to serve. Our program continues to grow each year, and our vision is to expand with other partners and, in doing so, have an even greater impact on kids’ reading levels—which will position our kids for success—and to do this for more and more kids in Wilmington! This is why I am excited and engaged!”
Lynn Jones HTH Board Member, President Delaware Academy of Medicine
Robert DeSantis, Board Chair P’15, ’19 ’19 ’19
Isabella Speakman Timon P’20, ’21, ’24, ’26
Louise Cummings P’30
Andrea Trippitelli Valentine ’89, P’23
Matthew Twyman ’88 P’25, ’25, ’28
Are you looking to join our board? Please contact gjohn@towerhill.org for information about the next board class.
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HORIZONS IN THE COMMUNITY Sam’s Kids, Field Trip
Taria Pritchett, Self Confidence and Motivation A Full Day of Enrichment
Cony Madriaga, DiAE Teaching Artist in Visual Art
“Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education has been honored to partner with Horizons at Tower Hill for the past three years. Recognizing the importance of making education fun and accessible, DiAE presents arts integrated lessons that marry the curricular goals of Horizons with the visual and performing arts. By connecting creativity with education, we seek to infuse the classroom with joy and make learning fun. Congratulations to Horizons on five of engaging educational opportunities!” Ashley Davis, Artistic Director Delaware Institute of Arts in Education
Horizons students engage in field trip and extracurriculuar expereinces every week, including but not limited to drumming, Spanish, farming, swimming, visual arts, social-emotional learning activities and more!
Students who have been in our program since 1st grade have had over 100 days of extra academic and social enrichment! That’s over half an extra year of school!
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26-27 AT A GLANCE Winter Event Horizons’ third annual Winter Event will bring families and guests back to campus to launch the Spring ’27 enrollment season!
Year 5 Celebrations Going into year 5 we are looking to highlight all the things that have made Horizons a success thus far! Please be on the lookoutt!
Highlighting our Volunteers The first four-year HTH volunteers are graduating, and we are excited to celebrate this special group of young people!
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JOIN US FOR THE NEXT FIVE!
If the voices and visions of our program have inspired you, we look forward to the future sharing of time, talents, and treasures. What can you do today? Make a donation here, select other, and designate Horizons Have an interest in youth programming? Ask Gemelle about being a guest teacher or reader during our summer program Do you have gently used school supplies like stationery that your students don’t use? We will accept them as resources. Have an idea not listed above? Please be in touch! Phone Number:
302-575-0550 ext. 220
Email Address:
gjohn@towerhill.org Website:
www.https://www.towerhill.org/community/horizonstower-hill.com Location:
Tower Hill School, 2813 W. 17th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806
Thank you as always to our corporate partners and granters for helping to make our work possible.