New Haven Independent

Co-founders of New Haven’s GAIN, Curlena McDonald and Jerry Poole , could not have been more proud of the full room of funders, parents, students, and teachers. Bea Dozier-Taylor served as mistress of ceremonies as students presented some of their reflections of this year’s work. The showstopper was the presentation from the Phase IV students extrapolated from Who Moved the Cheese? The teachers, Florita Gillespie, Jerry Poole, Ife Michelle Gardin, Minister Denise Davis, Jomika Bogan and Susan Monroe, are all to be commended for these achievements!

Award acceptances were made by Tom Ficklin, Martha Judd and Rich Barry, each expressing delight with GAIN and expressing their pledges to continued support.

Keynote speaker Carlton Highsmith (pictured), well known for his industry success and for his work and philanthropy with I Have A Dream Foundation, was introduced by student Gregory Grant. He inspired one and all with his personal story, advising the youngsters with his advice to dream, have passion and deep commitment, to practice lifelong learning and to willingness to sacrifice. He urged them to close the gap between the ratio of assets between Caucasians and black and Hispanics (currently $1 to 17cents).

GAIN’s first graduates are off to college in September, with Gregory Grant having chosen WCSU and Siara Johnson planning to attend CCSU. We hope they return to New Haven to reinvest their time and talent ……ALL FOR THE GREATER GOOD!!