B.E.S.T. Family Holiday Party


December 11, 2023

Over the weekend, B.E.S.T. families gathered for our annual Family Holiday Party to share in some festive cheer and celebrate the Class of 2024 as they prepare to embark on the second half of their senior year.

While DJ DPTJR played festive tunes, families sipped hot cocoa, played board games, and assembled gingerbread house craft kits and picture frames for the photos taken by our roaming photo booth attendants.

The event wouldn’t be complete without taking a moment to honor and recognize our amazing Senior class and their hard work and accomplishments as B.E.S.T. students at their Member Schools. The Seniors in attendance introduced themselves, shared how long they have been a part of B.E.S.T. and what Member School they attend. Each year, a Senior is chosen to share a reflection of their B.E.S.T. experience and this year, Kare C. ’24, a Senior at McDonogh School, delivered a powerful and heartfelt speech that resonated with students and adult guests alike.

Throughout Kare’s remarks, she reflected on how her family and the experiences she has had throughout her time as a B.E.S.T. Scholar have strengthened and affirmed her identity. Rooted in her personal mantra “Stand tall, smile, and trust in your identity”, she empowered students with the following message:

“We are the next freedom fighters, scientists, lawyers, doctors, engineers, writers, fashion designers, and entrepreneurs. We will change the world and we have already started. So you will “Stand tall, smile, and trust in your identity”. You will not be underestimated; you are so worthy of being in these spaces. You are deserving of all the opportunities our institutions have to offer.  And I for one am so proud of you. Your parents and guardians are proud of you. Your B.E.S.T. family is proud of you. We’ve made a seat for ourselves at the table, and we will fully show up as we are and like air we will rise.”

Thank you to Christian Donovan and Friends School of Baltimore for hosting us for this joyful celebration and wish the entire B.E.S.T. Community a wonderful holiday season!

B.E.S.T. Class of 2024 Seniors with B.E.S.T. Board President, Karlo Young

Senior Speaker, Kare C. ’24 with her family