B.E.S.T. Family Holiday Party
December 12, 2024
Last weekend, B.E.S.T. students and their loved ones gathered at McDonogh School for our annual Family Holiday Party to enjoy festive cheer and celebrate the Class of 2025 as they move into the second half of their senior year.
While DJ DPTJR played holiday tunes, families sipped hot cocoa, assembled gingerbread house kits, and created picture frames, capturing memories through photos taken by our roaming photo booth attendants.
A highlight of the afternoon was the opportunity to honor our outstanding Senior class and recognize their hard work and achievements as B.E.S.T. students at their Member Schools. The Seniors in attendance introduced themselves, shared how long they’ve been part of B.E.S.T., and mentioned the Member School they attend. Each year, one Senior is chosen to reflect on their B.E.S.T. experience, and this year, Teddy J., a Senior at St. Paul’s School, delivered a thoughtful and heartfelt speech that resonated with both students and adult guests. Having started his B.E.S.T. journey as a 1st grader, Teddy shared pivotal moments from his time at his Member School and how B.E.S.T. supported his growth every step of the way. From learning the importance of discipline and teamwork on the football field to applying those values in the classroom during group projects, to broadening his horizons with a trip to Singapore and Malaysia to explore a new culture while practicing his Chinese language skills – Teddy truly seized every opportunity and made an impact on the St. Paul’s School community.
During his speech, Teddy remarked, “B.E.S.T. is a network of support that goes beyond the classroom. The mentorship and guidance I received through the program were invaluable. Whenever I faced challenges—academic, personal, or emotional—I knew I had people in my corner who believed in me and wanted to see me succeed. Looking back on my high school journey, it’s clear that B.E.S.T. has been a cornerstone of my success. It has provided me with the tools, resources, and encouragement to dream big and work toward those dreams. It has also shown me the importance of giving back and supporting others in the same way I’ve been supported.”
Teddy ended his reflection with powerful words of encouragement for everyone in attendance:
“To my fellow students, I encourage you to find your own voice. Don’t let anyone or anything convince you that you don’t have something valuable to say. Whether you’re Black, white, or anything in between, your voice is a reflection of your experiences, your truth, and your worth. And to those who may not understand, I challenge you to listen. Seek to understand the perspectives of those who are different from you. Engage in conversations that might be uncomfortable, but that lead to growth. Because in the end, it’s not just about finding your own voice—it’s about ensuring that everyone has the space to speak, to be heard, and to be valued.”
Our heartfelt gratitude to Dave Farace and McDonogh School for hosting this joyful celebration, and we wish the entire B.E.S.T. Community a wonderful holiday season.
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