B.E.S.T. Member School Networking Breakfast


August 21, 2024

Last Friday, colleagues from Admissions, Development, College Counseling, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Business and Financial Aid departments at B.E.S.T. Member Schools, along with Division Heads and senior leadership, came together to network and gain insights into B.E.S.T. and its initiatives for the 2024-2025 school year. This annual event is a highlight for many, offering a joyful chance to reconnect with peers from our 17 B.E.S.T. Member Schools and to welcome new members to the community.

B.E.S.T. Executive Director Jessica Suriano and Chris Hughes, Head of Garrison Forest School, began the morning with a warm welcome and gratitude for taking time to connect before the school year gets underway. Director of Enrollment Management Alecia Pridgen provided an overview of the application process timeline and community partners while Lauren Bukszar Assistant Director of Admission and Programs shared the qualities we look for in B.E.S.T. applicants each year. Crystal Lee ’96, a B.E.S.T. / Garrison Forest alumna and B.E.S.T. Deputy Director, highlighted special funding initiatives designed to support the needs of K-12 students across our Member Schools, and Peggy Bittner, Director of Programs and Alumni Relations, then outlined the various programming areas that benefit both current students and alumni, including Community Building, College Readiness, Transition, Leadership Opportunities, and Connections to External Opportunities.

Jess concluded with a powerful call to unify our efforts, highlighting our strength in solidarity. She encouraged the group to remain dedicated to our shared responsibility of prioritizing and supporting the needs of our B.E.S.T. students and their families. This involves removing obstacles and barriers in predominantly white institutions and affirming and elevating our students, allowing them to fully express themselves.

B.E.S.T. Board President Karlo Young wrapped up the morning’s program by sharing a personal story about how the connections he made with school administrators while attending Gilman School have been pivotal in his life. He emphasized how these relationships have profoundly impacted him both personally and professionally.

Thank you to Garrison Forest School and Chris Hughes for hosting us, and for the strong partnership with our Member School colleagues who are dedicated to supporting our B.E.S.T. students and their families. We wish everyone a fantastic start to the school year and a wonderful year ahead.