Member School Networking Breakfast
August 22, 2023
Last Friday our colleagues who serve in roles in Admissions, Development, College Counseling, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Financial Aid departments of B.E.S.T. Member Schools, along with Division Heads and other senior leadership, gathered to network and learn more about B.E.S.T. and the initiatives and programming for the 2023-2024 school year. For many, this annual event is a joyful time to reunite with colleagues from across our 17 B.E.S.T. Member Schools and an opportunity to meet the newest members of the community.
B.E.S.T. Executive Director, Jessica Suriano, and Chris Hughes, Head of Garrison Forest School kicked off the morning with a heartfelt welcome and appreciation for the wonderful turnout. B.E.S.T. / Garrison Forest Alumna and B.E.S.T. Director of Advancement, Crystal Alston ’96 gave an overview of the B.E.S.T. Admissions process as well as special funding initiatives that support the needs of our K-12 students across our Member Schools. Peggy Bittner, Director of Programs and Alumni Relations shared the areas of programming that serve both current students and Alumni, including Community Building, College Readiness, Transition, Leadership Opportunities and Connections to External Opportunities.
Jess closed out the morning’s program with a call to action, encouraging everyone to continue to show up for our shared students. With her charge, she challenged the collective to consider the most meaningful and impactful ways that we can amplify the voices of our students and families, and be a pillar of support so they may bring their authentic selves to predominantly white spaces.
Thank you to Garrison Forest School and Chris Hughes for hosting us and for the strength of the partnership with our Member School colleagues who work every day to support our B.E.S.T. students and their families. We wish everyone a great start to school and a wonderful year ahead.
