College Match Graduation Ceremony, May 26, 2005

 College Match Graduation Comments

The first full College Match class graduated in the Spring of 2005.  We held a Special Graduation Ceremony at the Stadium Club at Dodger Stadium on May 26, 2005.  150 excited students, parents, siblings and friends attended this ceremony.  Students were presented with computers (courtesy of The Raytheon Company), software, a College Success Kit, and other items that will be useful in college.  Subsequently, College Match held a College Retention and Success Seminar for the graduates where seasoned professionals and college students discussed a number of important topics including academic, health, financial and social issues.  Students have also been provided with sweaters, jackets, suitcases, linens, etc.

After the Graduation Ceremony, a number of College Match students made the following comments.  Although a number of these statements are personal in nature, they reflect the students’ views of the College Match program:

“To one of the most important (people) of my life.  You have no idea how important you mean to me.  I will never forget what you have done for me, for us all.  You believed in us so much that we began to believe in ourselves.  Thank you so much for everything.  I can’t wait to give the campus tour next spring. (Note: College Match brings a large number of low-income students to her campus each year.)…Thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks,….”

--This young Latina has enrolled in Yale University

“Thanks for your trust and confidence in our abilities even when everybody else thought we couldn’t do what we have done.  You have changed our lives.  Thank you.”

---This Latina, who spoke no English four years ago, has enrolled in Wellesley College

“Thank you very much for all your help.  You have truly been an inspiration to all of us and I am truly grateful for all of your help.  The world needs more people like you.  You have helped me through one of the hardest parts of my life, deciding my future.  Without you and the entire College Match group, it would have been a much more difficult journey.  I will miss all your help and encouragement.  Thank you for your dedication and care."

---This student has enrolled in UCLA

“I want to thank you for everything you have done for us, especially me.  We need more people like you around.  Thank you again."

---This young man is going to be a physician

Thank you for everything that you have done, not only for me, but also for all the kids in College Match.  You have accomplished sooo much and brought some wonderful opportunities to the kids of College Match….They are all stars who have been able to shine thanks to the green light that your kind heart provides!  May the program continue to be great and long-lasting!”

---This student attends Claremont McKenna College

“Thank you very much for the opportunity to participate in (the College Match) program…Thanks for taking a chance on us; thanks for introducing us to new aspects of college.  Thanks for the SAT prep classes.  Thanks for the recommendation to Columbia.  Thanks for caring.  Thanks for everything—in short, because I can go on for a long time.”

---This young woman from Jordan High School in Watts has enrolled in Columbia University

 “Thank you so much for being such an angel.  I don’t know how else to express my gratitude.  You changed my life and how I see it in so many ways.  Also, thank you for always supporting me and providing me the guidance I need(ed) to go through the college application (process)….

“I feel lucky to have an opportunity to study at such a prestigious school.

I never thought it was possible….I don’t know where I would be without your help.”

-----This student has enrolled in UC-Berkeley

“You have been a true inspiration to all of us.  You have made all of my dreams come true….You have made me a better person and made my family and myself eternally grateful.”

---This young Latina has enrolled in Connecticut College

“Thank you very much for everything you have done for me and (the) other College Match students.  All the opportunities that you have given us were the unforgettable changes in our lives.  You will always be in my heart and my thanksgiving will never end.”

---This student has enrolled in UCLA

“Thank you for all you have done.  You do not know how grateful I am for all your hard work.  You have changed my life, and helped me start the most important chapter of my life.  I do not know what I would have done without you.  Thank you!  You will always have the biggest influence in my life.”

---This young woman has enrolled in Wellesley College

“You are one of a kind.  You are the most caring and thoughtful giving man….Because of you all these students will have opportunities they would not otherwise have.  You have not only provided monetary support (full support) but emotional and academic support.  You have given these students self assurance and confidence that they can make it.”

---The College Counselor at Franklin High School

“Thank you for everything that you have done for my daughter.  Your efforts will never be forgotten.”

---The parent of a College Match graduate