With Wine & Shine just a few days away, I thought it would be a great opportunity to share how our students feel about Horizons and what the program means to them. Over the summer, I asked the students in each grade to write down why Horizons is important to them and the impact that this program has had on their lives, their families, and their growth.
Here are a few excerpts from some of our amazing students!
Abisai Olivas-Holguin, current Freshman, Colorado Academy and Horizons
Horizons helped me grow, not only academically, but as a person. Throughout these eight years, I have met friends that I will remember for the rest of my life. Some of the trips we have gone on are some of the best experiences I’ve had in my life. We’ve gone through it all together, but none of this could’ve happened without donor support. My favorite experiences from this program have been swimming, playing soccer together, and having our continuation in 5th Grade. By far my favorite trip in Middle School was going to the YMCA in 6th Grade.
We also have amazing teachers that have watched us grow together as a class. We get to connect, not only as teacher to student, but also as friends we can joke with and talk to. Once again, thank you for all the donations and support that you have provided for me and my family.
Lorena Diaz, current Freshman, Horizons
Dear Donors,
Hello, my name is Lorena and Horizons is important to me, because I am able to connect with friends and teachers and do fun stuff during the summer. The program has taught me to get out and do stuff, even if it is crazy or scary. Horizons was important this past summer, because we had the chance to have it, even though the pandemic happened. My favorite part of Horizons is doing overnight trips with my class and field trips. I have also been in Horizons for 10 years and am so grateful to have been here. Thank you for everything you have done to make each year great.
Sincerely,
Lorena Diaz
Yahaira Nuñez-Hernandez, current Freshman, Colorado Academy and Horizons
My name is Yahaira and I’ve been at Horizons for three years. Horizons is an amazing program, not only for what it has taught me, but the opportunities it has given me. Although this summer was definitely different, we still managed to have fun, and I think that was really important, especially for the 8th Graders this year. We all had such a hard year, especially since our last year of Middle School was over so quickly. Somehow though, Horizons managed to bring a smile to our faces. It was a relief that we got to actually go on campus for the last three weeks and got the chance to see each other, spend time together, and interact with each other.
Since the beginning, Horizons has taught me an incredible amount of valuable lessons, including how to stay focused, organized, and prepared for any situation, but also how to be kind, brave, and keep working hard, no matter what. I am so appreciative and grateful for the entire program and the community. Not only has it given me the opportunity to make very close friends, but it also helped me with my application for Colorado Academy, which I will be attending for high school and I am extremely excited!
My favorite part of Horizons is definitely getting to spend time with my friends. The majority of us grew up together at Knapp, and after elementary school ended, it was harder to keep in touch, but Horizons has made it so much easier. Something I am even more excited about for Horizons is the new high school program. I am looking forward to it, because it will help me be even more prepared for my future and get more opportunities along the way.
A lot of my family has been part of the program, including my older sister, Jessica Nuñez-Hernandez. She is a graduate of Horizons and is now on the board, which I strive to be on in the future, following in her very big footsteps. All in all, the program wouldn’t be here without the donors, which I am even more grateful to for believing in the program, and allowing it to happen, and helping it thrive and continue. Thank you!