http://album.hoopdreams.org 11442 photos in 127 albums en-US Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:23:55 -0600 larry@larrysampas.com larry@larrysampas.com Gallery 1.4.4-pl6, http://gallery.menalto.com/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 40 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album123/MG_9745.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org 144 100 http://album.hoopdreams.org/album123 9907c1b696577f6cdb40cb42e927ab1d Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:03:31 -0500 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album123 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album123/MG_9745.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album123/MG_9745.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album123/MG_9745.thumb.jpg Thursday, October 1, 2009 - Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund would like to thank the many individuals who helped make our closure event a warm and memorable affair.Thanks to your support we were able to celebrate the legacy of Hoop Dreams, while looking toward the future. Stay tuned for additional pictures from the evening. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album122 243242c821e8865abb51eace6df7f7b8 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:03:31 -0500 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album122 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album122/DSC00210.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album122/DSC00210.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album122/DSC00210.thumb.jpg The Council of The District of Columbia on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 formally recognized the 13 years of hard work, and thousands of relationships that have been formed as a result of Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund and its Founder and President Susie Kay.Speaking on behalf of the City Council, Chairman Vincent Gray talked about how the vision of a former Washington, D.C. public high school teacher helped 1,000 students pursue their dreams of attending college."What Susie Kay has done for our city is absolutely unmatched. I am delighted, on behalf of the DC Council, to honor you," said Gray during the ceremony, which was held inside the Council's chambers.Kay said that she is most proud of the fact that the organization has connected 1,000 students from Washington, D.C. public schools with thousands of members of the regional business community. Those partnerships have helped students earn professional internships, academic scholarships, and benefit from mentoring relationships and lifelong bonds, Kay said. "During the past 13 years I have had the extreme pleasure of working with some of the most talented and driven young people on the planet. They defy odds and do not become sidetracked by obstacles placed in their paths," Kay said.Chairman Gray declared Tuesday, July 14, 2009 Susie Kay and Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund Day! http://album.hoopdreams.org/album121 06d08c36594684d775a5fce7e3d03573 Fri, 5 Jun 2009 16:20:17 -0500 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album121 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album121/IMG_3922.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album121/IMG_3922.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album121/IMG_3922.thumb.jpg The chance to sit and work with professionals from a global financial firm was too good to pass up for a group of Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund (HDSF) students.On Friday, as light rain fell and clouds hovered overhead, about 50 students packed the eighth-floor conference room inside Deloitte's downtown Washington, D.C. office.The students were part of Deloitte's global community IMPACT Day. On June 5, 2009 about 50,000 Deloitte employees from 60 countries donated their time and knowledge to non-profit organizations.HDSF was fortunate to have about a dozen Deloitte employees lead a job training workshop for our recent high school graduates, college students and working adults. Deloitte employees, including HDSF board member and Deloitte partner Stanley Porter, held mock interviews and provided our students with useful interviewing tips that will help them as they pursue internships and jobs. Our students were also assisted with drafting and cleaning up their resumes and cover letters and educated on the proper ways to network. They were also provided with electronic copies of their resumes and cover letters. Ariel Grant, a sophomore marketing major at the University of Oklahoma, said she received great advice, like ways to sell herself to a potential employer and the importance of asking specific questions. "The workshop gave me pointers on connecting with an employer that I had not thought about," said Ariel, who graduated from HDSF's Empowerment Program in 2008.Back at the HDSF office a team of about a half-dozen Deloitte employees volunteered with everything from data entry to filing. Deloitte provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients. With 165,000 professionals and firms in 140 countries, Deloitte is committed to a high standard of excellence. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album120 283756857e4ec68e5ea150b266136275 Thu, 4 Jun 2009 11:55:37 -0500 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album120 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album120/IMG_3617.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album120/IMG_3617.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album120/IMG_3617.thumb.jpg On Saturday, May 30, 2009, HDSF helped send its 2008-2009 class of seniors off to college during our final monthly mentor workshop of the school year. Several of our alumni students came back to speak to our outgoing high school seniors. And we ended the day with fun casino games for our students and mentors. There were no cash prizes but the mentor pairs were able to bond over games of blackjack and poker.We've watched as our class of Empowerment Program students have grown into mature young adults. As they move forward and enter college this fall we wish them the best you may need.Congratulations and we look forward to seeing you real soon. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album119 8958058e8689d67761a0c9efa237be24 Thu, 4 Jun 2009 11:44:49 -0500 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album119 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album119/IMG_3748.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album119/IMG_3748.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album119/IMG_3748.thumb.jpg Most high school graduates struggle to remember the exact message delivered by their commencement speaker once the fog of time sets in.But years from today graduates from the 2009 class of Washington Mathematics Science Technology (WMST) Public Charter High School will surely remember First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama entering Howard University's Cramton Auditorium to thunderous applause. Mrs. Obama, who was invited back in November by WMST student Jasmine Williams to deliver the commencement address, told the graduates that she knew she wanted to speak to high school students from her new hometown of D.C. And after receiving Jasmine's letter the decision of where to speak became clear. "With hard work, confidence and faith you can achieve anything," Mrs. Obama told the graduates. "Own your voice. Don't be intimidated by your surroundings. Don't be afraid to be wrong because this is the only way you'll learn," Mrs. Obama said.Susie Kay, President and Founder of Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund, said she was honored to stand on stage next to the First Lady and present HDSF college scholarships to 12 of WMST's graduates."Mrs. Obama is such an inspiration to us all. Her dedication and passion for education is palpable and I know our young people look up to her," Kay said.WMST is one of six D.C. high schools HDSF works with. During the 2008-2009 school year HDSF enrolled 83 high school seniors from its six partner schools into the HDSF Empowerment Program. Since 2005 HDSF has enjoyed a great partnership with WMST. We would like to congratulate Head of School Mark T. Holbrook and the entire WMST family for allowing HDSF to participate in this year's graduation. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album118 0718c16d5552639853b409bad1a29a5a Wed, 27 May 2009 15:35:58 -0500 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album118 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album118/IMG_3506.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album118/IMG_3506.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album118/IMG_3506.thumb.jpg Understanding personal finance, like budgeting, investing, saving and managing money, is important no matter ones age. It becomes especially important for young people as they transition from high school to college.Studies have shown that financial mistakes made during your late teens and early 20s can impact your life well into adulthood. In an effort to teach young people the value of sound financial management American University's (AU) Kogod School along with Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund (HDSF) and EverFi Financial Literacy Platform teamed up to bring financial literacy education to HDSF students firsthand. On Wednesday, May 27, 2009, a group of HDSF students gathered at AU's Financial Services and Information Technology Lab at Kogod for the final installment of a two-part course taught by EverFi. The courses were funded by The DC Chamber of Commerce Foundation. HDSF would like to thank Larry Ward, Dean of American University's School of Business; Margaret Singleton, Vice President for Workforce Development and Director of the DC Chamber of Commerce Foundation; and Thomas M. Davidson, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of EverFi. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album117 b2fefa8b835087024e9ab3fb44a715b0 Tue, 12 May 2009 14:31:08 -0500 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album117 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album117/2009_Reception_MG_7296.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album117/2009_Reception_MG_7296.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album117/2009_Reception_MG_7296.thumb.jpg After the 11th Annual Congressional Reception ended Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund hosted a post-event celebration at the elegantly renovated Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.For several hours HDSF supporters, friends, alumni and guests were able to network over appetizing fare and refreshing beverages provided by the Monumental Affairs team at the Hyatt Regency Washington. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album116 10f9dc6925164e6ddf958d11c5ae768c Mon, 11 May 2009 11:22:16 -0500 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album116 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album116/2009_ReceptionIMG_0013_1.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album116/2009_ReceptionIMG_0013_1.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album116/2009_ReceptionIMG_0013_1.thumb.jpg On May 7, 2009 HDSF hosted its 11th Annual Congressional Reception in the Mike Mansfield Room of the U.S. Capitol.For more than a decade HDSF has sought to connect students from Washington, D.C. Public Schools with Members of Congress and local business leaders. This night was a special night where our students could be honored for their many accomplishments. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album115 0a68439b50c843d35dd2d56faf19cf6a Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:37:16 -0500 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album115 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album115/IMG_3440.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album115/IMG_3440.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album115/IMG_3440.thumb.jpg Each month students and mentors from Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund's Empowerment Program gather inside George Washington University's Elliott School for a day of instruction. Our students are provided with a wealth of knowledge as well as adult volunteer mentors who help guide them through the sometimes arduous college application process. But once a year, on Global Youth Service Day, our students and their mentors are asked to engage in a community service project On Saturday, April 25, 2009 a group of HDSF students and mentors headed to Marvin Gaye Park in Northeast Washington, D.C. Together students and mentors spent several hours planting trees, removing invasive plants and debris, and performing other park clean up projects. HDSF would like to thank Craig Muckle of Safeway for purchasing sandwich platters and bottled water. We also would like to thank the wonderful staff at Washington Parks & People for their expertise and guidance. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album114 cb6c5da521585885036d60d6b6312c97 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:39:48 -0600 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album114 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album114/Vital_Voices1.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album114/Vital_Voices1.sized.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album114/Vital_Voices1.thumb.jpg A night out at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is always a great a treat. But on March 19, 2009 a group of young ladies, who are currently enrolled in Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund's Empowerment Program, enjoyed a spectacular celebration of global achievement during Vital Voices' 2009 Global Leadership Awards.The tickets, which were donated by Vital Voices, through Mary MacPherson, allowed eight young HDSF scholars the opportunity to experience a great organization that is making a difference around the globe. "Vital Voices Global Partnership is an extraordinary program that believes in the power of women, young and old all across the world," said Vivian Williams, a senior at H.D. Woodson High School. "This amazing ceremony reassured me that I can and will achieve great things with the help and support of my community."Vital Voices Global Partnership is a leading non-governmental organization that works to identify, train and empower emerging women leaders and social entrepreneurs around the globe, enabling them to create a better world.A few of the honorees during the 2009 Global Leadership Awards ceremony were Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sadiqa Basiri Saleem, who founded a learning center in Afghanistan to help provide uniforms, supplies and funding for young girls to study in an abandoned mosque, and Somaly Mam, a Cambodian woman, who founded an organization that uses holistic victim services and sustained mentorship to rescue, rehabilitate and reintegrate girls who are forced into prostitution. HDSF student Marlene Anderson said she drew strength from the many women honored during the awards ceremony."Vital Voices is an organization that truly taps into hidden potential by investing in women through education, much like Hoop Dreams invests in teens living in D.C. Both organizations understand the importance of improving the community," Marlene said."Not only has Hoop Dreams inspired me, but the organization has also given me opportunities to interact with other organizations and partnerships like Vital Voices, which further inspires me as a young female to better educate myself and pass that education on to others."We here at Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund would like to thank Mary MacPherson and Vital Voices for providing our students with such a wonderful opportunity. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album113 5732d0e4c869cf5c9eb5576f5730914c Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:34:14 -0600 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album113 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album113/IMG_3344.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album113/IMG_3344.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album113/IMG_3344.thumb.jpg Ask any working adult the keys to enjoying a successful career and you're sure to hear advice centered on working hard, minimizing mistakes and remaining at the office until your job is complete. While these are all good keys to success one should never overlook the power of successful networking. On Wednesday, March 18, 2009, about 30 students who are currently enrolled in Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund's Empowerment Program were treated to a Career Exploration Workshop hosted by leaders at Deloitte & Touche's Washington, D.C. offices. The special gathering was organized by Ray'Shawn Elliott and Carla Cunningham, both Deloitte employees and HDSF mentors.The luncheon featured Stanley Porter, Managing Director at Deloitte & Touche and a distinguished panel of employees from the firm's diversity program. The panelists provided the HDSF students with a breakdown of their respective job duties and what qualifications allowed them to be considered for their positions. Students were taught the difference between merely knowing an individual and actively building a relationship with someone that could serve as a future career network to tap into. HDSF would like to thank Carla and Ray'Shawn and the distinguished members of the Career Exploration Panel: Clarence Chase, Dimitrius Hutcherson, Kimberly Leonard and Tamara Williams. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album112 afbb28a5b5a81af37a754d5ab7abdade Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:07:59 -0600 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album112 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album112/IMG_3219.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album112/IMG_3219.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album112/IMG_3219.thumb.jpg On Saturday, March 7, 2009 students and mentors enrolled in the 2009 HDSF Empowerment Program were treated to a pair of phenomenal guest speakers. First, Stanley E. Porter, Principal, Deloitte Consulting, presented an impassioned personal testimonial on his journey through academic and career success. Mr. Porter was followed up by the dynamic Neale S. Godfrey, author of 16 books focusing on finances, life skills and values. Ms. Godfrey spent time talking with our students about the importance of networking and maintaining a healthy financial life, among a host of other topics. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album111 c2ef511f898cd70f1a338ecb85451431 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:55:27 -0600 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album111 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album111/MG_2489.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album111/MG_2489.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album111/MG_2489.thumb.jpg Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund (HDSF) would like to thank everyone who helped make Island of Dreams a success. Whether you purchased a ticket, encouraged a friend or co-worker to attend or donated your time as a volunteer we can't thank you enough.HDSF has been able to continue helping students from Washington, D.C. public schools for nearly 14 years because of the generosity of so many caring individuals. Island of Dreams was a special event because it allowed HDSF to showcase our crop of bright and hard working students, many of whom will become the first in their immediate families to attend college. On behalf of the entire HDSF family thank you for helping us further our mission of empowering students to reach their dreams of academic and career success. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album110 cb85e145737092c0cc0d5bf3d3fd4809 Mon, 9 Feb 2009 13:58:33 -0600 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album110 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album110/IMG_2888.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album110/IMG_2888.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album110/IMG_2888.thumb.jpg During the fifth installment of our monthly mentor workshops HDSF students were treated to a full day of network and communications skills training.We kicked off the workshop with a pair of dynamic guest speakers. LaKendra McNair, Manager and Assistant Vice President at TD Bank, and Allen Westergard, Managing Partner at KPMG, provided our students with examples of how they could grab the wheel and take the lead in their eventual academic and career success. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album109 64d964865cdbb51fb1a1381b72b1d8ac Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:04:14 -0600 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album109 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album109/IMG_2639.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album109/IMG_2639.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album109/IMG_2639.thumb.jpg Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund (HDSF) would like to thank everyone who braved the extreme cold temperatures Thursday night (Jan. 15th) and came to Station 9 Restaurant on U Street to support the work we do on behalf of students attending D.C. public high schools and HDSF alumni enrolled in college and in the workforce.Your contributions, in the form of ticket sales, will enable HDSF to continue helping seniors attending D.C. public high schools through a combination of academic scholarships, professional internships, career development and standardized test preparation.A special thank you to Archie Rich of The Rich Firm, P.C. Archie and his firm sponsored Calm Before the Storm. Archie was also the force behind bringing Grammy nominated R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn and famed comedian and activist Dick Gregory to Station 9 to perform during the event. Thank you to The Rich Firm, P.C. and each of you who purchased tickets to Calm Before the Storm. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album108 ad539128c088cc11c4aaf82a90d5d55e Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:21:23 -0600 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album108 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album108/IMG_2598.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album108/IMG_2598.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album108/IMG_2598.thumb.jpg On Saturday, January 10, 2009, HDSF welcomed Mr. Donald Watson, Executive Director of the Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program in the Office of Postsecondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education.Mr. Watson, a native Washingtonian, shared his personal story of overcoming obstacles and reaching personal and career success with students enrolled in the HDSF Empowerment Program. After Mr. Watson's powerful speech our students, mentors and parents enjoyed a very informative workshop on the financial aid process, which was led by Cindy Forbes Cameron, a financial aid expert with the U.S. Department of Education.Ms. Cameron walked our students and parents through the arduous process of financial aid. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album107 ac22a51f51b21e91fd94eb24683e9d54 Fri, 9 Jan 2009 08:58:31 -0600 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album107 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album107/IMG_2352.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album107/IMG_2352.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album107/IMG_2352.thumb.jpg On Tuesday, December 16, 2008 a collection of Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund (HDSF) Empowerment Program alumni gathered at Busboys and Poets on 14th and U Streets, NW, Washington, DC for the Second Annual HDSF Alumni Holiday Get Together.The event, which was held from 6 to 8 p.m., featured a short panel discussion on breaking into the workforce in today's economy. Our alumni enjoyed great company and delicious food before sitting down and listening to our trio of working professionals shed light on ways our students can make themselves marketable employees in a sluggish economy.HDSF would like to thank all of our alumni who attended, our esteemed panelists - David Hall, Faatin Chaudhury and HDSF Alum Twanna Terry - and Busboys and Poets. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album106 79183b522a02ccf5b20a5e62fd8d897c Tue, 9 Dec 2008 11:57:46 -0600 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album106 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album106/DSC_0151.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album106/DSC_0151.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album106/DSC_0151.thumb.jpg On Saturday, December 6, 2008, we were honored to welcome Millicent D. Williams, President & CEO of the D.C. Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation as our guest speaker. Ms. Williams, who heads one of the region's largest nonprofits, delivered an intimate, first-hand account of overcoming trials and gaining professional and personal success. Our class of D.C. public high school students and adult volunteers learned valuable lessons about preparation and leadership from Ms. Williams, who took time out of her busy and hectic schedule to join us at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs for the third mentor workshop of the 2008-2009 school year. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album105 6524b11a579632d8061e82a9a3504f4f Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:43:30 -0600 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album105 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album105/MG_0825.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album105/MG_0825.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album105/MG_0825.thumb.jpg HDSF would like to thank all of our friends, supporters, sponsors and volunteers who helped make the charity Fashion Forward event, which was presented by Absolute Addiction and iKY Clothing, a success. On Friday, November 21, 2008 more than 300 people packed Shadow Room for Fashion Forward. The event, which was sponsored by EES, Strauss Radio Strategies, Inc., and Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, helped to raise money to support HDSF's Empowerment Program.Since 1996 HDSF has helped send 920 hard-working teenagers from D.C. public schools to college and into the workforce. Through a comprehensive Empowerment Program HDSF uses five components to help strengthen the academic and career prospects of our students. Those five components - mentoring, standardized test preparation, career preparation, academic scholarships and the alumni network - combine to help offer our students better success in life. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album104 9097c73c2afe92395d4125305d9c9219 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:15:49 -0600 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album104 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album104/IMG_2080.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album104/IMG_2080.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album104/IMG_2080.thumb.jpg On November 15, 2008 HDSF Empowerment Program alum Lester Davis shared his personal story of overcoming tragedy and continued perseverance to our current high school students and adult mentors. Lester, who also serves as director of communications for HDSF, was a 2000 graduate of H.D. Woodson and the HDSF Program. He earned his college degree four years later from Norfolk State University. His tale of overcoming life's obstacles provides inspiration to our HDSF students. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album102 6452f48bbbf2351c99c266731a56880b Mon, 3 Nov 2008 08:54:41 -0600 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album102 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album102/IMG_1716.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album102/IMG_1716.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album102/IMG_1716.thumb.jpg On October 22, 2008 students from the 2008-2009 HDSF Empowerment Program class met their respective adult volunteer mentors. These 87 individual pairs of students and mentors will work with each other over the next seven months as our students journey toward college. HDSF mentors will help students complete the sometimes overwhelming college application process. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album103 eccd98f9edcf91751232780016002a49 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:52:06 -0600 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album103 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album103/IMG_1938.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album103/IMG_1938.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album103/IMG_1938.thumb.jpg On October 25, 2008 HDSF kicked off a new year of connecting students from Washington, D.C. public high schools with working professionals. Our 2008-2009 HDSF Empowerment Program class of students and adult volunteer mentors gathered on the campus of George Washington University to listen to Terry Neal, an accomplished former journalist and currently Vice President for the Caraway Group, provide words of wisdom. http://album.hoopdreams.org/2009-HDSF-Empowerment-Program-Ropes-Course 67cadd732b64ed599e397baeb4238b42 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:49:33 -0500 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=2009-HDSF-Empowerment-Program-Ropes-Course http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/2009-HDSF-Empowerment-Program-Ropes-Course/IMG_1335.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/2009-HDSF-Empowerment-Program-Ropes-Course/IMG_1335.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/2009-HDSF-Empowerment-Program-Ropes-Course/IMG_1335.thumb.jpg HDSF kicked off its new academic school year at the Geary F. Eppley Recreation Center at the University of Maryland, College Park on September 27, 2008. About 50 seniors participated in the ropes course that reminds students of the challenges and hard work ahead. http://album.hoopdreams.org/Susie-Kays-Birthday-Bash 4251addba17fd7d54433c2c67944a4a9 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:13:51 -0500 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=Susie-Kays-Birthday-Bash http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/Susie-Kays-Birthday-Bash/IMG_1353.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/Susie-Kays-Birthday-Bash/IMG_1353.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/Susie-Kays-Birthday-Bash/IMG_1353.thumb.jpg Thank you to everyone who joined the HDSF staff and board of directors on October 1, 2008 to celebrate Susie Kay's Birthday at The Park at Fourteenth. HDSF was able to raise funds in honor of Susie Kay and her continued support of the Washington D.C. community. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album101 87bf27d30a3ebe0cc5a31d76e37f6021 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:17:43 -0500 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album101 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album101/DSC_0298.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album101/DSC_0298.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album101/DSC_0298.thumb.jpg On August 5, 2008 HDSF supporter and friend, Ebong Eka, hosted a red carpet affair at K Street Lounge to celebrate the official launch of his Italian-inspired fashion line, Mi Chiamo Eka. Ebong generously donated a portion of the evening's proceeds to HDSF. http://album.hoopdreams.org/album100 2ad751b78fe999371e8f1c32a0d9b58c Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:01:50 -0500 http://album.hoopdreams.org/view_comments.php?set_albumName=album100 http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album100/008_G.thumb.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album100/008_G.jpg http://album.hoopdreams.org/albums/album100/008_G.thumb.jpg On July 31, 2008 more than 250 HDSF supporters gathered for plenty of sun, food and drinks. The fundraiser, held on the rooftop of the newly opened The Liaison Capitol Hill hotel, helped to raise funds to support HDSF's Empowerment Program.