On Wednesday, Buffalo Prep, an organization that provides educational opportunities for underrepresented college-bound students, held its 2017 Celebration of Achievement event presented by M&T Bank. The annual event honors graduating seniors who have successfully completed Buffalo Prep's academic enrichment programs.
"We are grateful for our generous donors and partners at Buffalo Prep who make it possible for us to help guide these students on a path to college and career success without limits," said Marcia O'Neil-White, executive director at Buffalo Prep. "Our annual celebration is an opportunity to honor the students' achievements and see the real difference our donor's contributions are making."
All 31 seniors are graduating from local high schools, and all have been accepted to colleges such as Cornell University, Syracuse University and Ithaca College.
Claudine Karambizi, Nardin Academy Class of 2017, Houghton College '21 and Marie Sibomana, Nardin Academy '17, Cornell University '21, whose journeys began on the Ivory Coast, gave a speech to guests on how Buffalo Prep has changed their lives in significant ways. The audience also heard from each graduating scholar about their plans for the future.
The Celebration of Achievement raised more than $270,000 from local corporations, foundations, individuals and partner schools. This year's major sponsors included HSBC, Unifrax and Globalquest Staffing Solutions Inc.
The nonprofit organization is currently accepting applications to its middle school prep and high school prep programs. All interested students and their families are encouraged to go to buffaloprep.com/programs to learn more about Buffalo Prep's academic programs and the admissions processes.
Since its founding in 1989, Buffalo Prep has worked with more than 2,000 underrepresented students to provide academic and social support in a rigorous and nurturing environment. Through this preparatory process, Buffalo Prep students are able to enter and excel in local private and competitive public high schools, colleges and universities.
For more information about Buffalo Prep, visit buffaloprep.com or facebook.com/buffaloprep.