The Honoring And Gratifying School Board Meeting

As I heard the garage door open, I frantically ran downstairs to hurry my parents, who had just arrived from work, to get ready for the School Board Meeting. Once my parents got ready for the exciting event, we departed for Lovonya DeJean Middle School.

Once I entered the hall of the school, I enthusiastically walked into a cluster of ILCers to meet and greet my friends and Tiffani, my cohort chaperone. I started chatting with Mahi and Esme about our excitement for the summer. 

Soon Tiffani instructed my cohort to huddle near the gymnasium to discuss the events that will take place while representing the Ivy League Connection and Brown University in front of the School Board. We rehearsed the procedure of how we will line up, in what order we will stand, and how Tiffani will introduce each of us, our schools, our grades, and our programs. She then handed out prestigious Ivy League Connection certificates enveloped in gold-bordered black folders to each of us. Once we finished narrating our plan, we re entered the hall and took seats. While waiting for the meeting to begin, I conversed with Mahi and Diana. 

The School Board began the meeting by addressing multiple issues. Finally, after waiting a while, the School Board introduced the Ivy League Connection. The hall swelled with applause and prideful emotions. 

One by one the cohort of each institute was invited to come to the front of the hall and present themselves to the school board. The chaperone of each cohort introduced themselves, the ILCers, and the visitation sites. The chosen ILCers spoke about how thankful they are for the phenomenal opportunity the Ivy League Connection has awarded each of us, the anticipations they have regarding their everlasting ILC experience, and how they wish to contribute back to their community from the experiences they gain in the East Coast. 

Soon, we were called up. Tiffani beautifully represented our group and each of us. Cindy gave a wonderful speech and spoke about the gratification and excitement that we all share about our ILC journey.

My cohort from left to right: Wendy, Mahi, me, Gabrielle, Esme, Erin, Diana, Cindy, and Tiffani. 

Cindy speaking from the heart.

Don spoke to the School Board regarding ILC and acknowledged those that have made this program possible since the last ten years. The sponsors were honored and thanked for their continued support of the Ivy League Connection.

The sponsors that make the Ivy League Connection possible. 

Soon Michelle Croda, an ILC alum, was invited to share her experience. Her awe-inspiring experience with the ILC and how it changed her life and lead her towards unceasing success left me inspired and exhilarated.

After this, we all headed towards the gymnasium to take the 2015 ILC group picture. Don positioned the ILCers and parents in symmetry. Then the time came for Don to take countless pictures. 

After the event ended, I headed out of Lovonya DeJean Middle School in immense gratitude to the Ivy League Connection and all of its contributors and excitement for the summer.