Education

By Ginger DeShaney In a remarkable hands-on experience, a group of Condon Community Center kids built a 10-foot row boat from scratch, learning not only the art of crafting a boat but also gaining valuable life lessons along the way.  These young builders – Jacob Davis, 11; Charlie Brea, 9; Naib Yohannes, 10; and Marcus Lacaussade, 11 – worked tirelessly over the course of several weeks to build the boat they named the “Billy Allen” in honor of an amazing Condon coach who was promoted to a different community center. They even brought it to a boat show! Under the guidance of instructor Tim Smith from Community Boat Building, the kids learned how to safely handle tools, measure and cut materials, and assemble the boat [...]

Young people from Boys & Girls clubs from all over the city battled traffic to gather recently at the Edgerley Family South Boston Club for an inspiring event hosted by Roadtrip Nation, an educational nonprofit on a mission to empower the next generation. It was a night filled with energy and purpose. Opening the event, Josh Davis, Executive Director of the South Boston Club, welcomed  everyone and acknowledged the Clubs’ staffs who work tirelessly every day because they care about the future of the youth they serve. "That's what everything is about today," he said. The spotlight then shifted to the team from Roadtrip Nation, who had just rolled into Boston in their signature bright green RV. But, as they explained, Roadtrip Nation is much [...]

The Julie’s Family Learning Program’s 50th anniversary Community Open House Thursday featured a new playground, a new Pre-K classroom, and the newly completed Colin’s Joy Project Library! There were also face painters, crafts, and story time. The Open House marked a significant milestone in enhancing the learning environment for families and children served by the program. Julie’s Family Learning Program offers adults opportunities to work on high school equivalency and other life goals, while their children benefit from early childhood education. "I’m so excited to see so many people here today,” said Executive Director Michelle Persson Reilly. The Colin’s Joy Project Library was made possible thanks to the generous support of the McGrath family, who established the Colin’s Joy Project in honor of their son, [...]

Timothy “Doc” Cook was a man for others, saving countless lives as a Navy Corpsman in the Iraq war. The 13 exceptional students honored with scholarships this year in Tim’s memory are boys and girls for others as they work to bring awareness and help to veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Tim lost his battle with PTSD in March 2013 due to his combat experiences; he was 28 years old. Since then, his dad, Joseph Cook, family, friends, businesses, and neighbors have raised money in his memory for scholarships. “The Timothy (Doc) Cook Foundation will continue to have spirit, hope, and strength to make a difference for others,” Joseph said. “As always, we will remain being grateful one day at a time.”  [...]