ABC of Andover celebrates 55 years with ‘Empowering Stories’ gala

ABC of Andover celebrates 55 years with ‘Empowering Stories’ gala

Leadership, scholarship, discipline, adaptability: These and other qualities attributed to more than 150 scholars who’ve participated in A Better Chance of Andover were celebrated Saturday evening, Nov. 5, during the program’s 55th Anniversary Gala.

More than 200 people attended the reception, dinner and live auction, which were followed by dancing, at The Stevens Estate at Osgood Hill in North Andover. The event, whose theme was “Empowering Stories,” exceeded fundraising expectations to support ABC of Andover’s work providing talented young women of color a college preparatory experience while attending Andover High School.

Gala attendees included some of ABC of Andover’s 149 alumni from the past 55 years, as well as eight current scholars living in the program’s historic dormitory on Main Street in Andover. Current and past program leaders, board members, volunteers and host families joined them in a festive function tent at The Stevens Estate, along with sponsors, town officials and Andover High administrators.

Andover senior Kiarra Lucas described the support she’s received from ABC of Andover — and at school — while paying tribute to the program’s alumni. “Each and every one of them has written a word or sentence — or maybe just added a period or exclamation mark — to me as I write my story,” said Lucas.

The speaking program featured reflections of three ABC of Andover alumni including Will Arvelo (’79), who described the stability he found in the program and how it taught him resiliency. “Without you through the years, there would be no ABC program,” he said to the volunteers and supporters.

A’mari Bing-Way (’17) described the leadership lessons she took from the program, including the resolve to build one’s own community, when necessary. Bing-Way and her ABC of Andover classmates founded Andover High School’s Diversity Club. She also described launching an organization, Black and Abroad, while a student at The American University of Paris and making a connection that led her alma mater to become the first international college affiliated with the national A Better Chance organization.

Nikelle King (’96) talked about not-so-obvious lessons that scholars gain in addition to their Andover High School education — including resourcefulness, discipline, leadership and mentorship. “Leadership is in the DNA of our scholars, and it has been amazing to see the success and impact that our alumni are having post-Andover,” said King, now a member of the program’s Board of Directors.

King described the “life-changing” experience of being an ABC of Andover scholar and how it prepared her for her current work as an enterprise account executive at Google, where she advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion while mentoring coworkers who are also women and people of color.

“ABC of Andover has truly empowered me to become the best version of myself,” said King. “It has taught me to dream big — like, really big — to execute all my goals, and to help others in the process, because that’s what’s important.”

The evening’s emcee was Katrina Kincade, a WBZ News reporter and Miss Massachusetts 2022. Andover High School basketball coach and physical education teacher Dave Fazio led the live auction, which featured donated prizes including retreats to Sebago Lake, Maine, Cape Cod and Marriott’s Custom House in Boston. Bidding for donated items in a silent auction was left open for four additional days and topped off the strong fundraising.

Gala attendees included state Sen. Barry Finegold, of Andover, who called the program part of what “makes Andover great.” Finegold and state Rep. Tram Nguyen, of Andover, each presented citations on behalf of the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives, respectively. “It is just incredible that after these years, you’ve been able to help over 150 students,” said Nguyen.

Others attending the gala included Andover School Superintendent Dr. Magda Parvey; School Committee Chairperson Susan McCready; and School Committee members Lauren Conoscenti, Emily DiCesaro and Sandis Wright, the latter of whom is an ABC of Andover vice president and board member. Select Board member Christian Huntress, and Albert Pless Jr., the town’s director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, were also in attendance.

ABC of Andover is grateful to the evening’s sponsors and auction donors, who included: The ALKU Foundation; Karma Restaurant; Carla Bovay Woodcock; Cooperstown Environmental LLC; Dalton & Finegold LLP; Edgewood, North Andover MA; Jackson Lumber & Millwork; Monx Design House; Savoir Faire Home; Andover Classic Wines; Andover Comprehensive Dental Care - Dr. Francis McCarthy & Dr. Rosalia Gallo; Childs Design and Construction; Huntress Associates, Inc.; The Nossiff Law Firm LLP; The Rotary Club of Andover; The Savings Bank; USA College Bound; ABC of Andover Board of Directors; Andover Fit Body Boot Camp; Andrew Gribbel; Big Picture Framing; Bonnie Zahorik; Boston Red Sox; Brooks Summer Program; Claire Stahley; Colleen Lally; Eric Martin; Family of ABC Scholar; Gabrielle Hager Nossiff; Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston; iRobot; Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum; J.McLaughlin; Kathleen Eldridge; Kendra Scott Lynnfield; Love Your Look; M.S. WALKER; Midori Creativity; Nancy Kendrick; North Shore Musical Theatre; Old Town Trolley; Our Town Art; Paddle Boston - Charles River Canoe & Kayak; Rodney Johnson; Royal Jewelers; T&B Landscaping; The Miller’s Tavern; and Tuscan Kitchen.

- David Joyner

About ABC of Andover

Affirmed by votes of the Andover School Committee and Town Meeting in 1967, ABC of Andover has been committed for more than five decades to reducing inequity in education by providing academic and leadership opportunities for black, indigenous and students of color from under-resourced communities. Though young men were the program’s earliest scholars, and the program was coed for a number of years, ABC of Andover now serves young women.

Scholars live in the ABC of Andover dormitory, attend Andover High School and are matched with local families and academic advisers who – along with a resident director, resident assistants, college advisers and a cadre of volunteers – provide support throughout the scholars’ four-year high school careers.

Scholars experience a competitive academic program including college prep and Advanced Placement classes, as well as extracurriculars and activities including sports, arts, clubs, summer enrichment and leadership programs. Graduates continue on to selective colleges with competitive financial aid packages and often the support of first-generation scholarships and advisers.

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Contact: Allison Reilly, Communications
mail@AndoverABC.org (978) 475-4892

Alumni, Scholars and guests gathered for the festivities. Check out event photos in our ABC 55th Gala Gallery.

Reba Saldanha stopped in to capture the moments for the Eagle-Tribune's "Stepping Out in Andover"

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Still want to make a gift? Empowering Stories Fundraiser

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