Higher Achievement!

Last night we joined hundreds to celebrate the success of 600 middle school scholars at Higher Achievement’s Going Places Gala at The Warner Theatre.

We snapped gala chair and Vornado DC chief Mitchell Schear surrounded by his daughter Mollie, and by Madison Wealth Management’s Rick England, Carol Boochever, and Southern Engineering’s Sonny Small. The program began with a performance by Higher Achievement scholars in the Warner Theatre, featuring poetry reading, Urban Artistry dance performance, and reflection by alums on what the program meant to them.

EagleBank CEO Ron Paul, Higher Achievement CEO Lynsey Wood Jeffries, Baker Tilly's Dwayne Holt, and Perseus Realty’s Bob Cohen. We were so impressed with the amazing scholars representing Higher Achievement, who throughout middle school spend 650 hours of rigorous learning in an advanced curriculum. And it pays off: 96% graduate from high school and most go on to college.

Boston Properties’ Ray Ritchey, Castro Haase’s Alice Haase, Baker Tilly's Barbara Schaefer McDuffie, and Jacobs’ Andrea Adamson. After the program, over 700 supporters walked across to the beautiful Warner Building atrium for a fun reception with food, drink, and dance.

JP Morgan’s Rose Cohen, Arnold & Porter’s Michael Goodwin and Nick Ivancic, and Vornado’s Michele Coleman. This year, HA raised over $1.2M and opened programs in Wards 7 and 8; it envisions a world where all students’ potential and promise are realized.

NAAEE’s Maxwell Kennady, Millennial Action Project’s Steven Olikara, National Security Council’s Fran Holuba, Higher Achievement President’s Council member Holly Hassett, Future Civic Leaders’ John McCarthy, and Keegan Theatre’s Alexis Rose.