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ABC Darien Alumni Return For Fundraiser

DARIEN, Conn. -- A Better Chance in Darien will welcome four of its distinguished alumni back to Darien for the College Tailgate Gala on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Niya Wright, center, with host parents Rick and Alexia Duker, and host sisters Courtney and Katie.

Niya Wright, center, with host parents Rick and Alexia Duker, and host sisters Courtney and Katie.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The ABC in Darien's mission is to provide talented young girls of color from inner cities a top-notch high school education in preparation for college. 

Presentations by four accomplished alumni of Darien High School -- Malika Willis, Kendra Barber, Niya Wright and Merlyn Tejada – will showcase the success of this program.

Originally from the Bronx, Willis (DHS, class of 1998-2002) credits her experience with ABC in Darien and her host family, Dr. Robert and Pam Lindberg, with her ability to say what she thinks, shape her own educational experience and find her own voice. She has since earned a degree from Cornell University, and after nine years teaching, is enrolled in the Educational Leadership Program at New York University.

Hailing from Brooklyn, Barber (DHS 1999-2003) found her supportive host family, Debbie and Andy Chacos, and the ABC program helped her become better rounded, able to work well with different people and helped her develop strong study habits. Barber received her bachelor's degree with honors from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a doctorate degree from University of Maryland and now works as an undergraduate academic adviser at the University of Maryland.

From East Orange, N.J., Wright (DHS 2008-12) was continually impressed with the number of people in Darien who genuinely wanted to help her though they didn’t know her. Top of the list were her host families, Rick and Alexia Duker and Delice and David Bolotin. Wright will begin her senior year at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, while working as a paid intern on the “General Hospital” soap opera.

Tejada (DHS 2011-15) left the Bronx to pursue opportunities she didn’t have at home. With support from her host family, Denise and Jose Cara and daughters Andrea and Frannie, she was able to take advantage of several educational experiences. Tejada will begin her studies at Columbia University this fall.

The event will be held at Wee Burn Country Club, 410 Hollow Tree Ridge Road. 

Tickets can be purchased here.

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