Willamette Academy Champions,
The school year is off to a smooth start, and with it, the excitement of a fresh start. Our eighth graders are experiencing mentor meetings, Saturday Sessions, and workshops for the first time. Meanwhile, our seniors are applying to college and preparing for the end of high school.
This year in particular marks an exciting milestone as we celebrate our 25th anniversary. Since 2001, the Academy has been dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering students in their pursuit of higher education. Twenty-five years is a testament to both our commitment to students and the great need in our community for programs like ours.
While a new school year and anniversary remind us of how far we’ve come, I recognize the challenges our communities are facing. As we know, recent months have brought fear and uncertainty for students and their families in our school district, state, and country.
I know first-hand the barriers first-generation students face on their path towards higher education–and now those barriers feel even greater. Whether it is the fear of family separation, food insecurity, or access to resources, it is clear that our work has become even more important.
When I was an Academy student, one phrase I heard over and over from the program director at the time was: Tomorrow is a new day. Lately, I’ve been repeating this phrase to myself. The reason why I remain hopeful, energized, and committed to this work is that education is important. It teaches us how to ask questions, think critically, empathize with others, and understand the layers of personal experiences and perspectives.
I believe that now more than ever, we need to invest in our community, our youth, and their future opportunity to shape the world. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are a recent supporter, thank you for believing in our work and your commitment to the power of education.
Sincerely,
Delia Olmos-García BA’14, MBA’23
Executive Director
Willamette Academy
