SIMSBURY, Conn. — Story by Nathan Cournoyer, Ethan Vasquez, Bryson Tsogt-Erdene, Simsbury High School
Here in Simsbury, Connecticut, there’s an establishment that’s providing students from underserved communities, a better chance. The ABC House’s goal is to provide a home for students and assist them with their academic needs.
"Simsbury ABC [is] a college preparation program, and we have a great track record. A large percentage of the students who have gone through have been placed in college and have succeeded. We have six students this year, and right now, we’re up over a three point six GPA average. That’s an A average, which is fabulous," said Doug Nielson, ABC House tutor & SHS Business teacher.
"This is a home atmosphere, so they learn a lot about how a house functions, and things like that such as doing their own laundry, cleaning up their dishes, folding their own clothes, that type of thing as well. The house is not entirely about academics, but personal hobbies, passions, and interests as well," said resident director Sheri Eklund.
Muna Nwafor, ABC House Student Junior said, "It can get pretty hefty at times, especially with the schoolwork, and sportswise, it can be pretty hard to handle sometimes, but luckily I do have some friends here at the ABC house to help take my mind off things, some friends at the school, and some teachers I know pretty well. So it’s something I can manage."
The communal environment gives students a sense of belonging.
"I came up here to look at it and visit. I saw the interaction with all the guys. How friendly, kind and how deep their bond was and that's something I wanted," said ABC House Student Senior, Anthony Shaw.
The ABC House has been running for 49 years and is committed to help students for so many more.
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