Thank You For Supporting Our 2026 Celebration Dinner
From the opening invocation by students from Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School to the inspiring student, parent, and alumni speakers, the evening celebrated the remarkable journeys of our Access’ scholars. Guests learned about the Access program, watched a creative video produced by our 8th graders in Mentors In Motion, and enjoyed the musical stylings of accomplished alumnus (and crooner!) Aaron Tucker, as he injected a new level of energy and fun — not to mention some great tunes — into our first-ever musical mission appeal.
We were also honored to recognize two individuals whose dedication helped shape Access Academies from the beginning. Congratulations to Founders Award recipient Tom Nolan, our first Executive Director, and Pillar Award recipient Carolyn Dubuque, Access’ longtime Director of Mission Effectiveness. Together, Tom and Carolyn have touched the lives of nearly every Access scholar over the last 20 years, and they helped build the foundation upon which Access continues to grow today.
We are also grateful to CBC High School and Coach Vic Northern for hosting us, and to all of the donors, sponsors, partner schools, volunteers, and supporters who helped make the night such a success. Together, we continue to give every student, every chance, every day. Thank you!
