“Congratulations!  Today is your day.  You’re off to great places.  You’re off and away!”  On June 5, 2009, these words certainly resonated with more than 130 students, families, staff, tutors, and community partners who gathered at the Universalist National Memorial Church on 16th Street to celebrate the end of another successful FLOC school year.  The theme of this year’s event “Building Dreams” was based on the well known Dr. Seuss tale “Oh the Places You’ll Go.”  In between the presentation of awards and guest speakers, lines from the book were read aloud by staff.

The majority of the photographs were taken by a middle school student named Olmar.   Olmar is a student in FLOC’s Leaders in the Making Program (LITM).  He has grown over the years into a leader and continues to amaze the staff at FLOC with his personal growth.  LITM staff thought it would be a perfect opportunity for Olmar to take some initiative by taking photos for the Fourth Annual Recognition Event.  This was an opportunity that not every student has, but what makes it so special is that we were able to see the event through the eyes of one of our students!

The event recognized several students, tutors, and community partners who helped with FLOC’s successful year.  Nick Lee was recognized as an outstanding volunteer and partner to the Educational Guidance & Advocacy program at FLOC.  Nick created several presentations for FLOC's high school students and their parents to explain the financial aid process and build meaningful relationships with them throughout the year while assisting them with the financial aid application process.  Congratulations Nick! 

Leigh Jones was recognized as an outstanding tutor in FLOC’s Neighborhood Tutoring Program for his use of innovative and engaging techniques to work with his student and his ability to engage his student so much so that he skipped baseball practice one afternoon to spend extra time at tutoring.  Congratulations Leigh!

Recognized as an outstanding volunteer and partner with FLOC’s Leaders in the Making program was Jean Janicke.  Jean worked with our Leaders in the Making program to facilitate an in depth cultural exchange program with students in Kenya including learning about AIDS, hunger, poverty and writing letters.  We are grateful to Jean for this incredible opportunity!

The National Park Trust was recognized as an outstanding partner of the year for providing financial support for students to experience environmental, cultural and adventure programming at FLOC's Outdoor Education Center.

Longstanding supporter of FLOC, TerpSys was also recognized as an outstanding partner of the year.  TerpSys provides pro-bono information technology services for FLOC.  These high quality services allow staff to run programs smoothly and allow FLOC resources to be spent on programming costs.  The team at TerpSys truly is one we continue to be amazed by!

The Outstanding Family of the Year award went to The Crawford Family who has been involved with FLOC for several years, has wonderful attendance at program and attends FLOC-wide events.  Congratulations Crawford family!

This year, FLOC recognized several outstanding students for their hard work and continued commitment to FLOC and their education.

Kanesha is an honor roll student and serves as the DC Youth Mayor and Secretary for DC's Ward & & 8 Youth Leadership Council and Manager of her softball team.  Kanesha also turns application materials in early for EG&A, and often comes by to work on projects.  Congratulations Kanesha!

Herani participates enthusiastically in LITM service projects and was active in the 2008 presidential election.  She seeks out other volunteer opportunities and is truly emerging as a leader.  We know Herani will continue to do great things!

Vivian is an accomplished basketball player and martial artist.  She demonstrates a strong commitment to LITM and seeks out additional ways to volunteer.  Way to go Vivian!

Gami-Lou was an incredible asset during this year's recruitment push for LITM.  She always has a positive and inquisitive attitude and has taken on a leadership role during program.  Congratulations Gami-Lou!

Amanda enthusiasm for LITM is contagious.  On several occasions she has made presentations to the class and is always quick to volunteer for projects.  We know Amanda will continue to be a leader!

Robert comes to tutoring with a positive attitude and lots of energy.  He took the lead in organizing a multiplication tournament, which he won easily.  Way to go, Robert!

Imoni is a great influence on both her peers and tutors.  Her curiosity, maturity  and commitment to the program are evident every day.  Congratulations Imoni!

Christina not only comes to program on time, but always comes ready to work.  She is incredibly focused and sets a great example for the other students.  Great job Christina!

Jackson not only enthusiastically participates in every LITM workshop, but encourages participation from his peers as well.  Congratulations Jackson!

Aaliyah increased her reading skills by more than a year in only three months and has moved quickly through the math curriculum as well.  Way to go Aaliyah!

Alicia has been with FLOC’s Neighborhood Tutoring Program for the past three years.  During that time she has passed over 30 step tests with 95% mastery and has made her way through 6 steps of the Wilson reading curriculum.  Congratulations Alicia!

Khalil made his way through 4 steps of FLOC's math curriculum in just 8 months and has shown an increased commitment to the program over this year.  Keep up the good work Khalil!