Do you or your family need help or support as a result of COVID-19 closures and quarantines? Email us at information@achievabledream.org and someone from our team will contact you! As we navigate this season of uncertainty, we know we will need each other more than ever. Our students and their families are strongly affected by… Read more »
As we move into a new year, I know we are all ready to look ahead to what 2021 holds, both personally and professionally. As January began, we were eager to turn the page, and grateful for a fresh start. Although challenging in many ways, 2020 brought us together as a community and as a… Read more »
By Lee Vreeland, Ed.D., President & CEO, An Achievable Dream & Keira Lombardo, Chief Administration Officer, Smithfield Foods. 2020 was an incredibly challenging year, particularly so for students. Their educations have been beset by delays and uncertainty as the COVID-19 pandemic forced school systems into uncharted territories – all to keep students, educators, and the… Read more »
Newport News, VA – An Achievable Dream (AAD) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new board members, Keira Lombardo of Smithfield Foods, Inc., William T. Morrison of TowneBank, and Doug Lutz of Capital Group. “Our Boards of Directors are comprised of dedicated community leaders who are committed to the mission and vision of… Read more »
PBMares, in honor of retiring CEO, Alan S. Witt, announced as sponsor of the Class of 2021, to provide annual college scholarships         An Achievable Dream (AAD) announced PBMares as the sponsor of the Class of 2021, in honor of retiring CEO, Alan S. Witt, during the 28th Annual Tennis Ball gala on Saturday, November 14…. Read more »
AAD Class of 2018 alum and 2020 Tennis Ball Keynote Speaker Jada Lewis sat down with us and told us a little bit more about her days at An Achievable Dream and what she’s been up to since graduating. Q. What were some of yourmost memorable experiences atAn Achievable Dream?A. My journey at An Achievable… Read more »
Q: What have been some of the biggest challenges for you during this time, and what has been your perspective as you approached those challenges? A: The biggest challenge has been ensuring that despite the circumstances created by the pandemic, we continue to serve our core purpose and mission to provide a quality educational experience,… Read more »
In honor of the late Alan Diamonstein, a true champion of An Achievable Dream who passed away last October, An Achievable Dream received more than $11,000 in donations in his memory. With these memorial donations, An Achievable Dream has created the Alan A. Diamonstein MemorialFund and the Alan A. Diamonstein Scholarship. Two annual scholarships, each… Read more »
If you ask Keziah Scott’s friends and family to describe her, you’ll likely hear some of thefollowing words: Funny. Self-confident. Encouraging. Joyful. Helpful. Social. “I’m always looking to cheer and build other people up. And oh — I’m a morning person. If it’s 7:30 in the morning, I am the brightest thing in the room!”… Read more »
Q: What have been the biggest challenges for you during this time?A: Maintaining safety has always been at the forefront of our thinking and planning. If someone contracted COVID-19 because of something that we initiated, I would feel terrible. As the pandemic began, we were dealing with a disease that, at the time, we did… Read more »
[Pictured above: AAD alum, Markel Wiggins, sanitizes entrance at Casey Volkswagen.] An Achievable Dream has always had a wonderful relationship with Art Casey and Casey Auto Group. This summer, Mr. Casey took a challenge and turned it into an opportunity for An Achievable Dream alumni! With the pandemic, extra emphasis was placed on sanitation and… Read more »
On November 14th, the 2020 Tennis Ball will take place as a VIRTUAL EVENT, and will be “Mask-Eurade” themed. After all, if masks are part of our new normal, we may as well make it fun! Secure your sponsorship for the 2020 Virtual Tennis Ball, and help us make history. Celebrate with friends… or party from… Read more »
The Summer 2020 edition of Achievements is here! Read the latest now…
An Achievable Dream has always had a wonderful relationship with Art Casey and Casey Auto Group.This summer, Mr. Casey took a challenge and turned it into an opportunity for An Achievable Dream alumni! With the pandemic, extra emphasis was placed on sanitation and cleanliness at all Casey dealerships. To tackle this project, Mr. Casey hired… Read more »
As a result of all Virginia schools closing due to the COVID-19 crisis, teachers and students are having to think of new, innovative ways to stay connected with lesson plans during this time. This includes all of our Dreamers and staff at our five An Achievable Dream campuses. Although this time is challenging for all,… Read more »
You can help support our students and families by donating school supplies and hygiene items to An Achievable Dream! These items are distributed in food and supply bags to our families who need them. Below are the items we most need. These can be purchased and delivered directly to our office via our Amazon wish… Read more »
As humans, we crave social interaction, but the COVID-19 quarantine doesn’t exactly make it the easiest thing to do. It is important that we adhere to the guidelines set for us by the CDC and federal and state governments by practicing social distancing and other safety measures however, during this time of staying in, you… Read more »
We are all experiencing stress in different ways during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear and anxiety during times of uncertainty, upheaval, and changed daily routines can be overwhelming for adults and children. Social distancing makes it even more challenging. Learning to cope with stress in healthy ways will make you, the people you care about, and… Read more »
As you may know, congress passed a $2 trillion stimulus bill to help Americans struggling amid the Coronavirus pandemic. As part of this bill single Americans would receive a one-time payment of $1,200, married couples would get $2,400, and parents an additional $500 for each child under age 17. Payments start to decrease for individuals… Read more »
Navigating a “new normal” together during the COVID-19 pandemic includes taking college courses completely online for AAD graduates. If you are adjusting to studying online, put these tips into place as you get into a new routine! If you have questions or need advice for setting up an online schoolwork routine, reach out to Elizabeth… Read more »
Dream2Career is a unique opportunity for corporations and businesses to partner with An Achievable Dream! You can now post jobs and internship opportunities on our alumni career management system! To create an employer account, click here. For more information, contact Elizabeth Aultice, Director of Alumni Services at eaultice@achievabledream.org
Ahead of Governor Northam’s order for all Virginia schools to close for a minimum of two weeks due to the Coronavirus outbreak, An Achievable Dream (AAD) staff and volunteers purchased, packed and delivered two-week supply bags of food, school supplies and hygiene items to 430 families. This included families at all five AAD schools (elementary,… Read more »
At the inaugural A Night to Dream gala on February 7th, AAD Alum and keynote speaker Franklin Roberson shared his personal story of overcoming obstacles and achieving success. “An Achievable Dream is the true definition of a true investment! It is not just a thing, it’s THE thing to help our students grow and succeed,”… Read more »
On February 12, An Achievable Dream partnered with 9 local companies to provide a one-day job shadowing experience to our AAD Middle and High School junior class. Students chose a company to visit based on their career aspirations. “Job Shadow Day gives our juniors an opportunity to experience careers they are interested in while they are still… Read more »
