On Saturday, April 2nd at 5 pm, the Saxon Success Foundation (SSF) will host their first annual Spring Gala in the Rose Auditorium to fundraise for the construction of a dedicated space for South Salem’s College and Career Center.
The College and Career Center, led by Abigail Moss, provides a number of invaluable services to current and graduating South Salem students to help them prepare for college or a career upon graduation.
The center will be located near South’s main entrance to convey the importance of the room. “This year, college and career information is in a classroom,” said SSF board president Nancy MacMorris-Adix. “Prior to that it was in a hole in the wall. We want this important information to be visible and inviting to encourage our students to begin the process of preparing for life after high school.”
The Spring Gala will include dessert, a concert by South Salem alum and professional jazz singer Sherry Summerville, auctions for historic items including seats from the old Rose Auditorium painted by local artists or signed by notable South Salem alumni and a number of wood items crafted from the old Leslie Middle School gym floor including corn hole sets, a cribbage board and charcuterie boards.
The space will be named, “Celia’s College and Career Center,” in honor of longtime South Salem volunteer Celia Hyman Baculi, who according to SSF board member Yvonne Bashor, “has done extensive work as an advocate for numerous South Salem High School students ranging in age, backgrounds and abilities.” On more than one occasion, Hyman Bacui has worked with students at risk of dropping out of high school and helped them earn their diplomas.
Funds will go mainly to the creation of the center, but will also contribute to student scholarships. Entry to the event is $25 per person and tickets are available for purchase on the website www.saxonsuccessfund.org.
