Dear Shepherds Friends,

Have you noticed how the season for thanks-giving gives way to the season of giving? Both are relevant to our work at Shepherds.

You’ve heard from us in the past how much we appreciate the time, treasure, and talents that mentors, sponsors, donors, and all those connected to Shepherds make and how that contributes to the growth and success of our students each year.

I’d like to highlight the gift of “opportunity” that your generosity and work provides to our students.

Shepherds styles its mission as “closing the opportunity gap for our students” – primarily the educational gap but also the social, intellectual, experiential and cultural opportunity gaps. Our Shepherds’ School Liaisons working with Shepherds Program Manager have two ways of implementing this part of our three-part program: one, Shepherds initiated programs and the other, working in concert with our partner school resources and functions. Over the course of this year alone we’ve organized everything from college tours to a corn maze adventure, introduction to cyber security to working in food pantries or hauling Christmas Trees for other
community service organizations that may also be donors to Shepherds.

Planning, organizing and funding these activities and events is how we help close the opportunity the cultural, social and “life skills” gaps and fulfill the mission we’ve all signed up for.

Opportunities abound, we just need to make them available and act upon them. That’s another way of saying, “Changing Lives… One Student at a Time.”

Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season,

Dan McAuliffe

Antwain “AJ” Johnson is a sophomore in Notre Dame’s Class of 2025.

There’s not much offered at Notre Dame that AJ is not involved in. Although he was recently sidelined due to injury, AJ has been playing on the ND Football team for two years as a Guard/Nose Guard. His teammates report that they love playing with him because of his positivity, enthusiasm, and pride for the school’s tradition.

Despite the long hours and grueling practices, AJ has continued to stay on track with his academics. His hard work is paying off with excellent Quarter 1 grades, and his teachers commend his engagement and effort in the classroom. Dr. Sean Gleason ‘03, Latin teacher and a current Shepherds mentor, wrote about AJ: “He is a true asset in class–he’s attentive, interested, dedicated, and a natural leader in the classroom. AJ can always be counted on to volunteer to decline a noun or conjugate a verb on the board, as well as help keep his classmates focused and on task.”

In addition to this, AJ represents the Class of 2025 as a member of the Student Government Association. In SGA, AJ works collaboratively with students and administrators to promote positive change in the school community. So far this year, AJ has helped to organize a pep rally, service projects such as breast cancer fundraising, and food donation drives.

One of the qualities we like to see as educators is students pushing the limits of their comfort zone. Since entering Notre Dame, AJ found yet another avenue to explore: Drama and Theatre. This hasn’t been easy- AJ is an active member of the football team which happens to practice at the same time as Theatre. He has managed his time nicely in order to afford himself the opportunity for both extracurriculars. Theatre Department director, Casey LaMonaca, writes, “…His positive attitude and work ethic make him a great role model for his peers…[he is] well-liked and respected by the students and adults alike.” AJ starred in the role of “Sandy” in the production The Man Who Came to Dinner which received rave reviews from the local community. With his natural talent and stage-worthy charisma, AJ is excited for the next production, Once Upon A Mattress, coming in Spring 2023.

AJ’s commitment, dedication, and perseverance to his future is truly inspiring. His mother,

Melissa Singleton, was asked how she felt about AJ’s development since entering the Shepherds/Notre Dame community. She wrote, “ I’m proud of everything- his growth in leadership, his perseverance and determination to go above and beyond, his charm and genuine spirit…I’m proud to be his mom.” When AJ was asked about what motivates him, he responded “It was always my dream to come here [ND], and Shepherds afforded me the opportunity. I know that I am supported by my mentor, Adam Novak, my family, and the school, so I will always be proud of how hard I am trying to succeed.”

Dear Shepherds Friends,

Have you noticed how the season for thanks-giving gives way to the season of giving? Both are completely relevant to our work at Shepherds.

You’ve heard from us many times in the past how much we recognize and appreciate the time, treasure, and talents that constitute the contributions made by mentors, sponsors, donors, and all those, including our dedicated staff and Board members, who contribute to the growth and success of our students each year.

On the second theme – Giving: Note, this letter is not another ask for donations or a request of your time but rather to provide some additional information and insight to the gift of “opportunity” that your generosity and work support for our students.

Shepherds styles its mission on “closing the opportunity gap for our students” – primarily the educational gaps but also the social, intellectual, experiential and cultural opportunity gaps. In this newsletter, you’ll read about what that means in terms of the events and activities our Shepherds team have organized including many in concert with individual and groups of Shepherds mentors.

Planning, organizing and running these activities and events are how we put into practice the support provided by our mentors, donors and sponsors and is an important part of how we fulfill the mission we’ve all signed up for.

Opportunities abound, we just need to make them available and act upon them.
That’s another way of saying, “Changing Lives… One Student at a Time.”