Participant Awards Patrick Moreno Sportsmanship Awards Liam
Charlie
Liam joined the High Hopes community in 2017 and has participated in weekly riding lessons and summer camp since. In 2020, Liam began volunteering in the barn and has already accumulated over 20 hours. Liam is a true team player, always looking out for his classmates. He often models skills or helps them learn a pattern. As is the case with all good horsemen, he has enjoyed getting to know new horses and has already developed a great relationship with his newest horse, Val. As a Saturday barn volunteer, Liam engages thoughtfully with the other volunteers. He can be counted on to work with the horses and communicate with staff and volunteers safely and conscientiously. Congratulations to Liam Jordan, the 2021 recipient of the Patrick Moreno Sportsmanship Award.
Charlie began participating at High Hopes in 2014 as one of our summer campers. Since then, he has participated annually in camp and program- sometimes even with his school! Charlie greets everyone he meets (human and horse) with great enthusiasm. Each week, he enters the barn and exclaims greetings to Gracie. His positivity is radiant and has impact on his classmates, volunteers, horse, and instructor – it’s pretty hard not to smile when Charlie is around. When the class is given a challenge, Charlie reliably takes swift action. When the class needs to work together, Charlie rallies the troops and encourages everyone to try their best. He has made great progress with independent riding, largely because of his can-do attitude and work ethic. Congratulations, Charlie!
Kitty’s Update Paul Burkarth Rider of the Year Award Emma Emma first joined High Hopes in the winter of 2005. Over the past 16 years, Emma has demonstrated immense flexibility and adaptability within her riding lesson. Her willingness to try new things to further her independent riding skills has flourished this past year. She has developed a wonderful working relationship with her volunteers, horse, and classmates. Emma has been willing to tackle just about any new challenge thrown her way (so long as it’s not another figure 8). Most recently Emma can be seen confidently riding off lead at the walk while demonstrating different arena figures while continuing to increase her core strength and balance.
Congratulations to the 2021 Annual Award Recipients! Our participants and volunteers work so hard all year round, and we are happy to share their individual stories and accomplishments in this issue of Rider.
Summer is in full swing with a return to full camp and other activities. While still taking every precaution, the joyous sounds of kids and horses having fun are truly music to our ears. We anticipate a very busy academic year with returning participants from New London Public Schools and expanding collaborations with other agencies. We will be experiencing some changes in staff as we hire a full time Volunteer Coordinator. Sara Qua, our Development Director for the past 16 years, is retiring at the end of the summer. We wish her the very best as we begin the search for a new fundraising professional. Excitement abounds as we plan for the Holiday Market on November 14th. This event will return to its in-person format with a terrific assortment of vendors and specialty items for holiday shopping. Stay tuned for more information about that event. Enjoy the remainder of this summer…hot, sunny days, hosing horses and lots of laughter!
Volunteer Awards “All Around” Volunteer of the Year
Davison Youth Volunteer of the Year
Cheryl
Emma
Cheryl has volunteered over 900 hours since she joined us in 2016. Cheryl is friendly, easygoing, and always a pleasure to be around and to work with. Whether it be side walking, assisting with carriage driving, ELP coaching, feeding, or helping in the barn, she approaches everything with a positive, can-do attitude. Cheryl is always willing to jump in and help with whatever High Hopes needs, and we are thankful to have her support in so many roles!
Emma has volunteered over 140 hours with High Hopes since she began volunteering in 2016—helping in summer camp and summer program as a leader and side walker. When she is not here weekly, Emma frequently subs as her schedule allows. Emma is a polite, caring, and compassionate individual who is not only invested in ensuring her riders are successful, but is also dedicated to supporting her horse’s needs. She asks questions looking to improve as a volunteer and is a pleasure to work with.
Barn/Facility Volunteer of the Year
Nancy Cash Volunteer of the Year
Kendra Kendra has volunteered almost 400 hours at High Hopes since she joined us in 2017. We are always happy to have her join us, whether it be as a horse leader, side walker, or feeder. She is a delight to have on our team and frequently subs for us when we are in a tight spot. She comes faithfully and cheerfully to help feed the horses no matter what the weather brings, and we are grateful for her support!
Dawn Dawn has volunteered over 1,200 hours since she joined us in 2016, and you can usually find her horse leading, ELP coaching, or feeding our herd. Dawn is friendly, dedicated, reliable, and a huge support to her participants as they learn, grow, and meet their goals. She brings endless patience to her time here, and she works faithfully alongside our staff members to help her riders meet their personal best. She is always cheerful no matter what the weather brings and shares that energy with the team she works with. We are so thankful to have Dawn as a High Hopes volunteer!
Event Volunteer of the Year Jim Jim is the kind of guy you can count on. In fact, High Hopes has counted on his support for 26 years. He’s the calm during our event frenzy. Showing up the days before and after an event to take on whatever task is needed. Whether he’s helping put down the carpeting in the arena for Gala, marking and laying the parking grid for Holiday Market, or arranging tables and chairs – it’s always with a kind smile and “can do” spirit. The Development Department isn’t sure what we’d do without him! Thank you, Jim!
Trustee Awards Each year the High Hopes Board of Trustees recognizes those who have made an extraordinary impact on High Hopes and its programs. This year the board gave out two awards, The Sally H. Aubrey Award and the Lytt Gould Leadership Award. The recipients below were presented their awards by the
Lytt Gould Leadership Award Rives and Nancy This award was established in 2006 by the High Hopes Board of Trustees in recognition of Lytt Gould’s extraordinary and exemplary leadership throughout High Hopes’ history.
Board of Trustees at its meeting in June.
Sally H. Aubrey Award John This award is given to someone selected by the board and staff who exemplifies the true spirit of High Hopes through commitment, dedication and compassion. This year’s recipient has been a leader in the Governance of High Hopes. From his two years as Board Chair, over 12 years as a Trustee, and chair and member on innumerable committees, John Catlett has truly placed the best interest of High Hopes at the forefront of his volunteerism. His guidance through multiple Strategic Plans and their implementation has helped to provide clear organizational direction. In his role in both Development and Finance, his insightful presence was instrumental in positioning High Hopes in a sound fiscal manner which supports a sustainable future. His dedication and commitment to High Hopes are evident in the caring consideration in which he guided discussions and decisions. Thank you, John, for embodying the true spirit of High Hopes in a true, Sally Aubrey way!
This award is given to a person who has demonstrated leadership, vision, and commitment to the sustainability and future growth of High Hopes. Through their actions, words, and deeds, they placed High Hopes at the forefront of their philanthropic organizations. Involved in High Hopes since the 1980’s, Rives and Nancy Potts have had an indelible, impactful presence in the longevity and success of High Hopes. Some of their many areas of involvement include: Rives’ service on the Board as Trustee and Board Chair, leadership for Endowment and Capital Campaigns, supporting our annual event as a Corporate Sponsor, and always saying “yes” when called to lend a hand. Nancy has volunteered in many roles over the years. She has chaired the Annual Appeal and worked on our Spring benefit for many years. Rives and Nancy know firsthand about the many benefits achieved through Equine Assisted Services. Their daughter, Landon, rode with us for many years. Their understanding and deep commitment to High Hopes has prioritized their philanthropy to help create a future with growth and possibilities.
Welcome to our new Trustees Please help us give a warm, High Hopes welcome to our two newest members of the Board of Trustees!
Maris Wacs After 50 years of living in Manhattan, Maris and her husband, Mark “Dan” Marderosian, moved to Old Lyme in 2013. Maris holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the School of Visual Arts and has worked as a national award-winning graphic designer at numerous national magazines, e.g., Condé Nast, Vogue, and Rolling Stone, as well as with Jim Henson Productions until his death in 1990. Since relocating to Connecticut, Maris has done pro bono design work for Safe Futures, CT River Museum, Community Foundation of Middlesex County, and The Community Music School. She is on the Development Committee at Safe Futures and volunteers as a sidewalker at High Hopes. Additionally, Maris is a 500-hour, nationally-accredited yoga teacher with a studio in Old Lyme. Maris and Dan have three adult children, Jordan, Sydney, and Lindsey.
Natalie Yonker Natalie is the Manager of Organizational Effectiveness for Dominion Energy at Millstone Power Station where she has worked since 2015. Since obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Averett University, Natalie has worked in the Nuclear Industry for 22 years at both Millstone Power Station and Surry Power Station in Surry, VA. In addition to her current position, Natalie was also a Supervisor in Engineering and Operations with Dominion Energy. Natalie has served on the High Hopes Development Committee since 2018 and has been a member of St. Matthias Parish Women’s Club and Certified Food Protection Manager since 2019. She is an active member of the local chapter of Women in Nuclear (WIN) since 2020, as well as a member of the American Nuclear Society since 1998. Natalie resides in East Lyme.
The entire High Hopes family would also like to thank outgoing trustees, Deb Welles and Barbara Willkens for their dedication and service to this organization.
In Memory of Judy Lightfoot Judy Lightfoot was one of High Hopes’ earliest volunteers and guiding spirits as she saw the potential of therapeutic riding to improve lives. Over the years Judy took on many leadership roles: Trustee, Board Chair, Event Chair and President of the Horses and Humans Research Foundation. High Hopes is a leader in our community and in our profession thanks to Judy’s passion and commitment.
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 119 DEEP RIVER, CT
36 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371 860-434-1974 www.highhopestr.org
Connect. Learn. Play.
Explore and connect with a variety of community resources on our beautiful farm setting. Opportunities to discuss and interact with: Parent advocates and representatives from the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center to share experiences, understand your rights, and gain personal advocacy skills Educational professionals to understand and support Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s) and 504’s Risk reduction and future planning High Hopes instructional staff to discuss the educational, cognitive, physical, social, and emotional benefits of participating in Equine Assisted Services Community organizations such as Lyme Youth Service Bureau, Miracle League, Adaptive Cycles, and PAWS, to learn about the resources available to you within your community
August 24th from 4-6pm
With the following activities:
Kids’ games ✪ Trail Walks ✪ PAWS Therapy Dogs ✪ Yoga ✪
Del’s Lemonade Cart ✪ Paddock tours to meet the High Hopes horses