SUNY Oswego's Focus Forward program celebrates successes

SUNY Oswego’s Focus Forward Program celebrated its sixth annual community dinner Nov. 16 at the Oswego High School with more than 140 people attending.

Focus Forward is a collaborative effort between the Oswego City School District and SUNY Oswego that provides local middle school and high school students with academic and social support by college mentors. The mentors and mentees meet one-on-one twice a week after school.

The month of November began a season of thanks, and the community dinner brought all the participants of the program together with the families of district students to celebrate and be thankful for all that was accomplished so far this school year.

The evening began with a spaghetti dinner, continued with conversation and games, and concluded with everyone leaving with a smile, program coordinator Scott Ball said.

The thread of supportive community continued with the school district staff in attendance. Dr. Heidi Sweeney, Oswego High School’s principal, and Kirk Mulverhill, assistant principal, gave a warm welcome alongside Samantha Spaulding, Oswego Middle School’s assistant principal. Also in attendance were members of the SUNY Oswego Focus Forward team, including Ball, assistant coordinator Andrew Buchmann and graduate assistant Jaclyn Shyptycki.

“This event truly encompasses the foundation of our program—connecting campus and community. There is something special about bringing together all of our participants for a night of family and smiles,” Ball said.

Ball also applauded the combined efforts of the college, community and school district personnel. Event sponsors included Canale’s Restaurant, Paul’s Big M, Oswego City School District and SUNY Oswego.