As summer rapidly approaches, the Hudson Scholars initiative at Hackley is preparing for its second year on campus. A new round of incoming sixth graders from Sleepy Hollow Middle School have been accepted into the program, and will be spending four weeks in July on the Hilltop.

However, as Hackley is getting excited for the debut of the bright new group, we bid farewell to last year’s scholars.

The scholars participated in an Easter Weekend activity, complete with egg decorating, an egg hunt, and an egg drop. Coordinators David Sykes, Dawn Crainer, Roya Wolfe, and Amy Chalan hope to plan another event in May.

“Every time I have the opportunity to see the scholars I get so happy and excited, because there really is an indescribable positive energy exuding from [the scholars] all the time. They’re just so fun to be around,” said senior Roya Wolfe.

Throughout the past year, the Scholars have formed incredible bonds with the student and teacher volunteers and look forward to every event put on for the group.

Although they won’t be returning to the Hilltop this summer, the coordinators are ensuring that the friendships that have formed between the scholars and volunteers will be maintained.

Starting Thursday, April 20th, Hackley students will have the opportunity to go to Warner Library to work with the Hudson Scholars from 3:30-6:30. While this program is focused on helping the students with homework, the sessions also serve as a time for the scholars to maintain their friendships with Hackley students, update them on their lives, or just talk. Both the scholars and volunteers are looking forward to this program.

Sophomore Amy Chalan said, “We started the tutoring program to maintain a relationship with the 16 scholars throughout the school year. Since the reunions we plan every couple of months are more focused on fun activities and bonding with Hackley volunteers, it’s important for us to help them with their academics and offer them mentorship.”

This program is open to all Hackley students, regardless of whether they have worked with Hudson Scholars before. The time that the program is open also accommodates JV and varsity athletes, who can attend after their practices. Students can get a ride from Mrs. Randazzo or Mr. Sykes with parental consent and prior notice.