Hello Folks,

Last week I received two messages that I wanted to share with all of you. I think you’ll understand why these were so special to me.

The first was a text from Nik (2013 UCSD graduate) which included a photo of him while golfing at the Ritz in Half Moon Bay with a doctor who is one of his clients. Talk about coming a long way!

Accompanying this picture was the following message:

I couldn’t have done it without EE!! Thanks for all that you’ve done for me.

The second was a message from Marlene (2016 UCSD graduate) telling us that she’d accepted a new position as a behavioral therapist working with children diagnosed with autism and related disorders. Marlene is compassionate, patient and full of love. She’s perfect for this kind of work.

Her message said:

You were right. So many doors open when you have an education!

Marlene and Nik are living the Exceeding Expectations story. The environments in which  they grew up were very limiting, but they’ve broken out and are making a better life for themselves and their families. And both are eagerly mentoring our younger EE kids.

But our work is far from done. We have four seniors graduating this June and heading off to college and our group of younger EE kids is busy racing and collecting academic honors.

                                                                                    Arian                                                   Gilbert

In January we had our annual Swimathon/Runathon. Before entering the water or starting the run, each kid set a goal for the number of laps he or she would swim or run. And then they worked their hearts out trying to meet or exceed that goal and earn medals for their accomplishments.

We also participated in the Highland YMCA run in January. This was the very first event Exceeding Expectations ever did, back in 2001, so it’s always a special event for us.

Everyone performed very well on this tough course and the podium was loaded with EE kids in both the 5 and 10K events.

                                                                                                            EE sweeps M18-23!

We have a full schedule coming up, including the four high school graduations and college acceptance announcements. Stay tuned.

As always, these accomplishments are yours as well. This is our sixteenth year with Exceeding Expectations and we continue to see great successes. The role you play in this -- many of you for the full 16 years -- is the reason it works. And you’ve demonstrated over and over that you’re in it with us for the long-haul. We still have a lot to accomplish and I thank you so much for partnering with us.

-Cherie