Higher Achievement Program Graduates 230

For five weeks this summer, seventh graders from across New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and New Jersey came to school at Xavier—willingly. They were eager participants in the 50th summer of the Jesuit Higher Achievement Program (HAP), which prepares young men of diverse backgrounds and means for success in high school.

On most mornings, students rotated between reading, writing, and math classes. Sports clinics offered tutorials in soccer, football, basketball, and dodgeball. Two days a week, students pursued their interests in self-selected elective classes, which ranged from forensic science to Civil War history, rock & roll history to poetry. “The HAP curriculum leaves room for teacher creativity,” said Patrick Mahon ’04, a 1999 HAP graduate who now directs the program. Educational field trips—including ventures to the Intrepid Museum, the Museum of Mathematics, the Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of the Moving Image—complemented the HAP curriculum.

Fifty-five Xavier student tutors—all former participants in HAP themselves, and all unpaid volunteers—aided teachers this year. “We have so many guys who go to HAP and then go to Xavier and want to give back,” Mr. Mahon said. More than 80 students applied for the limited number of summer volunteer positions.

On July 30, more than 230 students graduated from HAP in a ceremony held at the Church of St. Francis Xavier, with more than 40 students winning awards. Congratulations to the program-wide winners:

Rev. Michael Flynn, S.J., Award (Recipient brings enthusiasm to the program on a daily basis, models the selfless generosity of a young man for others, and uses his gifts to the fullest potential)
Paul O'Connell

Academic Achievement Awards (Based upon scores students attained on the HAP Exam, a comprehensive diagnostic exam and measuring test)
Highest Overall Score: Cole Presten
Highest Verbal Score: Eoin Breen
Highest Math Score: Bryan Cheng
Best Essay: Matthew Camacho