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Cleo Lewis: Connections Make the Future Bright

Cleo Lewis: Connections Make the Future Bright

Sometimes the connection to Goodwill is so strong, Goodwill becomes like family.  That is how it has been for Cleo Lewis, a bright sophomore at Charlestown High School, who has been enrolled in Goodwill’s after-school program, BNY Mellon Academy for Girls, since she was in grade school.

Cleo’s first exposure to Goodwill’s youth programs was at the Goodwill Fresh Air Camp in South Athol, Massachusetts. Cleo was a camper for three summers and particularly enjoyed the academic activities.  "I wasn’t crazy about the bugs," she recalls, "but I really had a good time at camp.  The counselors were great!"  She also made many new friends at camp and developed self-confidence—one of her most endearing attributes that has blossomed over the years.

Making the connection to Goodwill’s after-school program was easy because it was a family tradition.  Cleo’s older sister and her cousin both attended and told her how the academy had helped them improve their grades.  Cleo couldn’t wait to enroll.  Today, she is enjoying her seventh year in the academy.  She is a "straight-A" student (except, she points out, for Gym) and has become a peer leader in the after-school program.  "I love being a peer leader," says Cleo, "because I really like helping other girls.  When I first started coming to the after-school program, I met really good role models who were older and who helped me a lot.  Now I can do the same thing for the younger girls."

Fulfilling Her Potential
When Cleo is not doing her own homework or mentoring some of the younger girls, she is busy learning about colleges.  "I always wanted to go to college," says Cleo, "and the Academy is teaching me what’s involved."  Helping young girls set and meet educational and career goals are two of the most important components of the Mellon Academy mission.  Cleo is taking full advantage of that guidance: "Being a peer leader here has made me realize I really enjoy helping others," she adds.  "Right now, I want to become a doctor or a nurse after college.  I’m not sure which, but I know I want to go into the field of medicine.  It’s a rewarding career and I know that’s the direction for me."

Cleo is clearly a person with enormous potential.  Her afternoons at Goodwill are honing her academic and leadership skills and helping her make informed decisions about her future.  Thanks to friends who support Goodwill and the youth programs that benefit hundreds of young people, Cleo in on the path to a bright future.