Squash Haven News
Michael Berrios wins Carson Scholarship, NUSEA Future Stars Award
The third week in June was quite a week for rising Squash Haven eighth grader Michael Berrios. On Tuesday, Michael was honored by New Haven Mayor John DeStefano as a Carson Fellow. Eight Carson Fellows are selected annually on the basis of their academic achievement and humanitarian commitment to receive a $1000 college scholarship.
That Saturday, in Williamstown, MA, Berrios was selected among all urban squash middle school students across the country as the NUSEA Future Star. The award acknowledges students who stand out in their standards for excellence in squash, academics, teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, and character.
Berrios finished his seventh grade year with a GPA of 4.03 and as the third ranked player on the Squash Haven ladder. He is also a participant n the Breakthrough New Haven program at Hopkins School. As a Breakthrough participant, Michael spends one day a week through the school year and six weeks in the summer in a rigorous high school preparatory enrichment program. Michael is the son of Santiago Bones and Sixta Valentin of Fair Haven.
Squash Haven excels in second NUSEA Individuals tournament
In only its second team appearance ever at the NUSEA Individuals, the Squash Haven team showed that it is poised to compete with the best in urban squash. Twenty-nine team members traveled to Williamstown, MA for the three day tournament. In the Girls U13 division, three of four semifinalists were from Squash Haven and Aaliyah Davidson advanced to the finals. Five of eight Boys U13 quarterfinalists were Squash Haven team members. Team #1 Derek Lawrence rebounded for a difficult semifinal loss to beat teammate (and first year player) Javier Gonzalez in the ¾ playoff, and Alexis Ramirez beat cousin Michael Rodriguez in the consolation final. Our sights are already set on next year!
New Haven summer academic programs attract Squash Haven team members …
Over one third of the team spent even more of their summer in the classroom than on the courts. Eighteen team members applied to full summer academic programs, and four students completed six week courses through Breakthrough New Haven and Yale’s Ulysses S Grant. This left them with only two weeks of summer, and most spent one of those weeks at Squash Haven Camp. Congratulations, team. We are proud of you!
Squash courts near and far also prove attractive…
Eighteen team members spent at least one week of their summer at a squash camp. Students traveled as far as Hanover, NH and Philadelphia, and as near as Yale’s Payne Whitney for top notch instruction, competition, and camaraderie.
Squash Haven Camp starts strong!
For the first time ever, Squash Haven ran a full day camp the third week in August. 25 of our 34 team members participated in the optional week and a great time was had by all. In addition to daily squash and academic sessions, team members hiked East Rock park, visited the Farmer’s Market, learned to row with a Yale coach, went swimming, and competed in a final day Scavenger Hunt. In addition to our regular staff and volunteers, we had high school counselors who were AWESOME. Rising StreetSquash seniors and a rising Choate junior provided top notch instruction and enthusiasm.
Third Annual Young Friends event most successful yet
On Thursday, July 30th young enthusiasts came out to PJ Clarke’s four our third annual Young Friends Event. Over $7000 was raised to support our program, and the indisputable hit of the night were student presentations by third year team members Eneida Martinez and Erick Soto.
First Ever Labor Day Race a Success
On Monday September 7th, after four weeks of training, the Squash Haven team, along with a group of volunteers and friends, competed in its first ever New Haven Labor Day Road Race. Rising seventh grader Mark Wilson led the team with a strong finish amd Ruth Chapelle was the top finisher among the girls. Way to go, team!
John Dewitt joins the staff
After jumping on board with a three day stint in the dorms and at the courts in Williamstown in June, John Dewitt officially joined the staff in August, 2009. John comes to Squash Haven from Hamilton, where was an Economics major, captained, the team, and played #1. He is a long term Squash Busters volunteer and an impassioned athlete, mentor, and leader. Welcome John!
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