Carl Brown, NCHS '06 I played football, basketball, track and field, and was a member of the jazz band and orchestra during my years at New Canaan high school. I am currently a senior at Lehigh University majoring in Civil Engineering, with a minor in Africana Studies.  For the past three summers, I was an intern at the Department of Design and Construction (DDC).  After graduation, I plan to pursue and obtain my professional engineering license. ABC has helped in my overall, personal, and academic growth. Because of ABC, I entered college with many essential tools that many others did not have, such as adapting to a completely new environment, and accepting the new academic challenges .  A Better Chance is all about giving someone a "better chance" to pursue their goals, whether they be big or small.  I have learned to appreciate the opportunities that came my way and also to give others opportunities that they may not have had. THANKS ABC!!! Host Parents: Sally and Kim Campbell

Juan Puma, NCHS '08 writes, "I have recently decided to major in Hispanic studies and possibly double major with English. I have also taken another major step in my life as I have now decided to take the LSATS come senior year. For the future I plan to attend law school and pursue a career in the legal field. I am also planning to study during the spring semester of my junior year in Italy through the Arcadia program next year." Juan is a member of the Class of 2012 at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY. Host Parents: Jeanie & Jeff Shaw

Steven Gallego, NCHS '07 worked with his father Hector at a publishing company this past summer. Steve began his freshman year at Denison University in Ohio in Fall 2007.Host Parents: Mary Beth & Bill Fessler

Eric Ho, NCHS '07 attended summer classes at Union College, Schenectedy, NY ahead of beginning his freshman year there in Fall 2007. Eric delivered the 2007 Martin Luther King Day celebration. Host Parents: Carol & Paul McDermott

Carl Brown, NCHS '06 is studying math and engineering Lafayette College in Easton, PA. Carl wrote and delivered the 2006 Martin Luther King Day celebration. He played football for New Canaan High School and was an outstanding student. Carl worked several jobs this past summer. Host Parents: Sally & Doug Campbell

Marc Pierre, NCHS '06 entered Denison University in Granville, OH with plans to study business. Marc played football for New Canaan High School. Marc interned at a New York hedge fund during this past summer. Host Parents: Sara Kahn & Rick Routhier

Rodney Yartey, NCHS '05 is a student at Colgate University studying business. For New Canaan's 2005 Martin Luther King Day celebration Rodney wrote and delivered his essay before several hundred townspeople, visiting clergy and special guests, including legendary singer-songwriter Pete Seeger. During his senior year Rodney and fellow NCHS seniors David Cox and Tim Wills, organized ABC of New Canaan’s first Car Show, as a joint senior project to raise funds for our house.   Rodney writes, "I am currently a freshman at Colgate University with my sights on Economics as a major. I’d say hands down that ABC was one of the best things that ever happened to me. The educational, social, and financial opportunities it opened are amazing and completely worthwhile. As much as it sounds like a cliché, in my heart I know that ABC helped mold me into a better person. My outlook on life and my future has been changed significantly because of ABC and I am very thankful for that. I know ABC will continue to do what it does best, and I congratulate all of the current, future, and past ABC students on their ever-growing achievements. Rodney 's summer job at MKP Capital, LLC, in New York is another successful step in his career plan.. Host Parents: Marjie & Bruce Calvert

David Cox, Jr. NCHS '05 is a student at New York University studying film. When he's not studying, David works at the new Apple Store on Fifth Avenue in New York. David is a certified Apple Genius and was distinguished recently for quarterly sales achievements. Last summer David was among a select few Apple Geniuses whose full-size likenesses appeared in all Apple Stores worldwide. When we asked David for his 6 foot tall cardboard likeness from the Fifth Avenue store for the House, he said sheepishly "sorry guys, my Mom asked first..." Among David's achievments while at NCHS is being voted by State of Connecticut superintendents of schools as the outstanding graduating senior in the state. David wrote following his first semester, "Well, I have finished off my first semester with a 3.486 GPA and I'm very happy at school so far. I will be majoring in Film and Television Production with a minor in Entertainment Producing." Host Parents: Melinda & Jeff Fager

William Choi, NCHS 1998 Graduate of New Canaan High School.

BS in Finance from Lehigh University in 2002 (Four-year recipient of the Jack Barnett Scholarship).I am currently employed by MKP Capital LLC, a premier New York-based hedge fund as a portfolio analyst. Without a doubt, ABC of New Canaan, is an environment that enriched my outlook, honed my academic skills, and gave me the motivation needed to succeed in school and life. One facet of ABC that many people may not notice is that success is contagious. When other ABC students see you succeed, it encourages them as well.  This is even evident in my siblings. My sister will graduate from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and my youngest sister will graduate from high school.

Steve Graciano, NCHS '93 and past A Better Chance of New Canaan Board member, and wife Malia announce the arrival of daughter Madison Gabrielle Graciano at 8:17 PM on January 9, 2008, in Los Angeles. Madison weighed 7 lbs., 5 oz., and was 21 inches long at birth, according to Steve, who also reports that "Mom and baby are doing great." He adds that "Dad is now outnumbered at home and in big trouble."In subsequent email, Steve says "It's been a rough three weeks, but we're still standing..., jury is still out on who she looks like." He adds, "We are very excited with her arrival and can not wait for you all to meet her." Steve earned his Masters Degree at University of Southern California in 2007, and he is now Director, Marketing & Communications, at Fox Sports en Español based in Los Angeles. Email your congratulations to Steven.Graciano@fox.com