2024 Carver Annual Meeting: A Celebration of Progress, Community, and Commitment to Excellence

Carver student John Akbar standing with his proud mother

The Carver Community Center hosted an inspiring Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors yesterday evening, highlighting The Carver’s dedication to education and community engagement. Here is a copy of the 2024 Annual Meeting program and report.

The event brought together a diverse group of supporters, including esteemed guests such as Senator Bob Duff, Secretary of the State of Connecticut Stephanie Thomas, Norwalk Common Council President Darlene Young, Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Shannon O'Toole Giandurco, Norwalk Historical Society Executive Director Diane Jellerette, and NAACP Norwalk Connecticut Branch President Brenda Penn-Williams, alongside dedicated parents, enthusiastic students, committed staff, and passionate volunteers.

This pivotal gathering served as a platform to reflect on the past year’s progress and reaffirm The Carver's mission of transforming lives through education. Key moments included the reconstitution of the Board of Directors and the announcement of goals for the current fiscal year, reinforcing The Carver’s relentless pursuit of continuous improvement.

A Carver high school student, John Akbar, shared how Carver impacted his life. Here is a copy of his story, excerpted below, which he told the Annual Meeting guests.

Carver has transformed me from a timid, unsure freshman into someone confident and driven. It’s been a journey of self-discovery filled with challenges, growth, and new passions. As I continue forward, I’m eager to keep learning, exploring, and making the most of every opportunity. Thank you to the Carver community for showing me that with support and courage, anything is possible.

Carver Board President Phil Butterfield and Carver board member Jillian Kaminski

The organization’s thorough preparation for the meeting, including a comprehensive review of critical policies and plans, highlights its commitment to excellence.

Amidst the formalities, the evening maintained a festive and welcoming atmosphere. Guests enjoyed refreshments and heartfelt conversations, strengthening the sense of community at the heart of The Carver’s mission. Attendees shared stories, celebrated achievements, and connected with new and old friends, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.

As The Carver looks ahead, events like the Annual Meeting underscore its steadfast commitment to empowering individuals, building community, and harnessing the transformative power of education. Together, The Carver and its supporters continue to write the next chapter in its remarkable story of impact and growth.