L-R: Waid Ramsubhag, Novelette Peterkin, Fahendra Aurelus, Philip Miranda, Congressman Jim Himes, and Elizabeth Finn
Yesterday, the Carver Community Center had the honor of welcoming back U.S. Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT), a steadfast supporter of education and youth development in our community. His visit was a memorable experience for our students, staff, and leadership team as they shared updates and explored the exciting progress happening at Carver.
Congressman Himes was greeted by Carver’s Chief Executive Officer, Novelette Peterkin, who provided him with a comprehensive overview of the programs and services Carver delivers to more than 3,000 K-12 students in Norwalk and surrounding communities. They were joined by Carver’s Chief Financial Officer, Elizabeth Finn; Director of Philanthropy, Nikki LaFaye; and Carver's After-School Program Manager, Waid Ramsubhag; along with members of the Himes team, Outreach Manager Sophie Khanna, and Aide Shane Skoog.
The heart of the visit was a conversation with Carver students Fahendra Aurelus, an 8th grader, and Philip Miranda, a 6th grader, who eagerly asked Congressman Himes thoughtful and insightful questions. Fahendra asked, "How many laws are passed each year?" prompting a candid and engaging teaching moment from the Congressman. He explained that while thousands of bills are introduced each Congressional session, only a few hundred become law, illustrating the complexity and deliberation involved in the legislative process.
Following the conversation, Congressman Himes and the group toured the Carver Community Center. They visited classrooms where they met volunteers like Ruth Freeman, who was leading a literacy group, and witnessed Carver kids actively engaged in gym games. One of the highlights of the tour was seeing the ongoing construction of the new two-story Carver Teen Center. This vital capital project will offer expanded opportunities for Norwalk youth. Congressman Himes was impressed by the scale and vision of the project, which is designed to further Carver’s mission of empowering young people to reach their potential.
Discussions at the conference table touched on essential topics, including funding for youth programs, the current administration's priorities, and Carver’s capital projects.
Carver is grateful for Congressman Himes' continued support and commitment to listening to the voices of young people, his most important constituents. His visit reaffirmed the power of community, education, and leadership working together to shape a brighter future for all.
