Cannabis Education: An Essential Guide for Norwalk Students

As part of our commitment to fostering a healthy and supportive environment for all students, Carver, in collaboration with Norwalk Public Schools, Drug Free CT, Positive Directions, The Norwalk Partnership, and the Westport Prevention Coalition, presents this comprehensive infographic on cannabis education. With a focus on empowering our K-12 students with accurate information and promoting a culture of informed decision-making, this resource aims to address the complexities surrounding cannabis use. Through clear and engaging visuals, we hope to motivate, challenge, and support each individual student in making responsible choices that align with their personal goals and well-being. Join us in this educational journey as we navigate the intricacies of cannabis, its effects, and its implications for our community's youth.

Step Into Wellness: NorWALK's 3rd Annual Mental Health Walk and Wellness Fair

Get your friends & family together and come on down!

Check in at our 8 dimensions of wellness fair to participate in activities and enjoy music, make art & ceramics, and do laughter yoga, practice boxing and river rowing, and more!

Resources available include: health checkups, check-up from the neck up, parenting resources, Narcan, financial planning assistance, and more.

Hear from community members & the mayor about the importance of mental health.

Join your community for the 1.5 mile awareness walk!

Rsvp encouraged! https://www.thenorwalkpartnership.org/event-details/3rd-annual-norwalk-for-mental-health-walk-wellness-fair/form

Returning Home Carver College Tour Students Get Thrills at Six Flags Great Adventure

After a week of exploring colleges and universities and then the mighty National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Carver students enjoyed a well-deserved day of fun at Six Flags Great Adventure on their way back to Norwalk.

“It is fitting that we ended our tour at Six Flag Great Adventure,” said Carver student Rodelin Constant. “We arrived in misty weather, but the weather improved as the day passed. The roller coasters Flash Vertical Velocity, Medusa, SkyScreamer, Superman, The Joker, Twister, and Kingda Ka did not disappoint. Kingda Ka is the tallest coaster in North America. It's upside-down U-shaped and goes up 45 stories. We had lots of fun and have developed new friendships, which will continue forever. A special shout out to our driver, Josh from Post Road Stages, who was with us for a second year. He greeted us politely and individually as we embarked, disembarked the bus, and transported us safely to Virginia and back home to Norwalk.”

"Kingda Ka was insane!" exclaimed another student about the park's famous 456-foot strata coaster. "Going from 0 to 128 mph in 3.5 seconds is an experience I'll never forget."

For the less daring students, themed areas like American Wilderness or Holiday in the Park provided plenty of tamer rides and attractions. The Marvel superhero characters roaming the park also made for fun selfie ops.

"This was a great way to bond, make memories, and have fun as a group one final time," said Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin, always one of the Carver college tour chaperones.

The Carver students' day at Six Flags Great Adventure ensured their Spring College Tour ended on a thrilling high note.

Back in Norwalk, they'll soon prepare for an even more excellent adventure—their following chapters in school, building their careers!

Our enlightening visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture

By Carver student Rodelin Constant

Now that the business portion of our trip has ended, we embarked on our planned visit to the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C.

The museum nicknamed the "Blacksonian," opened in 2016 as the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution. We were immersed in over 400 years of African American history and culture when we stepped inside the stunning bronze-colored building.

This visit was a gift after touring 10 Universities. Before even entering, the intricate design of the exterior caught my eye. As we walked in, we were greeted by armed security, which ensured the safety of the guests.

Our first stop was at The Sweet Home Café, located at the lower level, where we savored the tasty homemade soul food dishes like fried chicken, fried whiting, pulled pork, Mac and Cheese, sweet potato, potato salad, and many desserts.

After finishing our delicious meal, we started the tour at the European Slave Trade Exhibition. I never realized how far back slavery dates; I was reading memoirs and passages that dated back to the 1500s. The beauty of the museum was how they showed both sides of the coin. Africa was a country far more advanced and developed than European history shows. Civilizations, resources, kingdoms, and the continent were plentiful. That’s the reason why the Europeans were over there. Back then, all countries modeled themselves after Africa. The Europeans learned war strategies, mathematical equations, and astrology from the Africans. That’s to name a few.

I also learned how slavery, or indentured servants as they were called, wasn’t as uncommon. It was as common as trading gold or spices. Somewhere along the way, though, Europe, South America, and North America targeted Western Africa as a prime location for slave cargo. Throughout the exhibit, I learned about the brutalities and inhumane treatment that slaves went through.

The voyage alone had its exhibit. For Europeans to get Africans from Western Africa, they went in forcefully. Rifles, swords, chains, and whips. Invading homes, tribes, and civilizations. Men, women, and children were caught, bound, and chained together on a boat. Ones who refused or rebelled were murdered, women were raped, children separated from their parents, and men emasculated.

I learned how the Europeans didn’t care about anything but their “cargo,” Africans from all tribes and nations packed and chained together like sardines. Men were chained by their ankles and wrists and were surveilled by a guard with a whip to keep them in line. Women were only chained by the wrist, and separated from the men, only to be raped and brutalized. Thousands died at the hands of their captors, to disease, or even by choice. Believing that death would bring them back to their homeland.

What fascinated me the most about the entire experience was how much Black culture is American culture. How much pain we’ve turned into passion. When we were all on one accord, we impacted art, fashion, music, entertainment, politics, and inventions throughout the country.

In one way or another, African/ Black culture has influenced our way of life. I bet you know someone who isn’t black and loves Air Jordans. Have you ever considered how unsafe driving would be without stoplights? What about a nice bag of potato chips to enjoy a sandwich? The museum celebrates Black excellence and achievements, from The Carver’s namesake, George Washington Carver, 's agricultural inventions to Chuck Berry's rock' roll guitars.

I believe every young black student should tour the NMAAHC because of the sense of pride you feel leaving. The balance in depicting our history is the pain of our people, our resilience, the joy of our accomplishments, and the pride of our contributions to American culture.

I am filled with pride and understanding that we come from a long line of powerful, creative, and innovative people. There’s nothing impossible because when the odds were all stacked against my people, they prevailed. I left the museum feeling something indescribable.

Thank you, Carver!

Discovering Coppin: A Spring Break Journey to Baltimore's Historically Black University

By Tyra Mitchell and Ghalisa Sistrunk, 11th graders at Bunnell High School

We arrived at Coppin State University, the last school on Carver's 52nd College Spring Tour Itinerary. Our tour guide, Larry Gill, a sophomore studying Theatre Arts, led us through the beautiful Coppin campus.

Franny Jackson Coppin, a freed slave, founded the University because she wanted to fight for education for freed slaves.  She is one of the reasons education has evolved into what it is today. She started the Coppin Academy in 1900, the oldest building on campus. Coppin State University was named Coppin College until 2004 when it turned into the name it is now. Coppin Academy, a local high school housed on the campus, is not technically affiliated with the university itself, but students can benefit from dual enrollment at Coppin State.

The most popular and most competitive major is Nursing. Coppin has the #5 best nursing program in Maryland. Coppin State is also known for its psychology program. They offer learning experiences in mock courtrooms and crime scene investigations. The classes are small, with a 12:1 student-to-staff ratio. About 70% of classes have less than 20 students but no more than 50.

Coppin State University is a Division 1 athletic school. Football is only a club activity, but there are many other sports, such as baseball, basketball, track, volleyball, and tennis. Coppin’s most significant competitor and rival is Morgan State University. School spirit is brought out for everyone to enjoy and share during athletics and activities in the campus yard. The campus has a strong community feel and many unique programs and clubs to participate in in your spare time. You will never be bored. 

With all Divine 9 Greek life organizations active on campus, they share a court yard with other organizations, such as a nursing organization. Spread out in the yard are the plots for the sororities and fraternities. Equipment that stays in the yard is used for cookouts and events.

Coppin is the most affordable four-year university in Maryland. It offers two tuition rates, depending on your state's HBCU school status. 

Tuition is affordable, starting at around $19,020, and includes room and board. 92% of students receive financial aid, in addition they give out over $3 million in scholarship awards to students.

Exploring Morgan State: A Firsthand Look at an HBCU Powerhouse

By Johanna Bunch, 11th grader at Norwalk High School, and Kyle Snow, 11th grader at Rye Neck High School

When we arrived at Morgan State University, soothing music set a relaxed atmosphere. The moment we stepped in, we were greeted with enthusiasm and ushered into a beautifully decorated room vibrant with the school's colors. 

The campus boasts a modern design, offering a visually appealing environment for learning. Established in 1867 and located in Baltimore, Maryland, Morgan State has a rich history of providing education that leads to successful careers. 

During our visit, we encountered friendly individuals, including an energetic speaker who made us feel right at home. It was refreshing to be among like-minded peers. Our tour guides, Simone and Raegan, led us through various parts of the campus, including the political and science wings, showcasing the university's diverse academic offerings. 

Typically, the GPA requirement for admission to Morgan State is around 2.5 to 3.5, depending on the program you are applying for and other factors such as standardized test scores. Extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation are important to the admission process. Morgan State has an approximate student population of over 7,000 undergraduate and 1,500 graduate students, making it a moderately sized institution. 

For the fourth time on our tour, we were joined by a Carver alumnus. Shaleza Guytan, a Carver and Morgan State alumnae, was introduced to Morgan State University while participating in the Carver college tour. She fell in love with Morgan State and gained admission into its Honors program. While at Morgan State, Shaleza majored in Psychology and minored in business. The skills she gained are now utilized in her job as a regional property manager for multiple sites in Maryland. She credits the Carver’s Youth Development Program (YDP) for providing structure, guidance, and financial support throughout college. She was an inspiring speaker to us.

Morgan State University is a beacon of higher education, empowering students to pursue their passions, achieve their academic goals, and make meaningful contributions to society. Overall, our experience at Morgan State impressed us with its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to excellence in education.

Exploring Higher Education: High School Students Reflect on Their Goucher College Experience

By Iyla Brown and Lahja Hamilton, 11th graders at Norwalk High School

Goucher College, formally an all-girls school, is an excellent private liberal arts college in Towson, Maryland, close to Baltimore. A group of individuals funds the Baltimore College Town Association to help students obtain the resources needed to access opportunities that are not readily accessible at Goucher but are available at other institutions. Goucher has many different D3 sports teams and a Top 10 equestrian team. It was intriguing to see the horses as we toured the campus. Students who are part of the equestrian program can receive horseback riding lessons.  

Goucher employs Discussion-Based Learning, or the “Harkness Method.” This learning style challenges students to take responsibility for their education's success. Students gather around a table and are expected to find new information together, discuss it, and think for themselves. 

The school is diverse, with 45% of students being African American. A first-year seminar (interdisciplinary work) offers the option to build your major by picking three majors and/or minors.

Goucher is well known for its internships. For example, in your first year of college, you can visit employers and organizations to learn about different internships, scholarships, and jobs. In your second year, you can get micro-internships or short-term internships and be compensated for doing projects. Most students apply for internships to gain different experiences and to earn academic credits.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, Goucher would be considered a small school. This allows for interpersonal relationships between students and teachers. 

We liked seeing our tour guides, Tristlyn, Sophia, and Matt, presenting and interacting very down-to-earthly and witnessing everyone on campus being so connected. When entering as a freshman, you live in Freshman Village. This allows everyone to know other incoming students and learn about campus life. You are also allowed to have a car on campus as a freshman.

Upon admission to the school, everyone is eligible for scholarships. There are many different ways to earn money and help with your tuition. One of those ways is student government positions or becoming a Resident Assistant, available during your sophomore year and up.

This school is test-optional, but if you decide to send in your scores, it may boost scholarship money. The acceptance rate is about two-thirds of admissions, and 37% of students are Pell Grant recipients. One of the things that caught my attention was the holistic admissions process and the support given to the transition of high school students into their new college life. 

Professors at Goucher are required to have at least two office hours per week to provide students with the help and resources they need to succeed in school. The classrooms are on one side of the hall, and the professors' offices are on the other. This ensures easy access to quick check-ins with professors.

It is a requirement that you do a senior capstone project demonstrating mastery of any major and minor. All the classes are either lecture-style or seminar-based. This interests us because it allows us to connect with peers in a close environment, enabling us to bounce ideas off each other and have deeper conversations. There are different requirements you may need, like art. You also have a Complex Problem Exploration (CPE) requirement, through which you can explore problems in the world through your major and connect with other students. 

Overall, our experience at Goucher University was very pleasant. We learned that studying abroad is a required program, and we can go to our home country of Jamaica. They care for the students and ensure everyone can make their time at Goucher worthwhile. We enjoyed the school and can’t wait to see what the future holds. 

Carver Scholars Explore Howard's Legacy and Vibrant Campus Life

By Nariah Jones and London Knight Crow, 9th graders at Brien McMahon High School

We arrived in the heart of Washington, D.C., to tour the renowned Howard University (HU), home of the Bisons. Of all the schools on the 52nd Carver Spring College Tour itinerary, this is the one we are most excited to see.

We were greeted by Mikealya, our tour guide, who was determined to give us the best experience. We immersed ourselves in this experience by engaging in the icebreaker, “HU, you know what.”

Howard is one of the HBCUs with a rich history of shaping black leaders, medical professionals, artists, and activists, including Vice President Kamala Harris, the late Chadwick Boseman, Toni Morrison, Thurgood Marshall, Phylicia Rashad, Debbie Allen, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and so many more.

Howard University, a private research university, was founded in 1867 and is one of the oldest historically black colleges in the nation. Undergraduate, graduate, doctorate, and professional degrees are offered in the more than 120 programs.

While we were on campus, there were different events, such as painting, yoga, booths on mental health awareness, and therapeutic dogs. Simultaneously, they played music, and everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves. The university sits on 256 acres across DC and Maryland, with historic and modern buildings, green spaces, and athletic facilities.

Howard students come from diverse backgrounds and cultures and are known for their strong academics, vibrant campus life, and influential alumni. Thurgood Marshall, a Supreme Court Justice, is undoubtedly the most notable civil rights activist alumnus with a rich history of activism and social justice.

Vice President Kamala Harris spent her undergraduate years at Howard University. She majored in political science and economics and was actively involved in campus organizations. At Howard, she was a member of the debate team and the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Kamala Harris has credited her experience at Howard University for shaping her passion for social justice and public service. 

Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts is a fantastic institution within Howard University that focuses on the arts, including theater, music, dance, and visual arts. This College of Fine Arts offers various programs and opportunities for students to explore their creative talents and develop their skills. The college was renamed in honor of the late actor Chadwick Boseman, who graduated from Howard University and significantly impacted the entertainment industry. 

The environment at Howard University is very diverse. It’s where students from all races come together to learn, grow, and make a difference. The campus is filled with energy and a strong sense of community. We also got to experience their purpose and mission of giving back to their community by seeing a long line of students waiting to purchase charity basketball tickets.

There are many student organizations and clubs to get involved in, allowing you to connect with others with similar interests. Having active family members within HU Inspired us to do the same. The university also hosts various events, performances, and guest speakers throughout the year, creating a lively atmosphere.

Situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., it provides opportunities for internships, networking, and exploring the city. It’s an exciting and supportive environment that encourages personal and academic growth. It’s a great place to pursue your education and make lifelong connections.

Howard has always been our top school; visiting it in person has solidified our determination to be a Bison.

Carver Students Explore Virginia State University: A Firsthand Account from the Spring College Tour

By Ryan Russell, an 11th grader at P-Tech, and Elijah Vigo, an 11th grader at Norwalk High School

Excitement filled the air as we arrived at Virginia State University (VSU), where our chaperones, Ms. Iman Laborde Mobley and Mr. Tremain Gilmore, were once students.

Ms. Iman discovered VSU on the Carver Spring College tour years ago. Her joy was contagious, and we were eager to capture some of that joy.

We watched Ms. Novelette greet and embrace Carver alumnae Jasmine Brown, who was also introduced to VSU on a college tour. We were now in the midst of three former VSU students who had fond memories and wanted us to know firsthand the impact VSU had on their current success.

We were guided to the welcome center, and Ms. Asia and Mr. Jared greeted us and shared a presentation on the university. We were introduced to our tour guide, Aminah, but before we headed on the tour, Ms. Novelette asked Ms. Iman and Ms. Jasmine to share their thoughts with us.

Ms. Jasmine encouraged us to follow our dreams and be resilient. She graduated from VSU and earned two master’s degrees in education and social work. She returned to Virginia a few years ago and is the proud owner of an 8-bed transitional program for clients struggling with mental illness. She joined us for the entire tour, and we are grateful she took the time to spend with us.

Ms. Iman shared that her college experience was nothing short of amazing. She was accepted to many universities, but Virginia State was the school she fell in love with. VSU accepted her based on her GPA and academic track record rather than focusing on her SAT scores. She went from not knowing much about being on her own or how to be an adult to then being fully independent and heavily involved on campus. Ms. Iman credits the dedicated VSU community, including the Betterment of Brothers and Sisters Organization. This mentoring organization helped her as a freshman, and she later led it as President and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in shaping and molding her into a well-rounded adult.  She is a Future Readiness Coordinator for The Carver, working to guide current Carver students in leading successful lives.

VSU is a Historically Black College/University founded in 1882 and has approximately 4,000 students enrolled. Currently, it is a test-optional school and has an open campus. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:15. Virginia State University is a school that is willing to allow the average student to succeed in school and life.  VSU accepts students with a 2.5 GPA and above and has many tutors around the campus to support its student body.  They are well-known for their sports broadcasting and journalism program and for owning a radio station.  The radio station supports the sports broadcasts and journalism programs. 

As a Division 11 school with excellent sports programs and a competitive football team, the students have much to cheer for during the year. Modernizing the old buildings and adding new ones give us a sense of a vibrant future for the VSU community.

We were surprised to be greeted by the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters and the Omega Psi Phi fraternity brothers, who gave us step presentations. Ms. Iman arranged this.

We are so grateful to Ms. Iman, Mr. Tremain, and Ms. Jasmine for sharing their VSU experience. Virginia State University is a great college to learn, grow, meet new people, and have a great college experience.

Awe-Inspiring Architecture and Prestigious Academics: Our Candid Take on Georgetown University's Hallowed Halls

By John Akbar and Alan Flores, 10th graders at Brien McMahon High School

Arriving on the campus of Georgetown University, we suddenly felt as if we were in an isolated city on top of a hill with its own hospital. This prestigious college had attentive students, stunning architecturally designed buildings, an aura of structure, and a sense of belonging. Georgetown University was the sixth school we visited on Carver’s 52nd annual Spring College Tour.

We learned from our guide Sam that Georgetown is a private Jesuit Catholic University that was founded by John Carroll in 1789, and this was the first university to hire a Rabi and an Imam as faculty members.

The Georgetown University Hoyas compete as a NCAA Division 1 school. The Hoyas began an era called the "Golden Age" in the 1980s, which also included track and field and other traditional sports with the exception of football, and enjoyed unprecedented times of success from the 1980s until the 1990s. The motto of Georgetown is "Hoya Saxa" (HOY-e SAK- sə) Latin and Greek for “what rocks”, and legends say that a team would throw rocks at the opposing team’s walls to show competitive superiority, which was really unique to discover.

Georgetown is a university that surprisingly offers a well-rounded school experience for its students. It focuses on academics, ethics, and everything outside of academics. 

Diving into academics, Georgetown has a tuition of around $62,000, which is normal considering it's a private university, but they have many resources like scholarships and financial aid programs to help make tuition affordable for admitted students. Georgetown doesn't have a required GPA; it goes off the high school academic performance context.  Georgetown has a strict acceptance rate of 12% but a fantastic graduation rate average of 95%. Georgetown does have an SAT requirement with a typical range from 1410-1540 and an ACT score of 33 on average.

Since Georgetown accepts AP (Advanced Placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) credits, it is very good for high school students who take those rigorous classes. Georgetown is a prominent institution locked in with religion and the humanities, such as business, economics, and government. Georgetown is very well-known for its STEM-based Medical Research. Learning about the depth and breadth of Georgetown convinces us that Georgetown is one of the best non-Ivy league schools in the country.

The Georgetown campus is quite beautiful and student-governed. Many programs, like the EMT program, are managed solely by students. Georgetown is very safe and secure. It has its own police station, with responses in under a minute. Georgetown is also a very spiritual school; it has “safe spots” and recognition for the Abrahamic and Dharmic faiths. This is essential these days because we live in a very secular world, and Georgetown University offers that decent sense of religious security.

After being with our tour guide Sam, we feel more knowledgeable about this benevolent university that offers many fields of study, social life, and leisure time activities. The city of Georgetown itself is very open, there's a lot to explore to discover. Georgetown University isn't just a University. It's a home.