Carver’s John Akbar Places 3rd in Medical Math at State HOSA Conference: A Rising Leader in STEM

Carver student John Akbar standing with his proud mother at the C arver Annual Meeting in November 2024

Carver proudly congratulates John Akbar, a standout Carver student and intern, a Brien McMahon High School junior, on placing third in Medical Math at the Connecticut HOSA – Future Health Professionals State Leadership Conference. This outstanding achievement highlights John’s growing expertise and confidence in one of the most challenging areas of health science education.

The Medical Math competition tests students on the real-world application of mathematical principles in healthcare. Participants must demonstrate accuracy and fluency with measurement conversions, drug dosages, IV solutions, dilutions, and concentrations, as well as the interpretation of charts, graphs, and statistics. It’s a rigorous exam designed to prepare students for the demands of the medical field, and John rose to the challenge with distinction.

John’s success in Medical Math is just the latest chapter in his inspiring Carver story.

Over the past year, Carver has shared John’s many accomplishments and thoughtful reflections. Last April, he joined the Carver Spring College Tour, exploring many schools and sharing his account of visiting HBCU Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. That experience, like so many others at Carver, fueled his vision for the future.

In November, John gave a heartfelt speech at Carver’s Annual Meeting, addressing a room filled with distinguished guests including Senator Bob Duff, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, and Norwalk Common Council President Darlene Young. His words captured the essence of his journey:

“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.”

Just last week, John also inspired guests at the Norwalk Connections Party, hosted by Jody and David Neaderland. Alongside his peers, he spoke eloquently about his Carver experience and future goals, leaving a strong impression on all in attendance.

John’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when students are given support, opportunity, and the freedom to discover their own potential. His third-place win in Medical Math reflects not only his academic dedication but also the confidence and skills he has developed through his Carver experience.

We can’t wait to see what’s next for John—and we’ll be there to cheer him on every step of the way.

Congratulations, John! Your Carver family is proud of you.

From Carver Intern to National Competitor: Joelle “Luciel” Balan Heads to HOSA International Leadership Conference in Nashville

Carver is proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of Joelle “Luciel” Balan, a Brien McMahon High School senior, Carver intern, and aspiring forensic scientist, who will represent Connecticut at the 2025 HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC) in Nashville, Tennessee, this June.

Luciel earned her place at this prestigious event by winning first place in the Medical Reading event at the State Leadership Conference on March 2. The ILC, taking place from June 18–21 at the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center, brings together thousands of top student leaders from around the world for a one-of-a-kind experience featuring competitions, seminars, networking, and career development in the health sciences.

Luciel’s journey to the ILC has been nothing short of inspiring. As part of Carver’s Norwalk Hospital internship program, Luciel gained hands-on exposure to careers in healthcare—an experience that deepened her passion for forensic science. Her growth continued as a paid Carver intern and tutor at Jefferson Magnet School, where she has become a role model to younger students and a beloved mentor among her peers.

In her own words, Luciel credits Carver with helping her uncover dreams she never thought possible:

“I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have without Carver. Their Career Readiness has helped me the most for my future… I would have never made resumes, cover letters, elevator pitches, or a LinkedIn profile because I would have never had someone guide me… I’ve realized that I wish to do even more than just the medical field. I learned to branch out from my dreams since I was young and make new ones that I can strive for.”

The Medical Reading competition, which Luciel will compete in at the ILC, challenges students to demonstrate a deep understanding of selected medical and leadership books through a rigorous written exam and essay. This competitive event is just one way HOSA empowers students like Luciel to showcase their knowledge and leadership potential on a global stage.

Luciel’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of Carver’s academic, professional, and personal year-round support. From career exposure to character development, Carver programs are designed to equip students like Luciel with the tools they need to dream bigger and achieve more.

We are incredibly proud of Luciel and look forward to cheering her on as she competes with the nation’s best in Nashville. Congratulations, Luciel—your Carver family is behind you all the way!

An Evening of Inspiration and Connection: Norwalk Comes Together for Carver at the Neaderlands’ Home

L-R: Rich VanSteen, Co-Chair and host David Neaderland, Paul Bartilucci, Mark Kaufman, Shelley Lepetich

L-R: Sarah Waters standing with Co-Chair and host Jody Neaderland

Last night, Carver was honored to be the guest of Jody and David Neaderland, who generously opened their beautiful home for the Norwalk Connections Party—a festive and inspiring evening supporting Carver students and programs.

The gathering brought together a dynamic mix of community leaders, longtime Carver champions, and emerging young voices. Carver’s leadership was in attendance, along with ten high school students who represent the heart and promise of Carver’s mission.

Three Carver students delivered remarks that moved our guests and reminded everyone of what’s at stake—and what’s possible—when young people are believed in and supported:

L-R: Maura Callahan Johnson, Susan Weinberger, Jackie Roberson, Peter Johnson

• Nick Sainthyle, a 10th grader at Brien McMahon High School and a soccer team member, shared his passion for fashion design and modeling. Thanks to the connections made at the event, Nick was invited by a guest—an executive at American Eagle—to meet with their design team.

• Shiloh Williams, a senior at the Center for Global Studies at Brien McMahon, will attend the University of Rochester this fall to study medicine with a focus on neurology, a passion sparked during her Carver paid internship at Norwalk Hospital’s radiology department.

• John Akbar, a junior at McMahon, impressed the entire gathering with his poise and eloquence. He’s pursuing biomedical engineering and is considering in-state colleges to stay close to family and manage costs.

Nick and John also attended Carver’s most recent Spring College Tour, an experience that continues to shape their aspirations and paths forward.

Special thanks go to Norwalk Connections Committee Co-Chairs Jody and David Neaderland, and to committee members Michele Casey, Marian Pierce, Joanne Van Steen, and Dr. Susan G. Weinberger, for making the evening a warm and welcoming celebration.

Guests enjoyed delectable bites by Catering from the Hart, conversations that sparked new ideas and friendships, and powerful reminders of why Carver matters more than ever.

Together, we're building futures—and connections!

Alan Flores, John Akbar, CEO Novelette Peterkin, Jackie Roberson, Shiloh Williams

Join us to celebrate Carver's deep roots, and the strong futures we'll build together for kids throughout our community. There's still time to become a sponsor by purchasing a table!

Carver’s “Chicken Tenders” Hatch a Love for Learning at Kendall Elementary

Kaetlyn Billowitz, a 5th-grade Carver Scholar at Kendall Elementary, gently cradles one of the newly hatched chicks she helped care for as part of Carver’s hands-on science project. “They were so soft and warm,” she said. “Sometimes, they chirped like they were saying thank you!”

This spring, Carver’s Scholars program at Kendall Elementary School brought science to life—literally! Thanks to Keisha Smith Biko, a beloved elementary teacher and Carver after-school program coordinator, a group of curious and compassionate 5th graders helped incubate and hatch fertilized chicken eggs right in their classroom.

Ms. Biko, who also teaches coding and engineering during the school day, affectionately calls her after-school students the “Chicken Tenders”—a name that reflects both their care for the chicks and their growing sense of responsibility. These students have embraced the project wholeheartedly, even using their lunch and recess time to visit the “babies,” feed them, clean their feet, and maintain their brooders.

One student, Kaetlyn Billowitz, shared her reflections on the experience:

“I had the most fantastic time helping out with the baby chicks in our classroom! Every day, I got to feed them and make sure they had fresh water. It was so exciting to watch them grow and see their tiny feathers start to fluff up. My favorite part was holding them gently in my hands; they were so soft and warm. I also had to clean their little area, which was a big responsibility because we needed to keep them healthy and happy. Sometimes, they would chirp loudly, and I think they were trying to say thank you! Taking care of the chicks taught me a lot about responsibility and the importance of being gentle with animals. I also like building a home for the chicks with the blocks in Mrs. Biko’s room. She lets us go on Instagram Live with her and play with the chickens.”

This project exemplifies the heart of Carver’s mission: inspiring young minds through hands-on learning and compassionate mentorship. Through caring for the chicks, these students not only explored science and animal care—they also discovered joy, teamwork, and a sense of wonder that will stay with them long after the chicks are grown.

Labcorp Supports Carver’s Mission with Generous Donation Honoring Black History Month

L-R: Nikki LaFaye, Carver Director of Philanthropy; Olumide Towolawi, Labcorp; Novelette Peterkin, Carver CEO; and Reggie Pierre Louis Jacques, Labcorp

We are excited to share that Carver recently received a generous donation from Labcorp, a global leader in laboratory diagnostics and drug development services, thanks to the efforts of employees Olumide Towolawi and Reggie Pierre Louis Jacques from Labcorp’s Shelton, CT office.

Olumide, Manager of Molecular Oncology and Accessioning, and Reggie, Administrative Specialist, are both active members of Labcorp’s Black Employee Resource Group (ERG) PULSE, Connecticut.  PULSE = Promoting Unity Through Legacy, Support, and Empowerment. They visited Carver to personally present the gift, which was raised during their Black History Month initiative in February. Their visit was a meaningful exchange of values and vision, as they took time to learn about Carver’s deep commitment to serving Norwalk’s youth through education, enrichment, and career development programs.

Particularly inspiring to Olumide and Reggie was Carver’s paid internship program with Norwalk Hospital, a prime example of how Carver equips high school students with real-world experience in healthcare and beyond. These internships not only provide hands-on learning but also open doors to future careers in vital industries such as medicine and science—fields where companies like Labcorp play a critical role.

Labcorp, officially known as Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, is headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina, and operates one of the largest clinical laboratory networks in the world. With operations in approximately 100 countries and a mission to improve health and improve lives, Labcorp’s support for Carver reflects a shared dedication to empowering individuals and communities through opportunity and innovation.

We are deeply grateful for Labcorp’s support and for the leadership shown by Olumide and Reggie. Their commitment to celebrating Black history through action exemplifies the power of corporate partnerships in driving positive change. Their visit reinforced the importance of community collaboration and the value of investing in the next generation.

Thank you, Labcorp, for standing with Carver and believing in the potential of every young person we serve. We look forward to building on this connection and exploring more ways to work together for a brighter, healthier future.

Sam Jean Pierre: Carver’s Music-Making, Soccer-Playing, Moonwalking Star Shines Bright

At Carver, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible young people who bring energy, talent, and heart into our community every day—and few do that quite like Sam Jean Pierre.

Sam, an 8th grader at West Rocks Middle School, is a vibrant and multi-talented student who has been a part of Carver’s family since the 2nd grade. Currently a member of Carver’s Junior Youth Development Program (YDP) at the Carver Community Center, Sam is known for lighting up every room he enters with his infectious smile and his endless enthusiasm.

Whether he’s playing the trumpet or composing his own music, Sam’s passion for creativity is always front and center. His love for music is matched only by his talent on the soccer field, where he’s become a star in his own right. And if that weren’t enough, Sam is also known for his dance moves—especially his signature moonwalk—that he’s quick to share with friends around the center.

Carver has been a second home for Sam, who lives just around the corner. He’s spent many summers with us, making memories at camp and beyond. One of his favorite moments? A field trip to Calf’s Pasture Beach during summer camp—a special day made even more meaningful because his sister, a Carver counselor, was there too.

Sam’s spirit and positivity have not gone unnoticed. “Hard to not love him,” says Waid Ramsubhag, Manager of Carver’s after-school programs. “He’s polite, he participates, and he makes everyone around him feel good.” Sam has made countless friends at Carver, simply by being himself.

As the school year winds down and Sam prepares for the exciting journey of high school, we’re incredibly proud of all he’s accomplished. And while we’ll miss seeing him every day during the school year, we’re thrilled to welcome him back to camp this summer—where more music, soccer, dancing, and unforgettable memories await.

Sam, thank you for bringing so much joy to Carver. We know your future is as bright as your smile, and we can’t wait to see all the places your talents will take you!

Congressman Jim Himes Returns to Carver, Engages with Students and Tours Construction Underway in the Carver Community Center

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.

Wilkes University: A Welcoming Campus That Blends History, Opportunity, and Student Life

By Tavaris Tweetie, Christopher Grey, and Calvin Talbert, 11th Graders at Brian McMahon High School

Wilkes University was the last school on our college tour itinerary. After visiting large schools like Temple University, medium schools like the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and small schools like Chestnut Hill College, we were armed with the knowledge to make an informed decision about Wilkes University. 

By now, we have become accustomed to seeing colleges nestled in small towns with historic buildings and a small-town vibe, and Wilkes was another school with the same attributes. It is located in Wilkes-Barre, PA, a medium-sized school with over 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students. We arrived on campus and enjoyed seeing the contrast between old mansions and modern buildings, set against well-kept lawns. We were greeted by Mason Mitchell, the assistant director of undergraduate admissions, who gave us a comprehensive presentation on Wilkes University.

He explained that Wilkes has a 98% job and graduate placement rate, a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and $41 million in scholarships and aid. Scholarship opportunities range from $20,000 to $28,000 annually. There are merit scholarships and special programs available for high-performing students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher. Applications to the school can be made through the Common Application, and a 2.0 GPA is required for admission. Wilkes offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and programs, 11 graduate programs, four doctoral programs, 23 DIII sports teams, and intramural sports, as well as events and trips to Philadelphia and New York.

We were introduced to our tour guide and student ambassador, Craig, who led a tour around the campus. Even though the campus was quiet because it was Easter break, you could still tell Wilkes has an active and supportive student life. We were immediately struck by how lively and engaging the student environment was. There are over 80 clubs, and the school offers helpful resources like tutoring, a counseling center, and a career center that helps students find internships. They also have different options for where to live and eat on campus. Craig is an engineering student who is knowledgeable, sincere, and passionate about Wilkes. We got a welcoming feel as we toured the campus and its facilities, which included traditional dorms, mansions, suites, and clean bathrooms. Intriguing was The Towers, a modern-day apartment building for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The high rise offers the independence of off-campus living with the amenities of on-campus housing.  

Wilkes University was a valuable experience that helped us imagine what college life would be like. Thanks to the generosity of the donors, we appreciate the chance to go on this tour. It has inspired us to think carefully and thoughtfully about our futures. We're thrilled to head to Six Flags Great Adventure for fun and thrilling rollercoaster rides.

Student Voices from the Road: This final blog post, like the others shared throughout this week, is written by Carver students participating in Carver’s 53rd Annual Spring College Tour. These reflections offer a firsthand look at their experiences visiting colleges and universities across the East Coast as they explore their futures and share what inspires them along the way.

Misericordia University: A Campus Rooted in Compassion, Community, and Student Success

By Hernezto Valeryan Fabio Jean, 11th Grader at Brien McMahon High School, Surayyah Brown, 11th Grader at Norwalk High School, and Jacob Jones, 11thGrader at Brien McMahon High School

Today, we visited Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania. Misericordia is the Latin word for mercy, compassion, and clemency, which resonated with us. The beautiful campus is on 125 acres, blending old and new architectural styles. We were impressed by the welcoming, serene campus atmosphere. Misericordia University was founded in 1924 and is home to one of the oldest Nursing programs in the area.

The College of Business, Health Sciences & Education, and the Arts and Sciences are three leading colleges. We noticed small class sizes (a 10:1 student-to-staff ratio and an average class size of 19) and learned from our tour guide, Maura, that professors, not teaching assistants, teach the classes. The Arts is supported by a theater that hosts student plays and art galleries that showcase frequent exhibits. Academically, the university reports a 94% 4-year graduation rate and an 82% first-year retention rate, with a 93% acceptance rate and a 95% graduation rate. Notably, Misericordia does not require an application fee, does not mandate SAT or ACT scores, and states that 100% of admitted students receive scholarship or aid. The tuition is around $53,000, though most students receive financial assistance. Additionally, the university offers 31 Division 111 teams and various internship opportunities in Mass Communication and Design, Mathematics, Humanities, Learn and Grow, and Science, often leading to post-graduation jobs. 

Excerpt: Centered on campus is a stone sculpture with four pillars. Each pillar depicts a student's journey, starting with rough edges and transforming into a polished individual ready to take on the future.

We loved learning about the strong student support systems in place, like the Student Success Center, mental health support, paid internships, and job placements. Around 70% of students get help from resources like the Math Club, the Tutoring Center, and the Writing Center. For students in the medical programs, some clinics and internships give hands-on experience. The university will provide paid internships to graduates who are unable to find employment within six months of graduation. 

Service is an essential component of Misericordia University. Students can serve communities locally, nationally, or globally. Students have traveled to places like Jamaica and San Francisco to work on projects that benefit the community, thus living up to the creed and values of mercy and compassion.

Excerpt: The Mary Kintz Bevevino Library has computers and large, comfortable bean bags on every floor, making it a cozy place to study.

During the campus tour, several important places were highlighted. The Mary Kintz Bevevino Library has computers and large, comfortable bean bags on every floor, making it a cozy place to study. Another special building is the Geraldine Ruth Daley Anderson Bell Tower, which has a chapel inside and a strong historical presence. The Anderson Sports and Health Center includes an indoor track, a basketball court, a gym, a swimming pool, and space for cross-country training. We checked out the dining options and student life spaces. The full dining offers a pizza bar, deli, an ice cream station, a Chick-fil-A, and a Starbucks on campus. The fitness center is open year-round, and a health center and post office are conveniently located on campus. As many of us are interested in health sciences, we appreciated the strong nursing and therapy programs.  Maura highlighted that the professors and coaches are very supportive of student athletes. 

Learning that 100% of students receive merit aid and that we wouldn’t need to submit SAT scores because they are test-optional made the application process much less stressful. Overall, we left the Misericordia campus feeling that it is a place where we would be supported to grow academically, personally, and even spiritually.

Centered on campus is a stone sculpture with four pillars. Each pillar depicts a student's journey, starting with rough edges and transforming into a polished individual ready to take on the future.

Overall, Misericordia University combines strong academics, helpful support systems, and a welcoming community, making it an excellent place for students to learn, grow, and prepare for their future.

Student Voices from the Road: The following blog post—and others throughout this week—are written by Carver students participating in Carver’s 53rd Annual Spring College Tour. These reflections offer a firsthand look at their experiences visiting colleges and universities across the East Coast as they explore their futures and share what inspires them along the way.