2023 Head Start Alumni Summer Send-Off

It’s almost time to say farewell to sweltering days and balmy nights. But we can’t say goodbye to summer without wishing our 2023 Head Start alumni graduates the best as they move on to the next chapter of their journey. And what is a moving-on moment without a poem?

Here’s one written especially for the class of 2023:

Wherever you go, whatever you do,
Take us with you.

In the days ahead, there will be laughter and some crying; yes, you’ll do that too.
But take us with you.

We’re always in your corner; we always believe in you.
Remember, take us with you.

We want you to dream big, and we want you to dream often.
Life can be messy, but don’t let that stop you.
Be ready to try what’s new.

And when you make your mark on the world and assume your rightful place with the stars,
Don’t forget…take us with you! 

Sincerely,

The National Head Start Alumni Network
The National Head Start Association

The National Head Start Alumni Network

Did you attend Head Start or Early Head Start as a child? Join the Network!

TyShaneé Allison

TyShaneé Allison

TyShaneé attended Macedonia Head Start in Macedonia, Ohio. In 2023, she received a bachelor’s degree. She completed a summer internship at Gensler in Washington, D.C., and is now working toward a master’s degree in Business Administration at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. 

Breanna Corlew

Breanna attended Lycoming-Clinton (STEP, Inc.) Head Start McElhattan Center in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Jersey Shore Area Senior High School in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania. Breanna received the 2023 Jeff Koppel Memorial Scholarship Award from the Pennsylvania Head Start Association.

Breanna, a member of the Honors College at West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania, plans to major in English.

Breanna-Corlew
Jon Ekhuoria Ebataleye

Jon Ekhuoria Ebataleye

Jon was a part of DCIU Head Start in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Westtown School in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Jon was accepted into 16 colleges and is an entering freshman at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with plans to study Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Taylor Nikol Gainer

Taylor attended Macedonia Head Start in Macedonia, Ohio, and graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Taylor plans to attend Kent State University and major in Zoology.

Taylor Nikol Gainer baby
Taylor Nikol Gainer adult
Jaelyn Devohne Haver baby
Jaelyn Devohne Haver Adult

Jaelyn Devohne Haver

Jaelyn attended Macedonia Head Start in Macedonia, Ohio, and graduated from Twinsburg High School in Twinsburg, Ohio. He is entering the workforce with the Swagelok company and plans to join their welding program.

Louis A. Krezdorn

Louis attended Kids Are First Head Start in Eagle Pass, Texas.

He graduated from Southwest Texas Junior College in Uvalde, Texas, with an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts.

Louis A. Krezdorn Louis
Ayleen Lopez

Ayleen Lopez

Ayleen attended Kids Are First Head Start in Eagle Pass, Texas. She graduated from Eagle Pass High School.

Omar Lopez

Omar attended Kids Are First Head Start in Eagle Pass, Texas. He graduated from Eagle Pass High School in Eagle Pass, Texas.

Omar Lopez
Pedro Mireles

Pedro Mireles

Pedro attended Kids Are First Head Start in Eagle Pass, Texas. He graduated from C.C. Winn High School in Eagle Pass, Texas.

Ellis Howard Kent Peek

Ellis attended Macedonia Head Start in Macedonia, Ohio, and graduated from Twinsburg High School in Twinsburg, Ohio. He plans to attend Kent State University to study Sports Management.

Ellis Howard Kent Peek child
Ellis Howard Kent Peek adult
Alex Meg Picoult child

Alex Picoult

Alex attended Macedonia Head Start in Macedonia, Ohio, and graduated from Nordonia High School in Macedonia. Alex is attending Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio, to pursue nursing. Her goal is to become a trauma nurse.

Meg Picoult

Meg attended Macedonia Head Start in Macedonia, Ohio, and graduated from Nordonia High School in Macedonia. She attends Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, and plans to major in studio art with a minor in psychology.

Alex Meg Picoult adult
Whitney D. Thomas baby
Whitney D. Thomas adult

Whitney D. Thomas

Whitney attended Southside Early Head Start and Child Development Center in Fort Worth, Texas. She graduated from Southern University A&M College of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

After working as an intern at WGMB FOX 44 in Baton Rouge, Whitney was offered a position as a broadcast reporter.

Lynnae Varkala

Lynnae attended Macedonia Head Start in Macedonia, Ohio, and graduated from Coral Springs Charter School in Coral Springs, Florida. She plans to attend Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, to major in Athletic Training.

Lynnae Varkala baby
Lynnae Varkala adult
Zachary Thomas Zeman baby
Zachary Thomas Zeman adult

Zachary Thomas Zeman

Zachary attended Macedonia Head Start in Macedonia, Ohio, and graduated from Twinsburg High School in Twinsburg, Ohio.

Zachary entered the workforce as an auto mechanic and will pursue a certification.