We are proud to share our sincere appreciation to the Junior League of Bronxville for awarding our organization a $580 Community Grant in support of our Destination: College initiative. This generous funding will allow us to purchase a Meta Quest 3 Virtual Reality device , providing our student-athletes with immersive access to college campuses through Campus360 . Through this innovative technology, students will be able to take virtual tours of SUNY and New York State private colleges , exploring academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and student life spaces — all without leaving our program site. For many of our student-athletes, in-person college visits can be limited by transportation and scheduling. Virtual reality technology removes those obstacles and expands access to critical college information. By experiencing campuses firsthand in a virtual environment, students can better evaluate their options and identify the schools that best align with their academic, athletic, and personal goals. The Junior League of Bronxville’s commitment to empowering young people through community investment directly supports our mission of helping student-athletes build brighter futures through education. Together, we are expanding access, increasing opportunity, and empowering the next generation to achieve their dreams. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and support.

Mark your calendars: June 10, 2026 . For 20 years, Destination: College has been dedicated to empowering student-athletes to dream bigger, reach higher, and achieve more. What began as a commitment to expanding access and opportunity has grown into a powerful movement — one that has transformed the lives of countless young people and strengthened communities along the way. On June 10, 2026, we will come together once again for Destination: College — The Best Night of the Year , an unforgettable evening celebrating the champions who make this work possible. This milestone year holds special meaning as we honor four extraordinary leaders whose dedication and impact have helped shape futures and open doors for students across our community: Maureen Barton Emily Kirschenbaum Tracy McVey Rick Rugani Their leadership, generosity, and belief in the power of education exemplify what Destination: College stands for — creating pathways to college and beyond. The evening promises inspiration, celebration, and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community rallies behind its students. Together, we will reflect on 20 years of impact, honor those who have led the way, and look ahead to the next generation of success stories. We hope you will join us for this special celebration. Save the date: June 10, 2026. More details, including event location and ticket information, will be shared soon. Stay tuned — we can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Destination: College’s annual Alumni Party once again proved the power of community — and this year’s gathering was our biggest yet.

At Destination: College, we believe that access to higher education is built through relationships, guidance, and sustained support. That belief is strengthened when partners step forward to invest in our students and their futures. We are deeply grateful to the Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation for awarding Destination: College a $15,000 grant to support our work with student-athletes as they navigate the college journey. This generous investment helps power the personalized guidance our students rely on — from navigating the college application process to understanding financial aid, staying on track through senior year, and continuing support once they enroll in college. For our students, this support can be the difference between uncertainty and confidence, between starting college and staying the course. The Carvel Foundation’s commitment reflects a shared belief in educational opportunity and long-term impact. Their support strengthens our ability to show up consistently for students and families, meet them where they are, and walk alongside them through one of the most important transitions of their lives. As we close out the year, we are reminded that this work is only possible because of partners who believe in our mission — and a community of supporters who make it sustainable. If you’re inspired by the Carvel Foundation’s generosity, we invite you to join them. A gift to our Year-End Campaign helps ensure Destination: College can continue supporting students this year and beyond. Together, we can keep doors open — and help students walk confidently through them.

More than 60 Destination: College senior student-athletes recently took one of the most important steps on their path toward college: completing the FAFSA. It’s a detailed, high-stakes financial aid application that can feel overwhelming, especially for students navigating the process for the first time. But with the encouragement of their families, the guidance of our volunteers, and the steady support of their coaches and school, our seniors showed up ready—and they absolutely crushed it . ✔✔✔ We couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and determination. Moments like these don’t happen by accident. They are the result of community: DC coaches who encourage their players, volunteers who sit beside students with patience and confidence, and families who show unwavering support. Together, they help our students take a step that can change the trajectory of their futures. As we near the end of the year, we’re inviting you to be part of this momentum.

As we close out 2025, we’re celebrating the remarkable achievements of our student-athletes — and the community that helps make every milestone possible.

At Destination: College we love staying in touch and giving support to our alumni as they progress through college and beyond. Today we proudly launch a new and ongoing feature called Alumni Updates, highlighting the stories of Destination: College alumni now in College. For our first story, we proudly introduce you to Heily Gonzalez, who will be graduating from Cornell University in 2026. Heily stays in touch with Destination: College Board Member, volunteer and mentor Tracy McVey. Thank you to Tracy for initiating and facilitating this piece. We’ll let Heily tell you what she’s up to in her own words…read on! “I am currently a senior at Cornell triple majoring in Government, Sociology, and American Studies with a minor in Law & Society. This year has been a culmination of everything I’ve worked toward. I’ve taken upper-level courses that deepen my interest in immigration, inequality, and public-interest law, and I’ve maintained strong academic standing while balancing several leadership and community roles on campus. I recently completed my term as President of the Dominican Students Association, and this is my fourth year in Cornell’s Black Ivy Pre-Law Society, where I serve as the Vice President of Academics. I am also a member of the Sabor Latino Dance Ensemble, which has allowed me to stay connected to my culture while performing across campus. Beyond campus involvement, I interned at Proskauer Rose LLP over the past two summers and gained hands-on legal experience through the Cornell Public Defender Program and Cornell Law School’s Asylum & CAT Appellate Clinic. These academic, leadership, and legal experiences have shaped my direction and strengthened my preparation for law school. Short term, I am applying to law school with the goal of enrolling in Fall 2026. I hope to continue building on my legal experiences through internships, mentorship, and community work. Long term, I plan to pursue a career in public-interest and immigration law, focusing on expanding access to justice for immigrant and first-generation communities. I also plan to continue growing INSPIRE, the nonprofit that Maame Forson (Harvard ’25) and I co-founded to advance opportunities for first-generation high school students.” We at Destination: College are all incredibly proud of Heily and her accomplishments thus far and are excited to follow and share in her journey. Stay tuned for more Alumni Updates coming soon! Be the first to know…subscribe below and we’ll deliver right to your inbox.

Recently, over three exciting days, our Destination: College student-athletes took part in a series of college campus tours , visiting Manhattanville College , Mercy University , and Pace University — all guided by our Director of College Programs, Saskya Molina and Destination: College volunteers. These visits are more than just tours — they’re a key part of our college readiness program , helping students imagine themselves on campus, connect their academic and athletic goals, and experience firsthand what college life can look like. During the tours, students met with admissions counselors, explored classrooms, residence halls, and facilities, and even connected with DC alumni currently studying at Pace and Mercy . Hearing their stories and advice added an inspiring personal touch — showing our student-athletes that with dedication and support, their own college dreams are within reach. At Destination: College , we believe that exposure is empowerment . Experiences like these help our students set goals, stay motivated, and understand the steps needed to succeed in higher education and beyond. A heartfelt thank-you to Manhattanville College , Mercy University , and Pace University for welcoming our students — and to our incredible alumni for sharing their time and wisdom! ➡️ Learn more about how Destination: College helps student-athletes prepare for success in college and beyond at www.destinationcollegeny.org .

At Destination: College, we know that success—both in the classroom and on the field—takes teamwork. On National Coaches Day, we proudly celebrate the incredible Mount Vernon High School coaches who dedicate their time, energy, and hearts to shaping the next generation of student-athletes. Our coaches do more than build strong teams—they build strong futures. Every day, they mentor, motivate, and model the values that help students reach their full potential. Whether it’s showing up early for practice, offering encouragement after a tough game, or helping a student balance school and sports, their impact reaches far beyond the scoreboard. Destination: College is honored to partner with MVHS coaches who share our mission: ensuring every student-athlete is prepared to succeed in college and in life. Their dedication helps our students develop the confidence, discipline, and leadership skills that open doors to higher education and lifelong success. To all the MVHS coaches who give so much of themselves— thank you . Your commitment inspires us, your students, and our entire community. Today and every day, we celebrate you. Boys Basketball: Bob Cimmino (V) / Bryan Browne (JV) Girls Basketball: Erica Naughton (V) / David Clarke (JV) Baseball: Ernie Richardson (V) Cheerleading: Mekiyah Knox (V) / Makayla McIntire (JV) Football: Mark “Sparx” Murray (V) Girls Flag Football: Mark “Sparx” Murray (V) Boys Soccer: Ripton Cooke (V) / Samori Pennant (JV) Girls Soccer: Jay Concepcion (V) Softball: Craig Ramsey (V) Boys Swimming: Patrick Flores Girls Swimming: Anne Murray Boys Track & Field: Akil berry Girls Track & Field: Charlie Winslow Boys Volleyball: Taevon Allen Girls Volleyball: Tashi Campbell-Tulloch (V) / Dorothy Rota (JV) Wrestling: Jay Concepcion (V) Get Involved At Destination: College, we’re always looking for volunteers, mentors, and supporters who believe in the power of education and sports. Learn more about how you can help us continue this important work: 🔗 Volunteer with DC 🔗 Make a Donation