English High School Today
The English High Alumni & Friends Tutoring Center: Designed with Student Careers in Mind
Sage Marsters heads English High’s Alumni & Friends Tutoring Center which recruits, trains and coordinates a team of tutors who support learning in classrooms and works one-on-one with students on college application essays and coursework — all supported by The English High School Association.
Sage Marsters, head of English High’s Alumni & Friends Tutoring Center
Marsters says, “Our tutors build positive relationships with students, share learning strategies, and model learning processes. The payoff comes in getting to see students reach that ‘Aha!’ moment when they understand a new concept or skill or write an essay they feel proud of.” Marsters says increased donations to EHSA would enable expansion of the Center and help more students.
Sarelis Arlas Vasquez ’23 seen here in the EHSA offices with President/CEO Mike Thomas ’67, shortly before beginning her freshman year in the nursing program at Simmons College.
Recently Marsters reflected on a young woman whom she came to know quite well through the AFTC: Sarelis Arias Vasquez ’23, recipient of the EHSA’s Stella and Emmanuel Mavridis Scholarship. Sarelis is now enrolled in the Simmons College Nursing Program.
Sarelis says, “I am filled with immense joy and pride for the dedication and effort I have invested to achieve this accomplishment. I wish to express my deep gratitude to the English High Alumni Association for the invaluable support they have provided me. The scholarship played a significant role in the continuation of my academic career, but their support extends beyond financial assistance.”
“The AFTC has been instrumental in helping not just me but also the entire class of 2023. Ms. Marsters has been an exceptional mentor and guide. Beyond assisting me in my writing, she has also been instrumental in my personal development. Under her guidance, I have found my voice and learned to confidently express my thoughts and beliefs through writing.”
Regarding Sarelis, Marsters says, “She has enormous charisma. She is one of those people who commands the attention of whatever room she enters. And that charisma is earned. Behind it, Sarelis has wisdom beyond her years, enormous empathy, and clear thinking. She will make a truly amazing nurse!
The AFTC is a key component of English High programs that support student academic and career goals. In the last year, the Center conducted 736 tutoring sessions. Many of those sessions are multiple sessions with the same student, since the Center works over time with many students. One of our most prolific metrics is 94% of all seniors who frequent the Alumni & Friends Tutoring Center are accepted at college!
Support from The English High School Association is vital to the ongoing success of the Alumni & Friends Tutoring Center.
English alumni have a vital role to play in supporting learning and academic achievement for today’s students. In 2021 EHSA contributed over $46,000 to AFTC, funding the director’s salary and other resources. While we are proud of our support, we recognize that a greater need remains unfulfilled. This is why The Alumni & Friends Tutoring Center is one of our top priorities for fundraising in our 200th Anniversary Campaign.
How You Can Help EHSA Support Today’s Students at AFTC
Make a gift to The English High School 200th Anniversary Campaign. Make your tax-deductible gift through our website, send a check, or consider making EHSA a gift in your will. Details are on our website. Or contact Mike Thomas mthomas@englishhighalumni.org
Become a volunteer tutor. Do you have: 2-4 hours a week during the school day? Patience and a sense of humor? Give back to EHS as a volunteer tutor and join other volunteers committed to supporting EHS students and teachers. Subjects and schedules are flexible. To know more contact Sage Marsters: smarsters@bostonpublicschools.org
