Page 60 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 53 Early Spring 2025

AFTER SCHOOL,
AFTERSCHOOL,

!
r rocKs!
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by Beverly Sniegowski
at Ulbrich boys & Girls clUb

The moment I met Jermaine, I felt the This program was so successful, it fol- quired a position in an insurance busi-
energy and devotion of a young man lowed Jermaine four years later into high ness. Having the gift of gab, I am confi-
dedicated to succeed . He had to have school. To make money to support EVO dent he made a killing!
had this feeling for a very long time in the beginning stages, they were guid-
which was instilled from family values. ed into the learning aspect of market- Anyway, he then thought he would like
His sister would follow him as a young ing. Selling bags of candy, for instance. to be part of the medical field. The mon-
girl, looking up to her big brother trying The goal was to continue down the path ey he made working for an insurance
to get “in the game”. Jermaine was not of getting confidence and honing their firm, gave him the opportunity to pur-
avid in sports but played, as all young academic skills. Getting prepared for the sue this path. He worked hard and ac-
kids do, b-ball while growing up in his future. This leadership program taught quired a paid internship at Yale and an
neighborhood. teamwork. A major must for the young. additional internship to become a CNA.
His first job as a youngster was a janitor, But he then realized his heart was still
Our interview was fast and vibrant. He perhaps arranging chairs at days end. being with the kids. He received both
is definitely on a mission! Working with His school initiated this opportunity internships in high school during his se-
and mentoring is something that comes and Jermaine was paid as all were, each nior year.
naturally to Jermaine. In Middle school, week.
he became involved in a pilot program Along came the next opportunity to be
entitled “Evolution Through the Pea- At one point, a non-profit called LEAP part of the Meriden B&G Club. There he
body.” It was experiments in science came into the lunchroom to talk to the met Meghan Bard, an alumnus and for-
where 3-5 students were asked to cre- kids about leadership, educational pro- mer club executive director. At that time
ate an exhibit, exhibiting their skills as grams and athletics. They also inter- at the B&G Club, she was hosting a men-
well in the halls of the Peabody Muse- viewed students who would perhaps toring program and invited Jermaine to
um. His mom had enrolled him knowing role play and fall into a comfort become a new addition to Meriden. She
this program would help develop, nur- zone in front of adults and large audi- then left Meriden six months later to
ture and build his confidence and instill ences. He loved this experience and has head up the club in Milford. She again
leadership even at this young age. Think been working with youth ever since. invited Jermaine who could not resist.
of all the opportunities that came forth! Her aptitude and dedication as well im-
Attending Gateway part-time he ac- pressed upon Jermaine to continue his

60 Wallingford Magazine - Early Spring 2025