Gary Alumni Pathway to Students (GAPS) announces a series of events organized by alumni to celebrate a milestone–West Side High School’s 50th Year Anniversary! Nearly 50 Gary alumni are involved in promoting the GAPS membership drive in June, a city-wide talent show on June 30 at West Side Leadership Academy, and a weekend of 50th Anniversary events from September 21-23, 2018, including a formal Gala. (Visit gapsgary.org for details.) All proceeds will support students at West Side Leadership Academy, which will be the only high school operated by the Gary School District Corporation starting this fall.
Founded in 2016 by West Side C’70 alumnus Carlton L. Guthrie and several Gary alumni from different high schools, GAPS connects Gary West Side alumni, other Gary alumni, and committed partners with current West Side Leadership Academy (WSLA) students to promote their academic and career success. GAPS has thus far hosted three Career Day and Job Readiness Fairs, collaborated with Alumni Partners to finance after school clubs and activities, sponsored students on three tours of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, initiated Girls Ignited designed to boost girls’ personal success, opened a school store, and founded the Entrepreneurs Pathway Club.
In line with the GAPS mission, the theme for the 50th Anniversary Celebration is 50 YEARS: LIGHTING PATHWAYS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS. “You are invited to get on one of those pathways right now– the Pathway to Membership! Any Lifetime Members ($1000/individual – $1500/two) or Annual Members ($100) who join through August 31, 2018 will be honored as Inaugural Members at the Gala, with benefits as described on gapsgary.org. You can Connect, Create and Light a Path to Student Success by clicking on DONATE/MEMBERSHIP on the homepage. Those who join in June will receive extra recognition as early supporters of the cause,” a spokesman said.
Anyone interested in competing in the talent show should contact Brigette McClain at 219-201-0648 or Aaron Holman at 702-203-1458. Want to support the 50th Anniversary celebration as a sponsor, ad patron, or volunteer? Then call Shar- on Chambers at 219-712-8134 or email [email protected] or visit gapsgary.org for details.