Horizons at Westminster Honored with United Way ImpaCT Award

At the third annual ImpaCT Awards, held on October 22 in downtown Hartford, Horizons at Westminster was honored to receive the Impactful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award presented by the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and FOX61. The recognition highlights Horizons’ ongoing commitment
to providing academic and social support for Hartford students.

“Horizons at Westminster stands firm in our commitment that all students deserve access to a high-quality education, an enriching and joyful summer experience, and to belong to a community where they are valued and loved,” said Patrick Owens, Executive Director of Horizons at Westminster. “To win this award for our team’s incredible efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion was both exciting and affirming.”

Program Director Kelly Wosleger added, “This recognition celebrates the powerful  community we’ve built and the inspiring work our teachers and students do together to make Horizons at Westminster an inclusive, compassionate, and joyful place.” 

The award builds on an already exciting year for Horizons as the program grew to host 135 students in Grades K-8 for their six-week summer session and committed to continuing their expansion to support students through high school graduation. During both summer and school-year programming, Horizons provides academic enrichment, social-emotional support, and access to a range of athletic and artistic
opportunities. 

“These students are doing everything within this program—from building confidence in academics, to experiencing joy in tennis and swimming, to having access to healthy meals in the summer—it all exists here,” said Horizons Development Director Katie McKinney. “As the program grows, it is such an honor to receive this award in recognition for the impact we have had and will continue to build on in the years to come.”

The excitement for this award resonated within and beyond the Westminster community. Dave White ’72, a Horizons board member, shared “I am so proud of this recognition for the program as an alumnus of Westminster and member of the Advisory Board. It has been amazing to watch the impact Horizons has had on its scholars, not only in the classroom but in the extracurricular activities they participate in. Thank you to all the teachers, volunteers, and Westminster students and staff who, summer after summer for eight years, have worked so hard to make this program such an amazing success.”

In recognition of the outstanding educators who teach at the program in the summer, the Horizons Board covered the cost of tickets so that all lead teachers could attend the ImpaCT Awards ceremony. Teachers take great pride in the program and were honored to be there to celebrate at the event.

First grade teacher Aurora Hill reflected, “I am so grateful and honored to be a part of this phenomenal team of educators and changemakers at Horizons at Westminster. It was an amazing night, and I am excited to continue making an impact with this team. It’s only up from here!”