Vol. 7 no. 2 newsSummer 06 SL GREEN STREETSQUASH COMMUNITY CENTER TAKES SHAPE IN HARLEM

Campaign raises $10.2 million of $13 million goal What a difference a year makes: just 12 months ago, 115th StreetSquash Community Center is fast becoming a reality, and street between 5th and Lenox Avenues was an empty field soon, the StreetSquash children and their families will finally littered with trash. Now, it is a construction site, with concrete have a place they can call home. mixers and excavators humming and buzzing about, laying the foundation for the future home of StreetSquash. The 19,000 square foot SL Green StreetSquash Community Center will occupy the basement, 1st, and mezzanine floors of The seemingly endless running around City, taking the new 440,000 square foot Kalahari Building, a mixed-income StreetSquashers to and from practices outside of their condominium development in Central Harlem. StreetSquash will community, is soon coming to an end. The SL Green own its space, and have a separate entrance to its facility. Inside,

continued on page 2 Board of Directors:

Andrea Andrews Founder/Director, Peace 2000 Bruce Brickman CEO, Brickman Associates Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III Pastor, Abyssinian Baptist Church Richard Chin Head Squash Professional, Harvard Club, NYC Richard S. Fuld, Jr. Chairman & CEO, Lehman Brothers Stephen L. Green Chairman of the Board of SL Green Realty Corp. Dr. Sandye Johnson Principal of Thurgood Marshall Academy Leslie Kimerling President, Isis Partners View into administration office space. Jeffrey Laikind–Chairman Asset Manager there will be 4 classrooms, a library, 8 Directors raised the fundraising goal for international squash courts (more than the Capital Campaign to $13 million, Douglas E. Schoen Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates any other facility in ), including a $4 million endowment. To Frank Stella administrative offices, and locker date, StreetSquash has raised over Artist rooms. Construction is on schedule, $10.2 million in pledges from 165 William D. Zabel and we still anticipate moving in during different sources, including many Name Partner, Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP the spring of 2008. foundations, corporations and countless Mort Zuckerman individuals. Over 37% of the donors to Owner/Editor-in-Chief, U.S. News and World Report StreetSquash has put together a team the project are new supporters of of architects and project managers to StreetSquash and of those capital represent our interests during the Treasurer supporters who had contributed before, Jerome Kapelus construction process. Dattner over 43% more than tripled their Architects’ John Woelfling and Ryu Aizu previous year’s contribution. Staff: have been on the team from the beginning and have worked tirelessly to “We think it is necessary to provide Executive Director: George Polsky design and redesign the space. financial security for the organization Program Director: Woelfling commented during a recent during this period of rapid growth,” Sage Ramadge board meeting that he attended: “This said Board Chair Jeffrey Laikind. Director of Squash Programs & project is near and dear to my heart “While we have had tremendous Director of Development: because I know that it will make an success raising capital over the past 18 Peter Karlen enormous impact on the Harlem months, we know that we still have a Director of Literacy Program & Volunteers: community.” In addition, once long way to go.” Lily Rabinoff-Goldman construction started, StreetSquash hired Academic Directors: Because this center could not exist Leah Brown and Claire Yunker Bob Gorton and Ralph Amarosa from without the generosity of so many, Squash Directors: Gorton & Associates to serve as project StreetSquash will recognize all donors Pat Cosquer and Chris Tom managers during construction. They within the facility. In addition, the are particularly qualified to oversee this following supporters have secured Credits: project because they recently oversaw naming rights to specific areas of Written by: the construction of Westchester the building: Lily Rabinoff-Goldman and Peter Karlen Country Club’s new squash facility. • Stephen L Green – The Building Design: They inspect the site monthly to ensure • JP Morgan Chase – The Library desantis graphic design that the space is being built exactly to our specifications. • Anonymous (to be named later) – StreetSquash The Education Center 420 / Suite 246 Fundraising Moving Ahead • The Pinkerton Foundation – New York, New York 10170 In November of 2004, StreetSquash Classrooms 1 & 4 Voice/Fax: 212.949.4030 launched a $9 million Capital Campaign • The Louis Calder Foundation – Web: www.StreetSquash.org to fund its own youth center, and in Classroom 3 Courtesy of Dayna Kirk. November of 2005, the Board of

2 Physical Education for Public Continuing to Grow Schools Program 2000 2004 2006 2008 Perhaps the most exciting new initiative planned for the new facility is the STUDENTS SERVED 24 80 140 1,000 Physical Education for Public Schools STAFF 35 8 14 Program, which is designed to provide ANNUAL BUDGET $200,000 $580,000 $734,000 $1.3 million school-time squash programs for local public schools that lack adequate physical The Hall of Legends students in our After-School Program, education facilities, which is the case with StreetSquash’s staff will grow from 8 to Squash is a game that teaches important so many schools in Harlem. This 9. StreetSquash will run programs at two life lessons and values – commitment, program will accomplish several different sites three times per week and honesty, discipline and sportsmanship, to important objectives: 1) it will provide at 3 different sites twice per week. After name a few. Over the years, certain structured and rigorous athletic activity for StreetSquash moves into its new facility, individuals have exemplified these hundreds of local students who its goal is to serve over 1,000 children qualities and have made a profound otherwise get little to no physical activity annually. The number of full-time staff impact on so many others through the during the school day, 2) it will introduce will increase to14 and the annual game. In order to honor these people, hundreds of young children to operating budget will increase from its and to offer our children inspirational StreetSquash who might one day join the present level of $730K to $1.3 million examples of leaders who have changed After-School Program, and 3) it will the world for the better, StreetSquash’s StreetSquash has been preparing for its ensure that StreetSquash is able to goal is to have all 8 courts named after transition to its new home for a long further its mission all day, every day. It is these squash “legends”. Each court will time. We wanted to both grow our our goal to serve 500 new students a have a plaque outside with a picture and current programming and introduce new year through this initiative, and we have biography of the “legend”, as well as all programs that furthered our mission. already begun talks with several the individuals who contributed towards However, while growth is exciting and neighborhood schools who are very the creation of that court. important, the greatest priority is, and will interested in participating in this program. always be, running the highest quality We are proud to report the completion of “The Physical Education for Public programs. As such, we decided to only two “Legend Courts”. The first is named Schools Program will really be after Paul Assaiante, the famed tremendous, as it will expose the coach of the Trinity College game to so many new children Squash team, thanks to the each year. It is exciting to think generosity of George Kellner. that, quite possibly, 1,000 In addition, “Red” Hoehn, Harlem children will have a Dartmouth College’s former squash racket in their hands squash coach, will have a each year. ”, says Richard Chin, court named after him thanks long time board member and to the generosity of over 20 head squash professional at the Dartmouth alumni. Harvard Club of New York. Fundraising efforts are currently under way for five continued on page 10 other “Legend Courts”, so stay tuned for developments! Building columns in between squash courts at construction site completed Vision for the Future While StreetSquash has expanded considerably over the years, it is soon to marginally grow our core experience unprecedented growth. In its After-School program so 2005-2006 program year, StreetSquash that it will eventually serve served 140 students total, including 80 120-140 students every who committed 4 afternoons every week year, while also creating to the program as participants in the new programs and greatly After-School Program. Next year, enhancing other existing StreetSquash will take on a new group of programs. 7th grade students, resulting in 5 full teams of 20 students from the 7th through the 11th grade. With 100 View into court from lobby viewing corridor.

3 “The Perfect Match”: Mentoring Relationship

Barbara Boynton and Brussels Mercado pottery with her and her mentor, Barbara: Brussels’ confidence and are a perfect match. Barbara has been Ashley Austin. Brussels’ younger sister independence have increased greatly Brussels’ mentor for the last 2 years, joined us for several of our excursions, over the past year and a half. She is and the two have developed a as did her brother. And when I was developing her own tastes and relationship that goes beyond the home recovering from foot surgery, she broadening her horizons. At first, she squash court or the classroom. Barbara came over and we watched Julius acquiesced in whatever I suggested. and Brussels’ words about each other Caesar, which I had Then she began asking about what was demonstrate the positive impact that a first seen at about her age, and available, and now she comes up with mentoring relationship can have on Bringing Up Baby, one both mentor and mentee. of the funniest movies ever made. StreetSquash: How long have you been working together? StreetSquash: What was your Barbara: I first met Brussels just favorite thing before Thanksgiving, 2004. We had that you’ve done lunch at Ollie’s after her squash together? practice, and we talked a bit. Two weeks later we went to the Heye Brussels: My favorite Indian Museum at Bowling Green, and thing was when we I was delighted to see that she seemed took a weekend trip to to like the exhibits as much as I did. Washington, D.C. on the train. We visited StreetSquash: What kinds of the White House, the things do you do together? Brussels Mercado (L) and her mentor, Barbara Boynton, during a Washington Memorial, StreetSquash community service outing. Barbara: We’ve been to the and many Smithsonian Metropolitan, MoMA, Natural History, Museums. My favorite thing of them ideas herself. From the beginning Museum of Art & Design, Museo del all was that we saw a Shakespeare she was interested in the world Barrio, the Cooper-Hewitt, the Coney comedy play. It was hilarious! around her, but now she seems to Island Aquarium, the Hispanic Art StreetSquash: What have you really think about the issues and Institute, and a few smaller galleries, as gotten out of your relationship? develop her own opinions. well as The National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Phillips, the Barbara: I’ve gotten a lot of fun out StreetSquash: Was having a mentor Renwick, and the sculpture gardens in of the relationship. Brussels is a what you expected it to be like? Would Washington. Several times she came delightful companion, and introducing you recommend that other kids over to work on school projects, and her to artworks, plays, and places I like get mentors? she and her three friends came over to makes them new for me. study for the specialized high school Brussels: I knew that I had to exam and again to do preliminary Brussels: I’ve learned a lot about art. be committed in order to have a research for their earth sciences For example, different artists and the good relationship. I definitely projects. We’ve gone to three importance of art. Also, I found out recommend having a mentor to other Shakespeare plays (one in Washington how I love to read because Barbara kids. At home, I used to be bored, and one with fellow StreetSquasher helped me find books that actually without anything to do, but because of Paige Babilonia and her mentor, Colby interest me. Barbara, now I’m always busy! Hall), and a few movies, and a couple StreetSquash: What growth have If you are interested in becoming a of times we just had lunch and chatted. you seen in Brussels over the StreetSquash mentor, please contact Diosmiry Rodriguez joined us on one of course of your relationship? Chris Tom at [email protected] or our trips to MoMA, and we painted (212) 949-4030. 

4 Volunteer Profile: Chris Delaney

StreetSquash: You attended the Urban Team Nationals in Boston in April – what were your impressions of the programs there?

CD: Two things struck me when I attended Urban Team Nationals. One was the level of play. The top level of competition was a lot better than I thought it would be and I was really impressed by some of the squash skills demonstrated. Yet the scary thing was seeing some of the younger kids hit the ball. I could tell that they had a great squash foundation and will become great players in the future. Second was the sportsmanship. All the kids really seemed to be enjoying themselves and each other. I can't count the number of times I walked past the court and saw kids from each program competing in a spontaneous game of three-quarter court.

Chris (right) looks on with 9th grader Jamel Key at Urban Team Nationals in Boston. StreetSquash: What do you feel you've gotten out of the program? Every once in a while, you come across a volunteer who goes above and beyond the call of duty. Chris Delaney is one of those volunteers. Chris played four years CD: On one level I feel that I have of varsity squash at Williams College, winning the Shaw Memorial trophy for become much more patient over the leadership, and spent the past four years working at Lehman Brothers. This year, past couple of months. But the greatest Chris spent his afternoons helping out both high school teams on the squash court. thing I have gotten from StreetSquash Additionally, he chaperoned our annual trip to Boston for Urban Team Nationals, is I get to have a whole lot of fun every and has filled in as a coach whenever he’s needed. This fall, Chris will be leaving time I go up to practice. New York and heading to Charlottesville, Virginia to pursue an MBA at the University of Virginia. StreetSquash: What moments stand out in your mind from your StreetSquash: How did you get StreetSquash: What are your experience at StreetSquash? involved with StreetSquash? favorite aspects of the program? CD: Playing with the kids over the course of the season and seeing how CD: The real driving force behind my CD: Unlike what many people think, much they have improved. It is also involvement with StreetSquash was a StreetSquash is not just about squash. great to talk to the kids and hear how friend of mine, Peter Karlen, who has It is about the kids in the program and much they enjoy the program.  worked there for a number of years. He helping them achieve their potential. was always prodding me to go up to My favorite part is teaching them Columbia and check out practice but the little things, such as honesty, hard- unfortunately, my work schedule at the work and respect for others, that will time did not allow me to do much. This end up having a big impact on their past October, my schedule changed lives. I also really enjoy running the kids and I took him up on his offer. I have around the squash court. been trying to go to as many practices as possible ever since.

5 StreetSquash Welcomes its New Board Members

Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, is Pastor of the nationally- Dr. Sandye Poitier-Johnson, is the Principal of renowned Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City and the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social President of the State University of New York College at Old Change. An educator for the past 35 years, Dr. Johnson has Westbury. Dr. Butts was one of the founders of Abyssinian brought her expertise to the school, making it one of the Development Corporation (ADC), a comprehensive preeminent public high schools in New York City. Dr. community-based organization that is responsible for over Johnson has also been one of StreetSquash’s most steadfast $300 million in housing and commercial development in supporters in the seven years since it began. Her support Harlem, and he continues to help guide and support the daily has allowed StreetSquash to develop a positive and operation of this not-for-profit organization. Dr. Butts was also committed relationship with the school, its teachers, instrumental in the establishment of StreetSquash’s long-term students, and families.  partner, the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change. 

Student Profile: Gabrielle Robinson

Each year, StreetSquashers make huge Her increased motivation has certainly strides in school and on the squash paid off. Gabby led her team to a court. One of this year’s greatest second straight Urban Team Nationals success stories is from 10th grader Championship at the SquashBusters Gabrielle Robinson. facility in April. In addition, Gabby had several great wins on her way to an Gabrielle “Gabby” Robinson has been unexpected fourth place finish at the with StreetSquash since the fall of her Urban Individual Nationals at the 7th grade year. Now finishing her 4th Groton School in June. “Gabby has year with the program, Gabby is an some of the best strokes of anyone in exceptional member of the team. But the program, and this has been noted it hasn’t always been easy. In 9th by other coaches around urban squash grade, Gabby’s academic average was and beyond,” said Pat. At national inconsistent, and saw some dips over junior tournaments, Gabby has had the course of the year. Leah Brown, some tremendously hard fought Gabby’s Academic and College Prep matches, which have tested her mental Director, has seen some very positive and physical endurance, and have growth this year: “[Gabby] is not easily demonstrated her vast improvement distracted, she has held leadership this year. Gabrielle Robinson positions on the team as captain, and she has maintained a consistent B Leah congratulated Gabby’s growth Pat agreed. “Gabby’s not a loud, average this year.” this year, saying: “Gabby is cooperative, rah-rah kind of person, but she’s a encouraging, and independent. She strong, quiet kind of leader. Her Pat Cosquer, the Director of Squash has really matured academically using opinions matter to the team, even if and Community Service for all high her study skills. She is a role model for they’re said in a quiet voice. She’s a schoolers, noted Gabby’s success this her peers and should be recognized as very effective catalyst and motivator year as well. “Gabby and I have talked such.” As a role model and a leader in for the team.” Gabby is a real about her motivation level several times StreetSquash, Gabby will be working StreetSquash success. We are sure over the past few years, and this year as a Junior Counselor in the that she will continue to achieve and to she has really taken it upon herself and StreetSquash Summer Discovery inspire others to do the same.  consciously decided to improve her Program this summer. motivation in all areas of her life.”

6 Program Expansion

After 7 years of steady growth, This year also saw the inception of the StreetSquash will serve more children Elite Squash Program. Elite Squash than ever next year. This past year, was started by Peter Karlen as a way to StreetSquash served 80 kids in its core prepare and motivate StreetSquashers After-School Program and next year we to play at the college level. Because will serve over 100. We will be hiring a the colleges that have squash programs new Academic Director and a new are a collection of some of the best Squash Director, increasing the number universities in the country, students of full-time staff to 9 and allowing us to must meet strict academic criteria to bring on a new group of twenty 7th participate in Elite Squash. In order to grade students. Next year, attend weekly practices, students must StreetSquash will run programs at have at least a seventy-five average and six days per week, in order to travel to monthly at the West Side YMCA 4 days per tournaments, students must be on the week, at the Harvard Club of New York honor roll. Elite Squash selects for the 2 days per week, and in our partner most committed team members, as it schools 4 days per week. is the fifth StreetSquash practice every week for all participants and it is held In addition to serving more students, on Friday Afternoons. In addition, all StreetSquash’s program offerings have practices include intense fitness training expanded as well. In 2005-2006, all and extensive drilling, with little extra 9th grader Jennifer Houston with tutor Ravi StreetSquashers had mandatory time for match play. However, the Kitappa during an afternoon session. practices 4 days per week for the first commitment has paid off, as students time. In addition to two weekday who participated last year made practices and Saturday squash or enormous strides in their squash community service practices, this year, games and maintained excellent College Prep sessions were mandatory academic averages.  for all high school students and Literacy Program sessions were mandatory for all middle school students. These programs boost our students’ skills and prepare them for future academic success.

Tutor Tyner Gordon (Second from L) with StreetSquash Literacy Project participants" Director of High School Academics and College Prep, Leah Brown (L), with 10th grader Asia Giles.

7 Saying Goodbye to Peter Karlen

StreetSquash is saying a sad goodbye both their academics this year. Peter Karlen, who has been and squash performance to with StreetSquash since 2002, will be the next level, Pete has put leaving the program at the end of this in many hours summer to pursue an MBA at to prepare members of the Columbia University. Elite team to play squash Pete joined StreetSquash as Director on the college level. As of Squash after his graduation from always, Pete’s actions in 2002. As reflect his passion and Director of Squash, Pete worked with commitment to the kids almost all of the current high school and the program. StreetSquashers, who to this day Thank you to Pete remember Pete’s special coaching for all your hard work over style. “Pete’s always teaching,” said the past four Jamel Key, a current 9th grader. “He years. StreetSquash always has something to say to make will miss you!  Pete with the 8th grade girls at the Westchester Junior Open in October. you a better player.” Beginning in the fall of 2004 as Director of Squash Programs and Assistant Director of Development, Pete worked side by side with Executive Director, George Polsky, to raise funds for our permanent facility. Always a hard worker, Pete’s efforts in raising money for the StreetSquash Community Center have been espe- cially fruitful, and the money has been raised much faster than anyone expected. Pete has always been one to take ini- tiative, and this past year, he started and led the Elite Squash Program for high achieving high school StreetSquashers. Pushing kids to take Pete with Team 1 after the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. New Staff Next year, StreetSquash will be wel- experience with various nonprofit squash court. She was a First-Team coming two new employees to the organizations serving children includ- All-American and finished her senior organization. We take the process of ing Girls For Gender Equity, America season ranked 5th in college squash. hiring new employees extremely seri- Reads/America Counts, and the She has extensive experience teach- ously, meeting with every candidate Grand Street Settlement. In addition ing squash to juniors of all levels after several times before making any to serving as an Academic Director, working at the Apawamis Club and offers. We are ecstatic about the tal- Laura will also assist in curriculum the Hartford Golf Club. Larissa will ent we have coming in next year. design and execution for the Literacy coach squash to the 7th graders next Laura Lindstrom will be starting as an Project and assist with grant writing. year, run the Elite Squash Program, Academic Director in September. Larissa Stevenson will be joining our and assist the organization’s market- Laura recently graduated from New staff as a Squash Director. Larissa, ing efforts, which she is amply quali- York University with a Bachelor’s originally from New Zealand, graduat- fied to do after an extensive intern- Degree in Social Work. Laura has ed from Trinity College in June, where ship in ESPN’s Public Relations  extensive professional and volunteer she distinguished herself on the Department this past spring.

8 Alumni Update

The following are the stories of four members of StreetSquash’s first graduating class, who have just completed their first year of college.

Lonnie Gibbs

Lonnie is gearing up to be a sophomore at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. He’s looking forward to it, because being a freshman at a prestigious Xavier Harrison university and playing two varsity Xavier’s expectations sports (football and squash) was not for his first year at easy. “My year at school was tough,” Lonnie said. “My Wilberforce University first semester hit me hard because I was doing so much; in Wilberforce, Ohio, football and squash really took up a lot of my time. were quickly surpassed. I expected it to be hard, but it was kind of overwhelming “I expected college to be at first.” full of studying 24/7, but I Lonnie quickly learned what it took to cut it at Wesleyan, was happily surprised,” he said. though. “By second semester I learned how to manage “I enjoyed many fun activities at my school including my time and I did better.” This is a modest account. In parties, auctions, and the overall college experience.” fact, Lonnie is proud that by second semester, his grades Xavier quickly involved himself in many extra-curricular were quite high. “During the second semester, I got an activities and clubs, including the Azzure Hip-Hop Dance 84 on my first calculus exam. It felt great because the Team, and the DeJaVu Modeling Troupe. In fact, Xavier first semester I got a D in the class,” he said. cites his dance troupe’s performance at the school Lonnie is lucky to be a quick learner and to have a strong homecoming game as one of the highlights of his first year support network. By second semester, Lonnie felt that he at school. With so much on his plate, Xavier remembers knew what he was doing and how to find and work better that he had some trouble with time management. Even with professors. He also names Leah Brown, so, his entrepreneurial spirit led Xavier to start up a snack StreetSquash’s Director of High School Academics and canteen out of his dorm room to feed his hungry College Prep, as well as a Wesleyan Alumna, as being an classmates on weekends when the college-run cafes important resource. “StreetSquash definitely prepared me were closed. for college, especially since I had a Wesleyan alum to give Xavier did not forget his studies, however, and he thanks me advice and tell me what kinds of things to expect.” StreetSquash for preparing him for the level of academic Lonnie rounded out his semester by playing numbers work he faced in school. “StreetSquash got me used to 2 and 3 on the Wesleyan squash team, becoming the working hard, so in college it was natural to me.” first StreetSquasher to ever play squash on the college Though Xavier is happy to be back in the bustle of New level. We hope that future StreetSquashers will follow York City for the summer, he is looking forward to returning  in his footsteps. to Wilberforce as a more seasoned student in the fall. 

9 Alumni Update (cont.)

Justin Martin Davian Suckoo

Justin, who played Davian, who attends SUNY number 1 on the Buffalo, knew just what to StreetSquash team for many expect when he got to college in years, found another athletic September. Remembering his time pursuit while a freshman at the in College Prep, when he and his State University of New York’s College classmates visited many different colleges at Old Westbury. “My highest accomplishment this year and learning what a college experience would be like, was learning to do ballet,” he said. “Ballet is a more Davian felt prepared for what his life might be like as a interesting dance to learn than anything else.” Not only did college freshman. Justin become a better dancer through his ballet class, but Looking back on his year, Davian reflects that no matter he also learned the many cultural origins of different ballet how prepared he may have been, it is not easy to start in a forms, such as Noh dance from Japan. new place. “My first semester was the most challenging Justin gives StreetSquash credit for preparing him for these part of my year. I was taking a lot of classes and I didn’t new experiences. “I felt like StreetSquash first exposed me have any time for myself,” he said. Davian learned and to new and different environments and made me adapted quickly, though. “The work was hard at first, but it interested in different types of people in the world.” became easier after a while.”

Even with his many positive experiences, Justin, like many In fact, Davian ultimately found great academic success. of his peers, found that trying to balance the academic, He mentions getting an “A” on an English paper as being social, and extra-curricular demands of school is harder the high point of his year. Most significantly, though, than expected. “The most challenging part of my year was Davian finished off his freshman year with a 3.0 GPA, a pledging [a fraternity],” Justin said. “It is hard to pledge and major accomplishment.  maintain a good G.P.A. If you don’t manage your time right, your first year will be hard.” With a year under his belt, though, Justin is ready to return for a strong year as a sophomore at Old Westbury.  StreetSquash Facility Going Up (cont.)

Strengthening Ties to the Community feel a far greater sense of ownership of StreetSquash as the Over the past 7 years, StreetSquash has run all of its programs program will now physically be a part of their community. outside of the community where its students, families and Says George Polsky, Founder and Executive Director, “This schools are located. We have long recognized that, in order to building is being created because of these children, and as meet the demand from the community, maximize efficiency such, it will be theirs. Everything that we do well as an and serve as a true community organization, StreetSquash organization, and all of the strides our students have made, will needed to be physically in the community that it serves. Now, only be enhanced once we are inside our new home. There is instead of children and their families having to travel 45 hardly a day that goes by when our staff does not field a minutes each way to come to a practice, most will be able to question from a student or parent asking, ‘When is it going to walk or take a 5-10 minute bus or subway ride to the facility. be open?’. I simply tell them that I too wish it were tomorrow, While we are proud of our outstanding attendance figures over and I reluctantly remind myself that patience is a virtue, and of the years – 94% - we are highly confident that the proximity of course, good things come to those who wait.”  StreetSquash’s new building to the schools and homes of its students will only bring about an even more faithful following. Most importantly, the children, families and schools will now

10 Congratulations to StreetSquash's 2005-2006 Award Winners!

The Following StreetSquashers Have National Rankings Girls under 17 Boys under 19 Sheena Suckoo . . . . .69 Daequan Andino . . . .73 Ladonis Gaillard . . . .76 Boys under 17 Girls under 15 David Nash ...... 62 Samantha Matos . . . .53 Boys under 15 Elizabeth Gatling . . .101 Jamel Key ...... 99 Diosmiry Rodriguez 105 Kevin Espino ...... 106 Brussels Mercado . .107

The StreetSquash and CitySquash A-Teams before their match.

Outstanding Attendance: StreetSquash SMASH Tournament: Academic Improvement: Team 1: Brandy Robinson, Asia Giles, High School Boys: Team 1: Daequan Andino Team 2: Nicholas Nichson, Samantha Finalist – Josh Gary Team 2: Shanese Patterson Champion – David Nash Matos, Javen Williams, Cody Levy, Team 3: Kenneth Blassingame Carlos Soler, Shanese Patterson High School Girls: Team 4: Tranai Johnson Team 3: Ayanna Hall (perfect attendance), Finalist – Samantha Matos Brussels Mercado, Ernesto Champion – Sheena Suckoo Academic Achievement: Jordan, Chris Rowe, Paige Team 3: Boys Finalist – Ernesto Team 1: Sheena Suckoo Babilonia, Rakey Drammeh, Boys Winner – Elijah Team 2: Cody Levy Henry Spicer, Diosmiry Rodriguez Girls Finalist – Elizabeth Team 3: Ayanna Hall Team 4: Raymond Moore, Bernard Carter, Girls Winner – Rakey Team 4: Sugeiry Betances Diamond Martin, Tynisha Avila, Team 4: Boys Finalist – Julian Julian Hackney Boys Winner – Devin College Prep: StreetSquash Parent of the Year: Girls Finalist – Diamond Team 2: Shanese Patterson, Jamel Key, Melissa Sandoval Team 1: Claudia Giles Girls Winner - Tynisha Team 1: Brandy Robinson, Shantell Wynn, Team 2: Belkys & Hernan Matos, Leadership: Sheena Suckoo Wynessia Levy Team 1: Sheena Team 3: Shalinda Harris, Eileen Gibson Team 2: Carlos Soler Sportsmanship: Team 4: Harvey and Janice Hackney, Team 1: Brandy Robinson Squash Improvement: Doris Horton, Ivy Martin Team 2: Jamel Key Team 1: Shantell Wynn StreetSquash Volunteers of the Year: Team 3: Paige Babilonia Team 2: Javen Williams Harry Harwood, Lora Goodrich, Richard Team 4: Diamond Martin Team 3: Esmeralda Amador Polsky, Virginia Polsky, Dolores Cosquer, StreetSquasher of the Year: Chris Delaney, Yardena Brickman, Team 4: Raymond Moore Team 1: Gabrielle Robinson Michael Witkin Squash Achievement: Team 2: Samantha Matos StreetSquash Mentors of the Year: Team 1: Daequan Andino Team 3: Elizabeth Gatling Barbara Boynton, Emlyn Harmon Team 2: Nicholas Nichson Team 4: Julian Hackney Team 3: Raheem Logan Team 4: Tynisha Avila

11 Summer Programs

After a long year of school, kids can’t wait for the freedom and fun of sum- mer vacation. StreetSquash helps kids use their summer vacations to expand their horizons through oppor- tunities and experiences that push and challenge them in new and unex- pected ways. For the past several years, StreetSquash has partnered with numerous summer camps and programs. This summer, many kids will be returning to their favorite spots from previous summers, and others will have new adventures in places they’ve never been before.

One of StreetSquash’s exciting part-

nerships is with Summer Search, a (L to R) Brussels Mercado, Paige Babilonia, Rakey Drammeh program that finds resilient high school students and inspires them to These are some of the other opportunities become responsible and altruistic StreetSquashers will have this summer: leaders by providing year-round men- - Outward Bound’s Pinnacle - Bryan Patterson’s Universal toring, life-changing summer experi- Program Squash Camp, Chichester, England ences, college advising, and a lasting - Windsor Mountain Camp support network. This year, 10th - 35 StreetSquashers will be going grader Keith Keith was accepted into - Longacre Leadership Camp to twelve squash camps around the Summer Search program. As a the northeast. These camps take - Buck’s Rock Performing and Summer Search participant, Keith was place at the following locations: Creative Arts Camp Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth, connected with Outward Bound, and Williams, Wesleyan, Bowdoin, The will be hiking and rafting with them in - Exploration Summer Program Hill School, and the Chatham Club. Oregon this summer. - Camp Dudley

(L to R) Samantha Matos, Talise Hall, Lavonda Howe, Nicholas Nichson

12 StreetSquashers are National Champions!

Many StreetSquashers also saw major individual squash successes this year. David Nash, a 10th grader, won the C- Draw of the Eye Care Open at the Chatham Club in Chatham, New Jersey this December, beating out adult squash players who had been playing for many years. Samantha Matos finished second at the Metropolitan Open at the End of March, finished 9th in the Silver Nationals, and finished second at the Urban Individual Nationals in June at the Groton School.

There’s no question that the overall level of squash being played at StreetSquash is rising every year. Many more of our The champion Girls Under 19 team with their plates after their win at Urban Team Nationals in Boston. children are earning national rankings and they enter tournaments with a It was a weekend to remember for five Under 19, all came back from difficult completely different mindset. They StreetSquash girls at this year's Urban losses in their first round of play to win used to be self-conscious and nervous Team Nationals. Faced with stiff two consecutive matches and bring on court, and now they step on court competition from the top female teams home their own silver tournament believing in themselves and thinking in urban squash, the squad of Sheena plates. All of the nearly 60 they can win. StreetSquashers are Suckoo, Samantha Matos, Gabrielle StreetSquashers who participated gained gaining more and more tournament Robinson, Princess Hardwell, and Brandy valuable tournament experience, and experience and gaining important Robinson prevailed over the competition were excited to meet and spend time exposure in the squash world.  en route to the first GU19 National with their counterparts from the other Championship in StreetSquash history. urban squash programs. Entering Sunday's final as the underdogs against the top-seeded SquashSmarts team, the StreetSquashers dominated, sweeping all five matches to secure the championship.

“After working so hard all year long, we had a lot of confidence coming into the tournament. However, I don’t think anyone expected to win 5-0 in the finals. We came as a team and we won as a team.” said Brandy Robinson of their match.

In addition to the champion girls’ team, three StreetSquash teams were B-draw champions. Those three teams – Girls Under 15, Boys Under 15, and Girls

The Boys Under 15 B-Draw Championship team. Top Row (L to R): Elijah Hardwell, Nicholas Nichson, Jamel Key. Bottom Row: Raheem Logan, Kevin Espino.

13 StreetSquash Senior Class

Daequan Andino – Daequan has Team Nationals in Boston in April admissions rates in her whole been a dedicated and enthusiastic 2006. Katherine earned admission to graduating class! She has decided to member of the StreetSquash team for 3 CUNY schools, and will be attending attend the College of New Rochelle in 6 years. Serving as a captain of Team New York City College of Technology in New Rochelle, New York this fall. 1 for part of his senior year, as well as Brooklyn beginning this fall. Keesha Record – Always visible because of her big smile and big personality, Keesha has been in StreetSquash since the 9th grade. Keesha is proud to have been accepted to the University of Bridgeport, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, which she will attend this fall.

Keddie Valerio – Keddie began his 5-year career with StreetSquash as an 8th grader at the Robert Clemente School. With his unique sense of humor and consistent academic performance, Keddie has been an important member of team. Keddie will be attending Mitchell College in New London, Connecticut beginning this fall. Some of StreetSquash’s 2006 graduates: (L to R) Daequan Andino, Katherine Espino, Keesha Record, and Keddie Valerio. Good luck to our seniors in a Junior Counselor in the StreetSquash all their future endeavors!  Asia Navarette – Asia has brought Summer Discovery and Youth her bright smile and positive attitude to Employment Program, Daequan has StreetSquash since 2000. An served as an excellent role model exceptionally hard worker who put her and leader for the team. Daequan all into the college admissions process, earned admission to 2 universities, Asia earned admission to 7 colleges including his first choice, the University and universities, one of the highest of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut, which he has decided to attend in the fall.

Katherine Espino – Katherine has just completed an impressive 7 years with StreetSquash. A dedicated member since sixth grade, Katherine has distinguished herself from her teammates with her positive attitude and consistent academic achievement. Katherine was also a member of the B- Draw Championship team at the Urban

2006 graduate, Asia Navarette (center), with her mother, Sabrina Grandson (R), and 2005 alum, Latasha Bailey.

14 College Prep Update

After last year’s huge success with range of colleges, so college admissions, StreetSquash that they can has continued to move forward in choose a place the pursuit of a college education for that’s the best fit for all its participants. This year, the them. This year, College Prep Program experienced College Prep huge growth. In addition to our seniors Program participants being matched with College Prep visited Historically mentors who helped them through the Black Colleges and college application process, all ninth Universities, public, and tenth graders also attended weekly liberal arts, and Ivy College Prep sessions, with the goal of Leagues schools. building StreetSquashers’ SAT and Among the College essay writing skills for three years Prep Program’s before they apply to college. special activities this past year were: There’s no doubt that the extra time will pay off. “Over the past few years, - 2 college tours we’ve heard from college admissions through 10th graders on the College Prep trip to Wesleyan University. officers and private college counselors Connecticut, visiting that the writing and SAT practice make Wesleyan University, University of - Spring parents’ workshop: “The a real difference in our kids’ Connecticut, University of Bridgeport, College Process: What to Expect.” applications,” said Leah Brown, Director and Mitchell College. - Personal Statement/College Essay of Academics and College Prep. - A college tour through Philadelphia, Writing Workshop with writer and There are many types of colleges, and including visits to Temple University, teacher, Ron Singer.  the College Prep Program focuses on University of Pennsylvania, and exposing StreetSquashers to a wide Lincoln College.

9th graders work on their writing skills during their College Prep workshops. 10th graders during the College Prep Career Panel.

15 StreetSquash On The Court

Teams 1 and 2 August 26 Metropolitan Open, New York, NY October 7 Chatham Junior Open, Chatham, NJ October 21 Wilmington Junior Open, Wilmington, DE October 21 St. Luke's Open, New Canaan, CT October 28 Heights Casino Round Robin, Brooklyn, NY November 5 Match versus CitySquash B team, November 12 Match versus CitySquash A team, November 18 Purple Cow Open, Williamstown, MA December 1 Match versus Greenwich Academy, Greenwich, CT December 1 Columbia University Round Robin, New York, NY December 2 Chatham Eye Care Open, Chatham, NJ December 2 Westchester Future Stars, Mamaroneck, NY December 9 Heights Casino Round Robin, Brooklyn, NY December 16 US Junior Olympics, New Haven, CT January 5 Match versus Poly Prep, Brooklyn, NY January 7 Match versus Pingry School, NJ Match versus Delbarton School, NJ January 17 Match versus Chapin School, New York, NY Nicholas Nichson and Jamel Key January 20 Westchester Junior Open, Mamaroneck, NY January 27 Match versus Salisbury Academy, Salisbury, CT January 30 Match versus Poly Prep, Brooklyn, NY February 2 Match versus Squashbusters, New Haven, CT

The top 5 boys stretch before their match against SquashBusters.

16 February 10 High School Championships, New Haven, CT February 11 Match versus Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ February 15 Match versus Brearley, New York, NY February 17 Sy Perkins Tournament, Chatham, NJ February 25 – March 3 Tournament of Champions, New York, NY March 17 Match versus Lancaster Country Day School, Lancaster, PA March 24 Metropolitan Junior Open, New York, NY March 31 Urban Team Nationals, Boston, MA April 7 Silver Nationals, Baltimore, MD June 17 Urban Individual Nationals, Groton, MA

Team 3 (L to R) Carlos Soler, Daequan Andino, professional squash player Thierry Lincou, and Raheem Logan at October 8 Chatham Junior Open, Chatham, NJ the Tournament of Champions. October 22 Wilmington Junior Open, Wilmington, DE December 3 Westchester Future Stars, Mamaroneck, NY December 3 Clinic with Jonny Smith at University Club January 17 Match versus Chapin School, New York, NY January 27 Heights Casino Tournament, Brooklyn, NY January 27 Match versus Poly Prep, Brooklyn, NY February 11 Match versus Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ February 25 – Practice at the Harvard Club. March 3 Tournament of Champions, New York, NY March 4 Match versus CitySquash, New York, NY March 24 Metropolitan Junior Open, New York, NY April 7 Silver Nationals Tournament, Baltimore, MD June 3 Match against SquashSmarts at Lawrenceville School, Princeton, NJ June 17 Urban Individual Nationals, Groton, MA

Team 4 January 7 Match versus CitySquash, New York, NY January 27 Match versus Poly Prep, Brooklyn, NY February 12 Tournament at Harvard Club of NYC March 31 Urban Team Nationals, Boston, MA June 17 Urban Individual Nationals, Groton, MA

17 Community Service and Cultural Outings

October 2005 – Talk with Leonard Freeman, of On Sunday October 16th, American Cancer Society, and a StreetSquash took part in its first breast cancer survivor community service project of the – Breast Cancer Walk in Central year as over 60 StreetSquash Park: StreetSquash children raised students, staff, and family over $2,000 members took part in the annual – Crunch Fitness: StreetSquashers Making Strides Against Breast took spinning and strength training Cancer Walk in New York’s Central classes with one of Crunch’s

Park. Luckily for the participants, personal trainers Esmeralda Amador works to fix up an ailing building the rain that had soaked the during the City Year Community Service Day in November 2005 Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. region that week disappeared on - Crunch Fitness: StreetSquashers took - Natural History Museum: Galapagos Sunday and everyone was able to African Dance and Boot Camp classes IMAX movie enjoy a crisp fall morning in the with one of Crunch’s personal trainers Park. Earlier in the month, - Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn: CityYear December 2005 clean up day Leonard Hamilton from the - Nutrition talk with Columbia University American Cancer Society spoke to Strength Coach, Tommy Sheehan April 2006 two StreetSquash teams about - Sakura Park Clean-up: Cleaned up January 2006 the impact of breast cancer and and weeded a local park - Yoga: participated in class at OM the purpose behind the walk. In Yoga studio - East Side, New York: CityYear clean the weeks after Mr. Hamilton’s up day talk, the students raised over - Westside Ecumenical Ministry for the Elderly: Made Valentine’s Day cards May 2006 $2,000 for the American Cancer for residents - AIDSWalk NYC: StreetSquash children Society, the second consecutive to raised over $2,500 year that StreetSquash passed the February 2006 $2,000 milestone. - Hanover, NH: Field trip including - Cleanup in with Riverside bowling, a trip to the circus, and Park Fund matches with Hanover residents at Dartmouth College - Reebok Human Rights Award Young Activists Ceremony March 2006 - Yorkville Common Pantry: Distributed food to the homeless

- Lancaster, PA: Field trip included squash match against Lancaster Country Day School, tours of pretzel and chocolate factories, and visit to a farm

- Philadelphia, PA: Field trip included squash match against SquashSmarts, visit

The 7th graders visited the Terhune to the Franklin Institute, Orchards in Princeton, New Jersey during bowling, and trip to the their team trip to Philadelphia in March. Terhune Orchards The whole StreetSquash team at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Central Park. 18 Urban Squash Goes National

Urban Squash is clearly riding a wave. Association funding and technical from the start-up city to find a Now the questions are ‘how to keep support, USSRA endorsement, and passionate, skilled Executive Director riding it well?’ and ‘how to encourage the invitation to compete in the to run the new program. The and inspire others to hop on board?’ Association’s two national events, program and the Executive Director Last July the Executive Directors of the Urban Team and Urban Individual will receive ongoing guidance and the four most established programs, Championships. resources from the Association every George Polsky (StreetSquash), Greg Beginning this fall, the Association will step of the way. Zaff (SquashBusters), Tim Wyant expand its focus to author a best The Association would like to (CitySquash), and Steve Gregg practices white paper, convene welcome its newest member, (SquashSmarts), met in New York City learning forums for program staff and MetroSquash, which is doing great and decided it was time to more board members on topics such as work with children on the south side formally unify the programs under evaluation, student selection, of Chicago. Congratulations go to some type of umbrella association fundraising, academic curricula, Dave Kaye, MetroSquash’s Executive for the purposes of program learning, college counseling, and board Director, who recruited students this improvement, and growth. Several recruitment. Additionally, the past fall, and is completing a very meetings followed and new Association will identify new cities successful first year of programming. members, Board Chair Bill Simon Jr., suitable to receive financial and It was tremendous having the and Kevin Klipstein, USSRA CEO, technical support based on the MetroSquashers participate at the joined the team, effectively launching requirements outlined in the Urban Individual Nationals at the the National Urban Squash and application process such as the Groton School in June. Education Association. Working requisite number of squash courts, closely with the USSRA, the Stay tuned for more updates on available classroom space, and a the National Urban Squash and Association’s mission is “to support demonstrated community and and ensure excellence among existing Education Association. Great things financial backing. After selection, the are to come!  programs and promote and initiate Association will work with people the growth of similar programs in new cities.” The Association’s first initiative has been to create a member organization whereby programs, new and old, must satisfy 16 explicit criteria to join. The criteria, taken together, represent the Association’s definition of an excellent urban squash/education youth program. They are born out of the almost 30 years of combined knowledge and learning of StreetSquash, SquashBusters, CitySquash, and SquashSmarts. Programs are granted membership after they satisfy the criteria through a written proposal and by passing a two-day site visit. Provisional membership includes an initial $10,000 grant, paid for by the USSRA with funds raised during the Centennial Ball, pending approval by the new Association. Full membership carries the benefit of

StreetSquash Team 1, 2005-2006

19

StreetSquash is a 501(c)3 organization. 501(c)3 a is StreetSquash MISSION

education, and move on to become active, productive and involved citizens. involved and productive active, become to on move and education,

StreetSquash children graduate from high school, enter into post-secondary post-secondary into enter school, high from graduate children StreetSquash

of hard work and commitment; to boost self-confidence; to ensure that all that ensure to self-confidence; boost to commitment; and work hard of

program’s goals are: to improve academic performance; to develop an ethic an develop to performance; academic improve to are: goals program’s

with 140 boys and girls, ages 7 – 18 from Harlem, for a six-year period, the the period, six-year a for Harlem, from 18 – 7 ages girls, and boys 140 with

college prep, literacy, community service, and one-on-one mentoring. Working mentoring. one-on-one and service, community literacy, prep, college

enrichment program that combines academic tutoring, squash instruction, squash tutoring, academic combines that program enrichment Founded in September 1999, StreetSquash is an after-school youth after-school an is StreetSquash 1999, September in Founded

An Urban Youth Enrichment Program

420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 246 New York, New York 10170 Phone/Fax: 212.949.4030 Web: www.streetsquash.org