But when she thinks about her parents, their sacrifice and love, their commitment to seeing her become the first person in the family to graduate high school, she can’t hold back her tears. “They’re just very proud of me,” the 15-year-old says before her voice cracks with emotion. She has to pause to wipe away
tears before continuing. “We’ve been through so many things.” A major force that’s helped Edmi surmount her obstacles is the Emily Krzyzewski Center, the tutoring-and-mentoring organization opened by Mike Krzyzewski in 2006 that’s dedicated to helping disadvantaged young people set academic and career goals – then achieve them. “[The center] means a lot to me,” Edmi says. “I know it means a lot to my parents.”
Powerful stories like Edmi’s actually are the norm at the center, named for Coach K’s late mother. Teachers and college students serve as tutors and counselors, not only helping students with academics, but also stressing the importance of character and leadership skills. The center offers year-round Pioneer Scholars and Scholars to College programs, which include a five-week academic summer bridge program.
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