The day was May 24th, 2012. The place was everywhere. The occasion was the historic passing of the torch by two Le Flambeau Foundation scholars on the exact same day. One completed her educational journey (at least for now) and one launched her four-year college trek. This was an unplanned symbolic and exceptionally powerful day, of passing the torch forward.
On May 24th Rachelle Mathurin graduated from Harvard University with her master’s degree in international education; closing an important chapter in her educational achievements. Le Flambeau Foundation president Jean St.Lot-Gervais attended the ceremony and was proud to witness Rachelle take those exceptional steps forward, a long distance from that day almost six years ago when he welcomed her from Haiti and took her to her very first day of college at Berea, as one of the first Le Flambeau Foundation scholars. Rachelle devoted her time to working with Haitian youth in Haiti and in the U.S. throughout her college years and is preparing to take on a leadership role in re-setting the education bar for Haiti. (see more pictures)
On May 24th another door opened as Ruchama Charles launched her four-year college journey to earning her Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in accounting. Le Flambeau Foundation vice president Sheri Colas-Gervais welcomed Ruchama from Haiti then took her to her new college home; her first steps on campus were very proud moments. Ruchama had been with Le Flambeau Foundation for the past four years; shining brightly as a top performer and alumni member of both THE SPARK of Le Flambeau program and the foundation’s Rebuild Haiti transitional college initiative. Ruchama devoted much of her time to giving back to youth in Haiti via educational mentoring in English, music and college preparation. Ruchama has now entered the next stage of her climb upward. (see more pictures)
The day was May 24th, 2012. The place was everywhere. The occasion was the historic passing of the torch by two Le Flambeau Foundation scholars on the exact same day. Rachelle paved a new path and in a sense passed forward a torch that touched Ruchama who in turn is doing the same for those around her. May 24th was the culmination of much passion, personal sacrifice, benevolent leadership, resilience, faith, and selflessness; and a new beginning of extraordinary achievements. That which was given to us by the founding spirits of Senateur Emile Saint-Lot and Dr. Luc L. Colas; is now headed to the next generation. May 24th was a passing forward of the torch and the acceleration of a movement – it was unplanned but not a coincidence – it was a symbolic and exceptionally powerful day for Le Flambeau Foundation , for our youth, and for Haiti.
Thank you to all who made this possible. Congratulations!
Le Flambeau Foundation Inc.