A Partnership with Purpose

Last month, Dana Hall School was honored as the 2024 Oliver Scholars Partner School of the Year. The organization, which prepares high-achieving Black and Latinx students from underserved New York City communities for success at top independent schools, annually selects one high school and one middle school as outstanding partners in helping them advance their mission. Since 2016, Dana Hall has had 10 Oliver Scholars attend the School.

Dania Sofia Flores Lopez ’22, an Oliver Scholars alumna who also served as a counselor in their summer programming, accepted the award at the recognition ceremony. “During my time at Dana Hall, I found a close-knit community where I built lasting friendships and created memories that I continue to cherish,” Flores Lopez said. “I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support that has been extended not only to my sister and me, but to countless other scholars as well. I was honored to accept this award on behalf of Dana Hall; their hard work in making this a safe space for scholars does not go unnoticed.”

Marielena Fernandez, the Oliver Scholars counselor assigned to Dana Hall, said, “Dana Hall’s dedication to welcoming and fostering the growth of Oliver’s students, year after year, fills us with profound gratitude. We want to thank your entire team for their unwavering encouragement and kindness. We are excited about strengthening our partnership in the coming years and look forward to advancing our shared educational excellence and equity goals.”