November 21, 2017

Dr. Beth Reaves – Head of School, Washington School for Girls (WSG)

Washington School for Girls is a co-sponsored ministry of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.

In September, Washington School for Girls celebrated 20 Years of Courage at their 20th Anniversary Celebration. Yolanda Long, WSG Class of 2004, gave a speech about “Turning impossible to I’m possible.”

“I have learned that there are three things to remember along the way when turning your impossible to I’m possible. Dream Big, Run Your Own Race and Don’t Quit. If I could add anything else, I would say that you need a strong foundation with lots of support. For me, that began at the Washington School for Girls.

It was my home away from home. Every day, I looked forward to hearing Sr. Mary or Ms. Jennifer say, “Good Morning, girls. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” They offered words of wisdom and shared stories about courageous women like Mary McLeod Bethune, Cornelia Connelly, and Claudine Thevenet. It was at WSG that I learned the power of prayer and began my relationship with God. In leading the morning prayer and participating in WSG’s annual black history oratorical contest, I developed my public speaking skills.”

Yolanda continued her speech by sharing stories about her experiences at WSG, and listing the many opportunities that she has been given, thanks to WSG.

“Today I stand before you as the first person in my immediate family to not only graduate from high school, but to also graduate from a four-year university. I hold a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, I’m certified to teach in DC, and I’m currently pursuing a degree in law. When I started school at WSG, those things seemed impossible. But with the right foundation and support, I’m possible.”