Celia's College and Career Center
Celia's College and Career Center
How We Got Here
When the Saxon Success Fund initially formed in 2019, two main goals were determined as initial priorities: providing scholarships for South Salem High School seniors and creating an enhanced College and Career Center on the first floor by the Library. The global pandemic brought challenges for SSF hosting fundraising events, but we still were able to award scholarships in 2020 and 2021, totaling 17 - $1000 awards. As of the Spring of 2023, SSF has proudly awarded 40 - $1000 scholarships.
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Naming the Center
On Tuesday, December 21, 2021, the Saxon Success Fund held a naming ceremony for the College and Career Center upgrade that is set to be completed during the summer of 2022. Celia Hyman Baculi was honored as the name "Celia's College and Career Center" was unveiled.
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Celia has worked tirelessly for years to make a positive impact in the lives of students in the Salem area. As a bilingual volunteer, she spent countless hours reading and sharing her love of books with both English and Spanish speaking children at Richmond Elementary. She provided books to school libraries, greatly increasing the selection of books in Spanish.
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At South, Celia was a regular fixture in the Aspire Center, the precursor to the current College and career Center. As a volunteer, she guided many first generation high school grads and college attendees through the college application process. Many thought she was employed by South because of the many hours she provided to students and families.
In addition, Celia would hear of students who were at risk of dropping out and she would work to find them and bring them back to school. More than one student has a high school diploma thanks to these efforts.
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Funding the Center
An anonymous gift of $75,000 and a challenge by
the donor to the Saxon Success Fund Board to
match that amount led to the college and career
center upgrade. Donations added up and the
match was accomplished at our 2022 Spring Gala.
Because of supply chain delays and cost increases for
construction materials, it became apparent that work
on Celia's Center couldn't happen until the Summer
of 2023. Thanks to additional fundraising and the
generosity of donors, the center was completed and
opened as the 2023 school year began.
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The Design
John Shirley of Anderson Shirley Architects donated architectural services and designed the new center to occupy the south end of the current library. Celia's Center is an open, light-filled area with a conference room and smaller offices to allow for both larger college or business visits as well as space for one-on-one interviews. College and Career Center staff occupy the office space so that South students can easily receive assistance with their questions.
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The Ribbon Cutting and Opening
The Saxon Success Fund kicked-off the opening of Celia's College
and Career Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony on
September 13, 2023. Celia Baculi was honored and cut the ribbon
at the event and surrounded by family, friends and the South
community. South Salem students are now using the resources
available in Celia's Center and planning for their future careers
and educational opportunities.
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