Wilton First Selectman Toni Boucher Receives Person Of Courage Award.

Wilton First Selectman Toni Boucher was presented with Brave Enough To Fail’s Person of Courage award at the student-focused nonprofits annual gala held Thursday March 7th at the Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich.

Over one hundred supporters turned out for the fundraising event which featured students from across the state who are either alumni, current students, or facilitators of Brave Enough To Fail’s BOSS Academy program. Former Congressman Christopher Shays of Connecticut’s 4th district was on hand as was Norwalk School Superintendent Dr. Alexandra Estrella, who called the BOSS Academy program, “Very impressive”.

The program is a twelve session course that equips students with the tools to be the boss of their dreams. The skills taught include goal setting, effective communication, time management, and much more. Graduating students also qualify for scholarships to college or trade school.
BOSS Academy launched in fall of 2020 as an in-school elective, afterschool program, and summer program. It served small groups of up to 15 students per class. In 2023, thanks to a sponsorship from Norwalk Kiwanis, the program was expanded to be able to serve the entire student body of P-Tech Norwalk High School over an entire year.

Attendee Olivier Kpognon, Vice President of 100 Black Men of Stamford commented that, “This is not only a fantastic event but we need to support this program.”
P-Tech Principal Dr. Victor Black spoke about the program’s impact, saying, “It’s going extremely well. The bosses are mentors for the freshmen and now we want to expand the program into a systemic process in our school to where the climate becomes just awesome because we are one and we are just good people, that do great things academically.”

Anthony Deason senior at P-Tech and BOSS Academy mentor said, “BOSS Academy has taught me how to be not only a better friend, but a better leader, and a better brother.”

Soraya Rogers, senior at P-tech and BOSS Academy Mentor called the experience, “Eye-opening and the academy is helping to instill bravery and togetherness in the P-Tech community.”

The event’s keynote address was delivered by former professional athlete, entrepreneur, and motivational coach Aaron Hairston.
Aaron Hairston

A recent report by Dalio Education found that one in five young people in Connecticut is dealing with challenges like disconnection from education and employment, being at-risk of not graduating high school, and incarceration. But that was certainly not the case at this event where student leaders and mentors were showcased and the impact of the BOSS Academy program was on full display.
Brave Enough To Fail is increasing student engagement and achievement. Since 2015 BETF has reached over 35,000 students and awarded over $100,000 in scholarships.
Past scholarship winners are currently working as, Software Development Engineer at Amazon, Investment Banking Analyst at Barclays Bank and as Production Assistant at Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Founder and CEO Wayne Winsley shared the organization’s vision for expanding Brave Enough To Fail’s impact to schools throughout the state and beyond.
Other notable attendees included Meg Soffen, Program Officer at New Canaan Community Foundation. Craig Flaherty, President of Redniss & Mead, and Robert Cook, CEO of True Colors Intl.

The event’s major sponsors included Redniss & Mead, Rizzo Corporation, Pro Property Management, Mittler Mercaldo & Braun, Northmarq, Kiwanis Club of Norwalk, Kiwanis Club of Greater Danbury.