Shepherds

Our Shepherd mentors and mentees recently spent the day visiting Sacred Heart University and Fairfield University, getting a firsthand look at college life, academic opportunities, and what their futures can hold.

From walking the campuses and connecting with admissions staff to imagining themselves as future college students, these visits help turn aspirations into achievable goals. Experiences like these are another way Shepherds empowers students to see what's possible and reminds them they don't have to navigate the journey alone.

Thank you to Sacred Heart University and Fairfield University for welcoming our students and mentors!

A special thank you to our dedicated mentors who shared this experience alongside their mentees:

Kevin Coles with Karim H.
Jeff O'Connell with Joe C.
Karen Waldvogel with Evelyn M.
Maria P.
Kaitlyn Z.

Kolbe Cathedral High School Fairfield Prep Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall

Everyone loves the hero's journey. But no hero gets there alone.

As The Odyssey opens in theaters today, audiences will watch the epic story of Odysseus—a journey filled with obstacles, uncertainty, resilience, and growth.

What many people don't realize is that The Odyssey is also one of history's great stories about mentoring.

Throughout his journey, Odysseus is guided by trusted advisors who challenge him, encourage him, and help him become the person he is meant to be. And while Odysseus is away, his son Telemachus grows into adulthood through the wisdom and support of mentors who help him discover his own strength.

At Shepherds, we see that same story unfold every day.

A caring mentor can't remove every obstacle, but they can help a young person navigate them with confidence, hope, and purpose. Sometimes the greatest adventure isn't crossing an ocean—it's helping a student discover they are capable of more than they ever imagined.

Every student deserves someone who believes in them.

Every journey is better with a mentor.
https://bit.ly/3RCG4al www.shepherdsmentors.org Kolbe Cathedral High School Fairfield Prep Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall

What the Odyssey Gets Right About Mentoring – The Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring By Jean Rhodes Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey opens this week in theaters, and audiences will watch Zendaya play Athena, the shape-shifting goddess who guides young Telemachus while his father, Odysseus,...

BECOME A SHEPHERDS MENTOR! Learn more: www.shepherdsmentors.org Kolbe Cathedral High School Fairfield Prep Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall

We are incredibly grateful to Ives Bank for their generous support of Shepherds through a grant that will sponsor a student at Kolbe Cathedral High School.

Pictured here, Tim Magee, Executive Director of Shepherds, accepts the grant from Chad Stewart, First Vice President and Commercial Team Leader at Ives Bank.

This investment is about so much more than tuition—it provides a young person with access to four years of life-changing mentorship, educational opportunities, college preparation, and the support they need to build a successful future.

We are incredibly thankful to Chad Stewart and the entire team at Ives Bank for believing in our mission and helping make a lasting impact in the lives of the students we serve. Kolbe Cathedral High School Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall Fairfield Prep

Congratulations Shepherds/Notre Dame High School, West Haven, CT Class of 2026 Steven and Alberto Torres!! Kolbe Cathedral High School Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall Fairfield Prep People

A heartfelt thank you to People Magazine for sharing the incredible story of Steven and Alberto Torres. We are so proud to see these exceptional young men and the values they embody recognized on a national stage. Congratulations again to our valedictorian and salutatorian—we can't wait to see all that lies ahead! 💚💛

Read more: https://people.com/twin-brothers-graduate-high-school-valedictorian-salutatorian-exclusive-11995422

So proud of our incoming 9th grade mentees at Notre Dame High School for getting a head start in the Summer Prep Program. What a great opportunity to get connected to both the Shepherds and Notre Dame communities while gaining confidence in their math and English skills (and complete their summer reading!) Kolbe Cathedral High School Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall Fairfield Prep

We're honored to be featured in the 2025 Annual Report of the Westport Weston Family YMCA and the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund.

Thank you to both organizations for recognizing Shepherds and the impact of our mentoring, tuition assistance, and college access programs. Partnerships like these help create life-changing opportunities for young people across our community.

We're grateful for your support and proud to stand alongside so many organizations working to strengthen the lives of youth, families and communities. https://bit.ly/4xundyr Westport Weston Family YMCA Kolbe Cathedral High School Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall Fairfield Prep

What a great way to kickoff summer!😎 Shepherds Freshman mentor Mary O'Brien and Shepherds Sophomore mentor Liz Schroeder Ward took their mentee’s Claire Z. and Kaitlyn Z. out for dinner to Romanacci’s in Trumbull last night to celebrate the end of the year and the end of finals! Kolbe Cathedral High School Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall Fairfield Prep

Tay'vian Laing, Harvard University Class of 2026 (Shepherds /Kolbe Cathedral High School '22) says it all. https://bit.ly/4x34r0L

Dear Harvard, From the moment I first got accepted all the way to graduation, you have given me countless opportunities and memories that I will always be grateful for. I thank God for all that He has done for me, whether it be access to the greatest education in the world or blessing me with SOOO many wonderful individuals who have truly shaped my life. Being the first person from my high school to be accepted into Harvard was always a victory I accepted not only for me, but for all of those who come from my city. Bridgeport will always be better than what they think about us and I am proud to be living proof of that 🤞🏾. that’s all folks, Harvard Dollaz out.

“You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give," says Fairfield Prep alumnus and longtime Shepherds supporter John Santa ’60.

John was one of the first to join the Shepherds Mentors program, a connection that has continued to bring him back to the Prep community in meaningful ways. Today, John is proudly sponsoring Shepherds/Fairfield Prep Class of 2029 mentee Jaycob Estrada (mentor: Chris Duffy), continuing his commitment to supporting the next generation of Prep students through mentorship and opportunity.

Read more about his journey: https://bit.ly/43rAaeq Kolbe Cathedral High School Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall Fairfield Prep

Alumni Spotlight: John Santa ’60 – A Lifelong Connection to Fairfield Prep John Santa ’60 credits Fairfield Prep with shaping his lifelong commitment to faith, service, and connection. From his early days as a waitlisted applicant to becoming a dedicated alumnus and mentor, John embodies the enduring impact of a Jesuit education. Actively involved with Shepherds Mentors,...