On the night of Feb. 17, I was having a Zoom meeting with one of my high school seniors. We were reviewing a financial aid package from one of his top choices and going over his scholarship list, his future so promising.

At about the same time, a classmate of his, Ronde Ford, 17, was shot and killed. A senior at New London High School, he wasn't in Higher Edge, and I didn't know him. But it feels like I do. Over the past four years, I have been an advisor at Higher Edge, a nonprofit organization based in New London and Willimantic. Our mission is to guide limited-income, first-generation students to and through college.

During this time, I have worked with 154 high school seniors, about 95% of them have been New London residents. I have witnessed firsthand many success stories, moments of triumph in the face of adversity, and looks of sheer joy upon receiving a college acceptance. To be trusted to guide and support these students during one part of their life journey is an honor, one that I highly regard.

It also reminds me of the importance of Higher Edge’s work. It's about so much more than college. It's about character, confidence, self-esteem and dreams — big dreams that are possible to achieve.

So as the New London community “calls for solutions in the wake of the murder of a New London teen” (The Day, Feb.23), Higher Edge is an available resource. Each spring, we accept 40 area high school juniors into the New London program, students with aspirations of attending and graduating college, though not all are ranked at the top of their class or fit a particular mold. Each student’s dream is one of value and should be considered.

For when we, as a community, not only support their dreams, but understand and eliminate barriers to achieve them; we will build a better future for all.

Katie Hallisey is the college access program manager for Higher Edge, New London. For more information visit www.higheredge.org or send an email to go@higheredge.org.