Every June, Closing Day marks more than just the end of a school semester. It’s a celebration of growth, connection, and shared experience, where mentees and mentors reflect on their journeys, set their sights on the future, and honor the community that has shaped them.
This year, we hosted two unforgettable Closing Day events in New York City, welcoming over 270 youth, mentors, and volunteers across all programs.
Brooklyn Bridge Park: Brooklyn Middle School Celebration
Despite rain, the spirit at Brooklyn Bridge Park was anything but dull. Middle school mentees from Brooklyn gathered with mentors, corporate volunteers, and staff for a full day of connection and joy. Basketball, pickleball, arts and crafts, and creative stations kept the energy high.
Youth and mentors spent time simply being present with one another, laughing, playing, and celebrating the small and big wins of the semester. The enthusiasm of our youth, the generosity of our volunteers, and the dedication of our team powered the day’s success.
Riverdale Country School: Manhattan Middle & High School Celebration
In Riverdale, Manhattan’s middle and high school students kicked off their Closing Day with a team quest challenge — think tug-of-war, dance battles, human towers, and more. The day mixed friendly competition with deep reflection.
Our graduating 8th graders marked their transition with mentor-mentee exchanges of friendship bracelets and butterfly pins, symbols of transformation and growth. For high school seniors, 22 heartfelt speeches honored their Apex journeys, packed with advice, gratitude, and emotion (yes, there were tears!).
Here are two things Aaron wishes he had known earlier.
“Number one: It’s okay to ask for help. Whether you’re stuck on a math problem, feeling overwhelmed, or just need someone to listen, your mentor is there for you. Number two: We all mess up sometimes. We say the wrong thing or make mistakes, but that’s how we grow. Just don’t let one mistake make you forget who you are.”
And, of course, the annual Pie in the Face tradition made its messy, hilarious return, followed by sports, t-shirt decorating, and more opportunities to create lasting memories.
College Access Program (CAP) Graduation: Celebrating Growth and New Beginnings
During the celebration, 12th graders were recognized for their college-bound milestones, reflecting on their years with Apex, expressing gratitude to those who supported them, and making plans with their guides for the next chapter ahead. Meanwhile, 11th graders honored the graduating seniors, took time to reflect on their own CAP journeys, and looked ahead with their guides to the year to come.
A special part of the day included a gratitude activity, where students left personalized stickers for peers, mentors, and staff they wanted to thank.
To wrap it up, each student folded their gratitude notes into a paper keepsake, which doubled as a scavenger hunt map for a final group reflection walk. As students explored different stations in small groups, they discussed prompts that encouraged them to think deeply about their growth, goals, and the relationships that shaped their CAP experience.
The CAP Graduation is a moment to pause, appreciate, and carry forward the lessons learned into college and beyond.
Why Closing Day Matters
Closing Day isn’t just an event; it’s a milestone. It honors the relationships built between mentors and mentees, celebrates the progress made during the semester, and reinforces the values of confidence, community, and self-belief. It’s a reminder that growth happens in every conversation, challenge, and shared moment.
Here’s to growing together and to what comes next. If you’re interested in volunteering, apply here!
