Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/246730
Background: High Jump students. Vince Cozzi '83 first heard about High Jump when he read a 1991 article in the Latin School Bulletin that chronicled the first class of graduates from the program. "I read the article and called then High Jump Director Joanne Jones and asked her what I could do to help," Cozzi remembered. "I told her I'd do anything but ask people for money. I wanted to work more directly with the students." He recalled vividly his own experience entering Latin in fifth grade and the challenging transition from a Chicago public school into the demanding Latin School environment. "I had a real interest in working with kids in that middle school age group," Cozzi said. "I wanted to help them come to Latin, and schools like Latin, and be prepared. More than that: to thrive." Cozzi recruited a few of his friends – from Latin as well as from college and business school – and introduced a new class to High Jump. The class, called Issues and Ideas, is still part of the High Jump curriculum. "I knew from my time at Latin that being smart isn't enough," said Cozzi. "You have to be able to think critically, be engaged in classroom discussions, and work effectively in small groups." Today, Cozzi chairs Latin's Board of Trustees and has two children attending the school. He also is a founding member and past chairman of the High Jump board of directors. "Now, most of my time is spent fundraising," Cozzi said, laughing. "It's ironic, I know." From volunteer hours to in-kind support like innovative classrooms and labs, Latin School has been an invaluable partner to High Jump, according to Lee Hart, High Jump executive director since 2011. "Latin's support is critical to our ability to execute our mission," Hart said. In turn, High Jump graduates have helped to make Latin the school that it is today – thanks to their many talents, their hard work and a commitment to improving the world around them. n Latin alum and parent, Charlie Gofen '83 teaches economics to High Jump students. Below, science class in 2012. LATI N SCHOOL OF CHI CA GO 117